Netflix, Inc., founded by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in 1997, began as a DVD rental service by mail but transformed into a streaming giant that has revolutionized the entertainment industry. The company shifted to streaming in 2007, taking advantage of emerging broadband technology to offer subscribers on-demand access to movies and television shows over the internet. This innovation disrupted traditional media distribution and consumption patterns worldwide, positioning Netflix as a leader in digital entertainment.
As Netflix’s subscriber base grew, the company expanded its content offerings to include not just licensed content from other studios but also a wide range of original programming. Netflix Originals, such as “House of Cards,” “Stranger Things,” and “The Crown,” have received critical acclaim and attracted large global audiences. This shift not only changed how series are released, with entire seasons available at once, but also how narratives are constructed, leading to new storytelling possibilities in the digital age.