Sometimes we experience slow news weeks in the Netflix universe, but fortunately, this week isn’t one of them. Following the whirlwind of TUDUM, which treated us to a variety of trailers and release dates, Netflix has maintained a constant stream of news that shows no signs of slowing down and this week has been incredibly eventful, to say the least.
Alongside upcoming releases and plenty of intriguing developments, there have also been some controversies. The latest one making waves on social media is related to none other than Take Care of Maya, a documentary about a sick child who has lost hope in the medical field. On a slightly lighter note, Warrior Nun once again takes the spotlight as even the cast members begin to voice their dissatisfaction with the show’s cancellation. With all that on the table, let’s dive right in.
Black Mirror bombs the Netflix charts, so of course, the streaming giant changes its weekly rating structures
Netflix has just released the highly anticipated sixth season of Black Mirror, and it’s already causing a stir of mixed reactions and reviews. While some viewers passionately defend it, claiming it features the best episodes of the entire series, the majority of people appear to be overwhelmingly disappointed with the show’s evolution. Adding an unexpected twist to the narrative, Never Have I Ever has not only exceeded everyone’s expectations but has also surpassed Black Mirror in the popularity charts.
Coincidentally, around the same time as Black Mirror’s disappointing reception and Never Have I Ever‘s surprising rise, Netflix made a timely decision to revamp its charting structure. Instead of solely basing rankings on the number of hours viewed, which often put shorter series and films at a disadvantage, the new approach takes into account the total number of hours a film or series is watched within a week and divides it by the total running time. This change aims to provide a more accurate measurement of views and popularity.
The recent changes in Netflix’s metrics have already sparked numerous comments from those associated with the streaming giant’s endeavors. Even showrunners, from shows like Warrior Nun, have voiced their concerns about the shift in measurement tactics. After all, one can argue that certain shows and films were unfairly affected by the previous lack of accurate measurement, especially during critical periods where time played a crucial role in their success.
Take Care of Maya finally hits the platform and is already causing mayhem in the medical field
Within hours of its release, the new documentary Take Care of Maya skyrocketed to the top of the charts. This real-life story portrayal sheds light on the critical role of a competent medical team in the field of pediatrics, while also exposing the unimaginable hardships endured by the Kowalski family. From misdiagnoses to the wrenching loss of custody over their own child, this family’s journey for little Maya’s recovery has been a living nightmare.
Unsurprisingly, this stark portrayal of the flaws within the American healthcare system has garnered mixed reactions from medical professionals. Despite facing countless tragic events and obstacles, the Kowalski family has persevered, determined to seek justice and move forward. After years of enduring mistreatment and false accusations from pediatricians, they have fearlessly shared their story, disregarding any potential backlash.
Netflix may well be on its way to housing some HBO shows, much to everyone’s surprise
One of the most surprising developments during this eventful news week involves a potentially groundbreaking move by the streaming powerhouses, Netflix and MAX (formerly HBO Max). According to reports from Deadline, Warner Bros. Discovery is currently in talks with Netflix to license a portion of HBO’s extensive back catalog. If the negotiations are successful, it would mark the first time in almost a decade that HBO shows become available on a competing SVOD service in the United States.
While the specific shows have yet to be announced, according to the sources, the first series set to join Netflix’s upcoming lineup will be Insecure, created by Issa Rae. It’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily mean these shows will leave MAX’s library. Instead, it’s likely that a non-exclusive distribution deal will be reached, allowing MAX to continue streaming them as well. While discussions are still ongoing, if this deal comes to fruition, it could become one of the most significant agreements for Netflix, and the entertainment world in general.