Netflix: I Hate You, I Love You

May 19, 2017

First of all, Netflix is the greatest thing on Earth.

To get all that content and no commercials? That’s better than a bag full of pickles.

Second of all, I’m not sure I’m going to keep my subscription to Netflix.

Here’s why. When I look at “New Releases,” for example, all I see is a constant streame of “Original Programming.” I don’t know anything about those shows, and I’m not the least bit interested in spending thirteen hours of my life finding out if I should’ve watched in the first place.

And news flash: I didn’t buy Netflix for the “Original Programming.” I wanted to be able to watch movies and TV shows. I didn’t ask anyone for new shows. I just wanted to be able to watch The Office for the eighth time.

I know, I know. All their new shows are amazing.

But here’s the thing: I’m mostly not interested in your original ideas, Netflix. And I’ve been burned by hypnotized Netfix-ites far too often.

EVERYONE said Orange is the New Black was awesome. I made it through about 17 minutes and never went back.

Master of None is universally acclaimed. While Aziz is a good comedian, I didn’t make it through one episode.

Trailer Park Boys? I’m sorry, what?

Adam Sandler origial movies? Yikes.

13 Reasons Why? I have 13 reasons why not.

As my favorite sports personality Bill Simmons would say, “Are we SURE Neftlix is good?”

Nonetheless, I still have my subscription–for now. And as long as I have it, here are some things not to be missed:

• Daredevil. I liked the whole series, but the ending of Episode 2 from Season 1 was easily the coolest thing I have ever seen. Recommendation: There’s, um, a fight scene with 5:33 to go in the Episode, and, um, just see for yourself. Holy crapoly.
• Narcos. I learned things about the drug trade I never knew. I learned that even evil has a good side. I found myself almost sympathetic to Pablo. I found myself hating Pablo. It’s true, it’s fun, it’s mesmerizing. Recommendation: all of it.
• House of Cards, Season 1. This is what put Netflix on the map and spawned all the programming that’s going to make me leave one day. Recommendation: re-watch the very first episode (and maybe Season 1). That first scene is gripping and horrifying and intoxicating, and the whole episode/1st season totally creepy and totally fun at alternating times. sometimes at the same time.
• Sherlock. It’s easily the greatest TV show of all time. I really won’t listen to any other opinion because a different opinion could only come from an insane person. Recommendation: A Scandal in Belgravia. It’s the best episode of anything ever created.

Netflix always has Sherlock waiting for me. In the end, that might be enough to keep me around.

My book is called The Inevitability of Becoming Rich, and you can find that here.