It appears that Netflix is not very popular these days. Along with the growing backlash from its new docu-series about Cleopatra, it is also facing the ire of many writers as they strike. This has led to Netflix executives changing their plans to avoid more conflict.
Writers' Eyes on Netflix
Over a week ago, several film and TV show writers banded together for a strike, and apparently, Netflix is starting to feel the pressure of the movement. The current predicament has affected the plans of both Netflix as a company and co-CEO, Ted Sarandos.
The Netflix co-CEo has decided not to trend the PEN America Literary Gala at the Museum of Natural History. It will take place on May 18, but the streaming service executive believes that his presence may just cause a disruption in the event.
Ted Sarandos was supposed to be honored at the gala, as well as "Saturday Night Live" creator and producer, Lorne Michaels, but he pointed out the possibility of the issue overshadowing the event, as mentioned in The New York Times.
He stated that it was best to pull out to not distract from the important work that PEN America does for writers and journalists, as well as the celebration of his "friend and personal hero," Lorne Michaels. Sarandos wished for the success of the event.
The writers, being represented by the Writers Guild of America, said that streaming has affected the working condition of writers as well as their wages. They also noted that this happened despite the increase in TV production, and saw Netflix as one of the main culprits.
When an individual asked the union leader which studio they thought treated writers the worst, They answered "Netflix" all at the same time, which resulted in the laughter of 1,800 writers and applause, according to reports.
This just shows how much writers have started to see the streaming giant in a negative light, which might affect its ability to create new shows down the line. In fact, some of its current shows have already been affected by the demonstration.
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Netflix Delays Due to Strike
One of the shows affected by the writers' strike is Netflix's hit series "Stranger Things." The production of season 5 has come to a halt since the Duffer brothers, Matt and Ross, tweeted that it can't begin while the strike is ongoing.
Since it there is still no end in sight for the Writers Guild of America strike, the delay in the show might stretch out to more weeks if not months. The Duffer brothers tweeted that they hope that a fair deal is reached soon so they can all get back to work, as mentioned in USA Today.
So far, there are still no reports of bargains between the Writers Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Major studios have not yet provided responded to the demands, and it may be a while before they do, so expect longer delays ahead.
Related: Netflix Restructures Film Division To Make Better Original Movies
