Does Netflix Have an Identity Crisis?

Growing up with cable television felt like having a buffet of entertainment at your disposal. Whether the craving was for the latest reality series, an obscure indie film, or a forgotten box-office flop, cable offered it all. In this ecosystem, variety reigned supreme, allowing viewers to find something that suited their preferences, all bundled into one convenient package of channels.

Today, the media landscape has undergone a seismic shift. Streaming platforms, led by Netflix, revolutionized how we consume content. Netflix, which started as a DVD rental service, became synonymous with fresh, high-quality original programming. Its early focus on original series and films introduced a new era of innovative storytelling, breaking away from the well-worn paths of traditional television.

But as the streaming wars heat up, Netflix appears to be undergoing a transformation of its own. Once a disruptor intent on reimagining television, the platform is increasingly embracing the formula it once sought to upend. By acquiring popular shows and securing streaming rights for an ever-wider range of content—most recently with the addition of WWE Monday Night Raw—Netflix seems to be mirroring the all-encompassing nature of cable. Furthermore, the recent announcement of Scott Stuber’s departure, a key figure behind Netflix’s three-year streak as the most-nominated studio at the Academy Awards, signals a possible pivot. The company may be moving away from its focus on producing original films to concentrate more on acquiring proven franchises.

This shift represents a curious return to form in the world of streaming. Netflix’s vast content library is beginning to resemble the cable packages of old, where diverse programming options were the hallmark of the viewing experience. As Netflix continues to expand its offerings, the evolution prompts a broader question: Is the future of streaming heading toward a full circle, back to where we were with cable a decade ago?