Over the last few years, Netflix has become one of the most consistently reliable sources for film and television content. What began as a simple mail order DVD rental service has evolved into one of the most influential platforms for groundbreaking original programming. We have seen a recent influx of original programming on Netflix, even as the company slowly reduces the size of its overall library. Of course, Netflix still offers a ton of syndicated content to its users, but it turns out that the originals are doing better in a major way: Netflix's customers seem to enjoy its original content considerably more.
Recent data collected from Netflix users found that subscribers actually rate the streaming giant’s original content higher than its syndicated content. Netflix’s original television actually averages a 3.87 (out of 5) rating, making it more popular than the syndicated stuff on Netflix, which rates an average 3.47/5. Overall, the most popular single category on Netflix is its documentary category, ranking in with 4.03 rating out of 5. If we take the data reported by Allflicks at face value, then it means that original Netflix programming averages an 11.5% higher overall rating than that of the syndicated content available for users.
The streaming service seems to have already picked up on this trend, and acted accordingly. As Netflix has begun to shrink the actual size of its streaming library, it has also begun flooding an unprecedented sum of money into producing original content. Quality of programming seems to have become the definitive factor in determining the success of a streaming service, rather than quantity of streaming programs available. While this doesn’t necessarily mean programs such as Breaking Bad or Friends will be going anywhere anytime soon, it definitely seems to indicate a shifting priority for the service – one which should excite anyone who has spent a weekend binge-watching their shows.
Netflix’s original content obviously has a distinct advantage over its syndicated content. The Netflix original series, such as Daredevil, BoJack Horseman and Bloodline – just to name a few – were developed specifically for the Netflix platform. Netflix has the ability to develop content free from most censorship restrictions, and not structured to meet the needs of traditional network television. This allows them to produce content for niche audiences and broad audiences alike.
It’s worth noting that this data has its own share of flaws. As the data polls current Netflix subscribers, there’s always the possibility that there exists some degree of preferential bias towards the original Netflix content. That being said, the data still seems like a reliable indicator that Netflix originals are not just surviving; they are thriving.
We will keep you up-to-date regarding all of the latest and greatest Netflix news as it becomes available to us. Stay tuned for more programming announcements. In addition, if you'd like to check out what else Netflix has coming up, here's our Netflix TV premiere schedule.
