Netflix’s Sudden Shift

In a shocking turn of events, Netflix seems to have had a quick change of heart! Just a day after promising to stick to Warner Bros. theatrical strategy, their co-CEO Ted Sarandos flipped the script faster than you can say ‘streaming service.’ On a call with investors on December 5, 2025, Sarandos voiced some thoughts that made a lot of movie lovers scratch their heads. He grumbled about long exclusive windows, claiming they aren’t very ‘consumer friendly.’ Wow, Ted, you really know how to make a theater lover feel special!

Theater Talk That Doesn’t Add Up

Sarandos has a knack for making it sound like theaters are just a fancy club for the elite, something Netflix miraculously has the power to dismantle. Listening to him talk about the movie-going experience feels a tad reminiscent of Lucille Bluth complaining about banana prices. Remember how Lucille thought a banana could cost $10? Yeah, Sarandos’ understanding of the average moviegoer isn’t looking too sharp either.

Populist or Punchline?

Reflecting earlier this year during the TIME100 Summit, Sarandos described ‘the communal experience’ of theaters as an outdated concept, claiming that only a selective few enjoy it. If you’re lucky enough to live in Manhattan, congrats! You can stroll to a multiplex and indulge in a cinematic masterpiece. But Sarandos doesn’t seem to consider everyone else who loves hitting the local theater. Personally, I’ve lived my whole life in Michigan and North Carolina, and quite frankly, I adore going to movie theaters! Sarandos seems a little disconnected from reality.

Theater Attendance is Alive and Kicking!

This past summer in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a fan screening of Superman just for Amazon Prime users sold out faster than you can blink! Meanwhile, a subtitled screening of Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution in Greensboro, North Carolina, was halfway sold out, even with the entire event available for streaming on Crunchyroll! Looks like moviegoers are alive and kicking all over the country, not just in the bustling city life Sarandos keeps referencing.

Box Office Boom!

Take a look at the box office success of flicks like Zootopia 2, Wicked: For Good, and Sinners. They’re not just easy examples; they prove that people are hitting the theaters. Contrary to Sarandos’ musings, movie theater attendance isn’t restricted to big cities. You’ve got families everywhere enjoying the cinematic experience, even in ‘fly-over country’ that executives often disregard.

Ticket Prices Got Us Talking

Let’s talk dough. Sure, even in less urban areas, tickets run between $10 to $15. Toss in some popcorn and sodas, and a family night out can skyrocket to nearly $100! But hey, at least we’re not actually paying for tickets to see a terrible local sports team or mini-golf, right? And let’s not even get started on the survival tactic of sneaking in snacks from the grocery store. Just be nice to the staff, and perhaps clean up after yourself. It’s a win-win!

Netflix’s Pricing Predicament

Now onto Netflix, a service that keeps its subscribers on their toes with pricing. The ad-supported version kicks off at $7.99, but if you want the standard plan? That’s a whopping $17.99 a month, and if you’re a streaming fanatic looking for 4K, brace yourself for $24.99! Oh, and adding users costs extra. Just when you think Netflix is trying to cater to its audience, the price says otherwise. Talk about a business model that takes and takes!

Where’s the Consumer-Friendly Approach?

When Sarandos talks about evolving to be ‘more consumer friendly,’ folks are left wondering how Netflix plans to do that. Is he aware that many of us are tired of paying through the nose for less value? The subscription raises are a real mood killer! We all want to enjoy the movies, Ted, but not at the expense of our wallets.

Could Netflix Be Serious This Time?

Interestingly, Sarandos made waves again during an investor call on December 8. He acknowledged that purchasing Warner Bros. puts Netflix in the theater business. Cue the fanfare! He stated that with this deal, they’ll do things differently. Maybe he’s leaning towards the theater route after all? Fingers crossed he’s sincere about preserving Warner Bros.’ theatrical model. Because for once, Netflix might just meet audiences where they actually are: in theaters all over the country, ready for some movie magic!