Netflix Daily News Could Ruin It

Netflix is a sanctuary. But for how long?In Sahil Patel's Digiday Video Briefing this week, Sahil contends "don’t count Netflix out in an area it has largely ignored so far: news."I like where Sahil's head is at, and he points to several indicators Netflix is pursuing more daily/weekly current affairs programming. For example, Netflix bought an explainer news show from Vox Entertainment (weekly, 50 episodes), and commissioned 32 episodes of a new weekly politics and comedy show from “The Daily Show” correspondent Hasan Minhaj.However, the news focus isn't sitting well with me. News? Really. This could be dangerous for Netflix long-term. The video streaming pioneer differentiates itself so well from traditional networks in that is offers an escape from the often far too negative 24/7 news cycle.I decided to test my gut on someone I share a brain (and DNA) with, my brother Kiel Servideo, a writer/novelist who among other roles in Hollywood, most recently served as the Assistant to Shawn Levy at 21 Laps Entertainment. (Fun fact: following the success of Stranger Things, which Levy produced, he signed what sources say is a four-year, seven-figure pact with Netflix. He's legit. Keep an eye on anything he touches.)I surely am biased, but Kiel is a true tastemaker and someone's opinion I rely on to inform my position on films, TV shows, streaming platform moves and the like. So, I dropped Kiel a quick line on the news and here's what I got, and I think you'll dig it:

I agree that it's a logical step, but from my standpoint as a regular Netflix consumer I hesitate to consider it the right move. The success of weekly "news" programs like Full Frontal and Last Week Tonight shows there is a thirst for informative but entertaining programs that allow consumers to digest the current political climate with a heavy dose of laughter. Something from Hasan Minhaj would be similar, I imagine. I'm interested in seeing what other news will be added to the platform. It would be a mistake, in my opinion, for Netflix to attempt to deliver news in a daily, serious fashion; not that such a dose of information isn't important to the republic, but Netflix is a particularly special place at the moment where its audience can hide from a troubling reality. Whether you're a news junkie or block out the bulk of garbage emanating from the White House, the Netflix platform is a brief escape from everything; watch another episode of that show you've been binging or seek out a movie you missed while it was in theaters, but don't worry about reminders about the state of things ruining your evening. -Kiel Servideo

Thanks for the food for thought, Kiel. I look forward to future industry musing from you.And Netflix, please don't mess with our sanctuary.