It is no secret that many movies and shows cycle their way through Netflix every now and then. However, this year’s cut list consists of Netflix Original pieces. Shows like “Voltron: Legendary Defender” and more are leaving due to contract expirations with other contributors such as Dreamworks. But some fans are questioning what brought on the contract expirations, as most of the shows set to leave were overall successful hits with kids and teens, as well as trademarked by Netflix.
“I’m honestly in disbelief and a little disappointed because most of my favorite series are Netflix originals, so I’m really sad to see them go,” said junior Paisley Koch.
It seems questionable that something marketed as an original piece is being taken down from its streaming service, as the name sort of implies that it is meant to stay there. On top of that, these are very sudden changes to shows and movies that are successful. With movies and shows that are not under the Netflix Original blanket, they simply reached the end of their contract on Netflix. But this applies differently to the original series.
“I don’t really know why they’d decide to remove their original shows. I feel like a lot of them performed really well,” said Koch.
Another factor to look at is their performance rates. If “Spirit Riding Free” or “Voltron: Legendary Defender” were not successful, they would go quietly. But these shows, among others, were very successful and well liked, as both were on Netflix’s Top 10 ratings multiple times since their releases.
It seems as if there is some sort of money-making play at work here. If you have to subscribe to Netflix to watch your shows, but have to outsource and pay more money for their original series that are being released on other services, you would just be giving them more money for something that they own. If the show is an original produced by Netflix, they own the rights to the piece. Their shows should have a place on their streaming service, especially if it is their own work.
The removal of these shows, along with others, is disappointing. While they can be watched on other streaming platforms, most you have to buy or rent, rather than watch for free on a subscription plan. Overall, it is a lose-lose scenario since you still have to spend money. It is truly disappointing to see that not even the original, successful series that Netflix has produced are safe from the show running cycle, even if they are trademarked and owned by the company of release.
