netflix

Is Netflix Thinking of Getting Rid Of The Basic Plan?

14 Comments | Netflix, Streaming | By | | 2 minutes of reading

This reporter, like most people on this Earth, doesn’t subscribe to all the streaming services at one time. That would be foolhardy; a human only has so many hours in the day to devote to entertainment, and buying more than you can actually watch makes no sense. So with most of these services I buy access for a few months, watch everything that interests me, and then when I find my interest trailing off I cancel it.

The exception is when the service itself is cheap enough per month that I don’t have to bother. Netflix’s $9.99 basic tier has been this for me for nearly a decade, as I first bought access in 2014 (when it was $6.99) and have let it go this entire time. There are some draconian aspects to it (only one device can view it at a time, and until a couple years ago the resolution was 480p — no fooling), but it does the job I need it to.

But lately Netflix has started feeling punky enough to make decisions that their consumer base won’t like — such as cracking down on password sharing, a practice that I can’t imagine cuts THAT much into their bottom line. They tested this “feature” out in a few foreign countries and saw mass cancellations, but pushed ahead anyway. If someone decides to cross a line and doesn’t get punished for it, they will continue to cross more lines until they find the moment punishment happens.

So it has come out that Netflix is killing the Basic tier in Canada, to force everyone there into paying $5 more for access OR surrender to the Jake From State Farm Tier where Jake From State Farm tortures you every few minutes with his smarmy grin as punishment for not giving Netflix more of your money. They will very probably push this scheme out globally at some point if the loss of revenue isn’t too great.

If that happens, I’ll probably finally cancel the Netflix account that has taken one tiny, steady bite out of my paycheck for such a long time. It would no longer make sense to keep it going during the months I’m not viewing it. If more people are like me, this means less money goes to Netflix in the long run.

Join the club!

Video interviews, reviews, game news, and pure fandom - be the first to know!

Related Posts

14 replies

Join the discussion →

Loading new replies...

Avatar of Tampalpuke
Tampalpuke

Ariel's Bestfriend

91 messages 1 like
#1 Jun 27, 2023

I think they only do this nefarious practice only in developed countries. There is still password sharing in my country and our basic tier is now $4.47 usd. I do have fear they can make this world wide. They crack password sharing to force people to do the ad tier

Reply Like

Avatar of lizaberowxn
lizaberowxn

British Columbia Made

422 messages 44 likes
#2 Jun 27, 2023

Canadian here, I was about to eat dinner and this news makes me not want to eat dinner anymore. It is so upsetting. I am moving to another service if they did this.

Reply Like

Avatar of PADAM PADAM
PADAM PADAM

New Member

66 messages 2 likes
#3 Jun 27, 2023

Personally, I've been a loyal subscriber to Netflix's Basic tier for years now. It's been a reliable source of entertainment without burning a hole in my pocket. However, if they decide to eliminate this option and force everyone to pay more, I might have to reconsider my subscription. I understand they need to generate revenue, but it's important to consider the affordability factor for many users like myself. No way I will pay for a tier with ads.The news of Netflix phasing out the Basic tier has left me contemplating whether it's worth continuing my subscription

Reply Like

Avatar of Toto_Tornado
Toto_Tornado

Storm Chaser

75 messages 0 likes
#4 Jun 27, 2023

They want to earn back the budget they spent for the One Piece Live action.

Reply Like

Avatar of WAPhunter
WAPhunter

New Member

39 messages 0 likes
#5 Jun 27, 2023

The news of Netflix phasing out the Basic tier has left me contemplating whether it's worth continuing my subscription. While I enjoy their content, affordability has been a significant factor for me. I hope Netflix takes into account the diverse financial situations of their users and explores alternative strategies to cater to their needs. They can earn money by syndicating their old shows to other streaming services. We canadians are already dealing with a high tax and Netflix does this to us.

Reply Like

Avatar of Mr.Bridges
Mr.Bridges

New Member

63 messages 3 likes
#6 Jun 27, 2023

Man, I gotta say, this whole Netflix Basic plan situation has got me scratching my head. So, word on the street is that they're thinking of axing it in Canada. Now, I get that companies need to make money and all, but dang, this move could really rub some folks the wrong way.

I mean, the Basic plan has been a lifesaver for me and many others. It's been the go-to choice for budget-conscious streamers who want a taste of that Netflix goodness without breaking the bank. But if they go ahead and nix it, what are we supposed to do? Just fork out more dough for the fancier tiers? Not cool, Netflix, not cool.

Sure, they might argue that they need to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing streaming landscape. But hey, what about us loyal customers who have stuck around through thick and thin? It's like they're forgetting that not everyone can afford to dish out extra cash just for a few more perks.

I hope Netflix takes a step back and realizes the potential fallout from this move. Sure, they might make a quick buck in the short term, but they could end up losing a whole bunch of subscribers in the long run. And that ain't a good look for any company.

Look, I get it. Business is business. But there's gotta be a better way to balance the books without leaving us Basic plan users high and dry. Maybe they could explore other options, like introducing different tiers that cater to different budgets. That way, they can keep us faithful streamers happy and still bring in the moolah.

In the end, it's all about finding that sweet spot between making profits and keeping your customers satisfied. Netflix, please don't forget about us little guys who've been riding this streaming wave with you. Give us a reason to stick around, without emptying our wallets. Trust me, it'll be worth it in the long run.

Reply Like

click to expand...
Avatar of Clymemarys
Clymemarys

Samus

82 messages 3 likes
#7 Jun 27, 2023

You know, when it comes to affordable streaming options, I can't help but mention the Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN package. It's a steal at just $20.00, and you get not one, not two, but three services bundled together.Considering the rising costs of streaming services these days, finding a package that offers multiple services at a discounted price is a total game-changer. It's like getting a three-in-one deal that keeps your entertainment options wide open, all while keeping your wallet happy. more expensive than Netflix basic but at least its more worth the money.

Reply Like

Avatar of HD
HD

New Member

15 messages 0 likes
#8 Jun 27, 2023

I can't believe Netflix! First, they crack down on password sharing, which was a convenient way for families and friends to enjoy content together. And now, they're planning to remove the Basic tier? It feels like they're just squeezing every penny out of us without considering the impact on their loyal subscribers. I'm seriously considering canceling my subscription now. Netflix has lost touch with its users. They become more arrogant because of their complacency of being on top.

Reply Like

Avatar of Barukyu
Barukyu

It's Molin time!

371 messages 7 likes
#9 Jun 27, 2023

Netflix's actions are deeply disappointing. By cracking down on password sharing and planning to remove the Basic tier, they're essentially punishing their customers. It feels like they're taking away the very things that made their service appealing. Instead of fostering loyalty, they're driving their users away. It's a shame to see a company prioritize profits over customer satisfaction.

Reply Like

Join the full discussion at the PopGeeks.com Forum | Indie Games, Movies, TV & Comics →