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Universal, movie theaters fighting over digital releases

Apr 30, 2020
Universal's latest "Trolls" movie was a digital hit. The studio says it could release films online and in theaters once the pandemic fades.
Will movie theatres see the same rebound after quarantine as they did after the Great Depression?
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

As box office sags, Netflix reports an online hit with "Bird Box"

Jan 2, 2019
While moviegoers were busy saying “meh” to a couple of new Hollywood offerings (“Vice” and “Holmes & Watson”), at least 45 million of them caught most of Netflix’s “Bird Box.” (That’s how many users the streaming service reports watched at least 70 percent of the horror film.) How is Netflix doing in the battle for our […]
Courtesy of Netflix

Netflix has reignited passion for the rom-com

Oct 17, 2018
The streaming service's Summer of Love was a big hit with audiences.
"Set It Up" was part of Netflix's Summer of Love, which brought in more than 80 million subscribers.
Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Netflix

Netflix has reignited passion for the rom-com

Oct 17, 2018
The streaming service's Summer of Love was a big hit with audiences.
"Set It Up" was part of Netflix's Summer of Love, which brought in more than 80 million subscribers.
Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Netflix

Taylor Swift’s been dropping hints, but now it’s confirmed: She’ll drop a new album in November

Aug 24, 2017
After dropping hints on social media for weeks, Taylor Swift has announced that her sixth studio album, called “Reputation,” will drop November 10. A new single comes out tonight. It’s been three years since Swift’s last album, “1989,” a long time in this rapidly changing music industry. How will she fare? Click the audio player […]

Can Netflix afford more big gets like Shonda Rhimes?

Aug 14, 2017
Netflix, the big video on demand company, committed what amounts to a raid on the content stable of Disney. It has signed a multiyear production contract with Shonda Rhimes —creator of hit TV series such as “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal.” With more than 50 original shows under its belt just this year, Netflix is doubling […]

Is Hulu's 'The Handmaid's Tale' political commentary?

Apr 27, 2017
Creator and showrunner Bruce Miller wants you to watch the program for its heavy but hopeful themes.
Elisabeth Moss and Alexis Bledel in Hulu's "The Handmaid's Tale."
George Kraychyk/Hulu

For public good, not for profit.

Live vs. on demand: the battle ahead

Apr 17, 2017
Netflix will report earnings when the market closes on today. As ever, analysts will be keeping a close eye on subscriber numbers. They’ll also be considering all the new players jumping into streaming TV. But these are mostly new services planning to offer livetelevision over the internet. Will that hurt Netflix? Click the audio player […]

Netflix ratings and why you don't get to see them

Feb 23, 2016
The new season of "House of Cards" will be out soon, but we won't know how many people watch