Netflix

=== Development of original programming and distribution expansion (2013–2017) ===
{{prose|section|date=November 2021}}
In 2011, Netflix began its efforts into original content development. In March, it made a straight-to-series order from [[MRC (company)|MRC]] for the political drama [[House of Cards (American TV series)|''House of Cards'']], led by [[Kevin Spacey]], outbidding other U.S. cable networks. This marked the first instance of a first-run television series being specifically commissioned by the service.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=2011-03-15 |title=Netflix To Enter Original Programming With Mega Deal For David Fincher-Kevin Spacey Series 'House Of Cards' |url=https://deadline.com/2011/03/netflix-to-enter-original-programming-with-mega-deal-for-david-fincher-kevin-spacey-drama-series-house-of-cards-114184/ |access-date=2023-03-17 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317151949/https://deadline.com/2011/03/netflix-to-enter-original-programming-with-mega-deal-for-david-fincher-kevin-spacey-drama-series-house-of-cards-114184/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In November the same year, Netflix added two more significant productions to its roster: the comedy-drama ''[[Orange Is the New Black]]'', adapted from [[Piper Kerman]]'s [[Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison|memoir]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=November 11, 2011 |title=Netflix, Lionsgate TV Closing Deal For Jenji Kohan's 'Orange Is The New Black' Comedy |url=https://www.deadline.com/2011/11/netflix-lionsgate-tv-closing-deal-for-jenji-kohans-orange-is-the-new-black-comedy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107234421/http://www.deadline.com/2011/11/netflix-lionsgate-tv-closing-deal-for-jenji-kohans-orange-is-the-new-black-comedy/ |archive-date=November 7, 2013 |access-date=May 2, 2016 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> and a new season of the previously cancelled Fox sitcom ''[[Arrested Development]]''.<ref name="netflix revival">{{Cite magazine |last=Hibberd |first=James |date=November 18, 2011 |title='Arrested Development' officially back! Revived series coming to Netflix |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/11/18/arrested-development-netflix/ |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212122125/http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/11/18/arrested-development-netflix/ |archive-date=February 12, 2012 |access-date=February 29, 2012}}</ref> Netflix acquired the U.S. rights to the Norwegian drama ''[[Lilyhammer]]'' after its television premiere on Norway's [[NRK1]] on January 25, 2012. Notably departing from the traditional broadcast television model of weekly episode premieres, Netflix chose to release the entire first season on February 8 of the same year.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 March 2011 |title=Netflix 'Lilyhammer' to tv lineup |url=https://www.deadline.com/2011/10/netflix-adds-%E2%80%98lilyhammer%E2%80%99-to-tv-line-up/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019161732/http://www.deadline.com/2011/10/netflix-adds-%E2%80%98lilyhammer%E2%80%99-to-tv-line-up/ |archive-date=19 October 2011 |access-date=25 October 2011 |work=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref name="Greene, Andy">{{cite magazine |last1=Andy |first1=Greene |date=5 December 2013 |title=How 'Lilyhammer' Changed the TV World |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/how-lilyhammer-changed-the-tv-world-203682/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=24 July 2020 |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317182532/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/how-lilyhammer-changed-the-tv-world-203682/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

''House of Cards'' was released by Netflix on February 1, 2013, marketed as the first "Netflix Original" production.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Connell |first=Mikey |date=2012-10-04 |title=Netflix Launching Entire Run of David Fincher's 'House of Cards' in One Day |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/house-of-cards-premiere-date-netflix-kevin-spacey-david-fincher-376355/ |access-date=2023-03-17 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317151950/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/house-of-cards-premiere-date-netflix-kevin-spacey-david-fincher-376355/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, Netflix announced an agreement with [[DreamWorks Animation]] to commission children's television series based on its properties, beginning with ''[[Turbo Fast|Turbo: F.A.S.T.]]'', a spin-off of its film ''[[Turbo (film)|Turbo]].''<ref>{{cite news |last=Lieberman |first=David |date=February 12, 2013 |title=DreamWorks Animation To Produce First Netflix Original Series For Kids |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |url=https://deadline.com/2013/02/dreamworks-animation-netflix-turbo-kids-original-series-428372/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308084643/http://www.deadline.com/2013/02/dreamworks-animation-netflix-turbo-kids-original-series/ |archive-date=March 8, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lieberman |first=David |date=June 17, 2013 |title=DreamWorks Animation To Produce TV Shows Based On Its Characters For Netflix |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |url=https://deadline.com/2013/06/dreamworks-animation-produce-tv-shows-netflix-522497/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308085025/http://www.deadline.com/2013/06/dreamworks-animation-produce-tv-shows-netflix/ |archive-date=March 8, 2014}}</ref> ''Orange is the New Black'' would premiere in July 2013;  Netflix stated that ''Orange is the New Black'' had been its most-watched original series so far, with all of them having "an audience comparable with successful shows on cable and broadcast TV."<ref>{{cite news |last=Ha |first=Anthony |date=October 21, 2013 |title=Netflix: 'Orange Is The New Black' Is Our Most-Watched Original, But Our TV Exclusives Are Even Bigger |work=[[TechCrunch]] |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/10/21/netflix-orange-is-the-new-black-most-watched/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215171943/http://techcrunch.com/2013/10/21/netflix-orange-is-the-new-black-most-watched/ |archive-date=February 15, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=February 5, 2016 |title='Orange Is the New Black' Renewed For 3 Seasons By Netflix |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/orange-is-the-new-black-renewed-3-seasons-netflix-1201698227/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205161246/http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/orange-is-the-new-black-renewed-3-seasons-netflix-1201698227/ |archive-date=February 5, 2016}}</ref>

On March 13, 2013, Netflix added a [[Facebook]] sharing feature, letting United States subscribers access "Watched by your friends" and "Friends' Favorites" by agreeing.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://money.cnn.com/2013/03/13/technology/social/netflix-facebook/index.html |title=New Netflix Facebook app lets users share viewing history |first=Julianne |last=Pepitone |publisher=[[CNN]] |date=March 13, 2013 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912172847/https://money.cnn.com/2013/03/13/technology/social/netflix-facebook/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> This was not legal until the [[Video Privacy Protection Act]] was modified in early 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/12/congress-tweaks-us-video-privacy-law-so-netflix-can-get-on-facebook/ |title=Congress tweaks US video-privacy law so Netflix can get on Facebook |first=JOE |last=MULLIN |work=[[Ars Technica]] |date=December 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408180014/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/12/congress-tweaks-us-video-privacy-law-so-netflix-can-get-on-facebook/ |archive-date=April 8, 2016}}</ref> On August 1, 2013, Netflix reintroduced the "Profiles" feature that permits accounts to accommodate up to five user profiles.<ref>{{cite news |work=HuffPost |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/netflix-profiles_n_3685876 |date=August 1, 2013 |last=Stenovec |first=Timothy |title=Netflix Launches Profiles, Finally Realizing How People Really Watch Movies On It |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319051341/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/01/netflix-profiles_n_3685876.html |archive-date=March 19, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |publisher=[[CNN]] |title=Netflix launches user profiles for individual recommendations |last=Pepitone |first=Julianne |date=August 1, 2013 |url=https://money.cnn.com/2013/08/01/technology/innovation/netflix-profiles/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006114741/http://money.cnn.com/2013/08/01/technology/innovation/netflix-profiles/index.html |archive-date=October 6, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=August 1, 2013 |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/08/01/netflix-user-profiles/ |title=Netflix Makes Recommendations More Personalized By Adding Individual User Profiles |last=Lawler |first=Ryan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117002549/https://techcrunch.com/2013/08/01/netflix-user-profiles/ |archive-date=November 17, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rogowsky |first=Mark |work=[[Forbes]] |date=August 2, 2013 |title=Netflix Profiles: One Step Up, Two Steps Back |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/markrogowsky/2013/08/02/netflix-profiles-one-step-up-two-steps-back/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017170142/https://www.forbes.com/sites/markrogowsky/2013/08/02/netflix-profiles-one-step-up-two-steps-back/ |archive-date=October 17, 2017}}</ref>

In November 2013, [[Marvel Television]] and [[ABC Signature|ABC Studios]] announced Netflix had ordered a slate of [[Marvel's Netflix television series|four television series]] based on the [[Marvel Comics]] characters [[Daredevil (Marvel Comics character)|Daredevil]], [[Jessica Jones]], [[Iron Fist (comics)|Iron Fist]] and [[Luke Cage]]. Each of the four series received an initial order of 13 episodes, and Netflix also ordered a [[Defenders (comics)|Defenders]] miniseries that would tie them together. [[Daredevil (TV series)|''Daredevil'']] and [[Jessica Jones (TV series)|''Jessica Jones'']] premiered in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title=Marvel TV shows to debut on Netflix |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24864631 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=November 8, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111053658/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24864631 |archive-date=November 11, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Netflix">{{cite news |url=https://www.deadline.com/2013/11/disney-netflix-marvel-series/ |title=Disney To Provide Netflix With Four Series Based On Marvel Characters |last=Lieberman |first=David |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=November 7, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414000453/http://www.deadline.com/2013/11/disney-netflix-marvel-series/ |archive-date=April 14, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Spangler |first=Todd |title=Netflix Orders Four Marvel Live-Action Series |url=https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/netflix-orders-four-marvel-live-action-series-1200804887/ |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=November 7, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110023051/http://variety.com/2013/digital/news/netflix-orders-four-marvel-live-action-series-1200804887/ |archive-date=November 10, 2013}}</ref> The ''[[Luke Cage (TV series)|Luke Cage]]'' series premiered on September 30, 2016, followed by ''[[Iron Fist (TV series)|Iron Fist]]'' on March 17, 2017, and ''[[The Defenders (miniseries)|The Defenders]]'' on August 18, 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/iron-fist/250774/marvels-iron-fist-release-date-trailer-review-cast-and-more |title=Marvel's Iron Fist Release Date, Trailer, Review, Cast, and More |work=Den of Geek |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914221410/http://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/iron-fist/250774/marvels-iron-fist-release-date-trailer-review-cast-and-more |archive-date=September 14, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/07/22/comic-con-2017-the-defenders-we-just-saw-the-first-episode |title=Comic-Con 2017: The Defenders – We Just Saw the First Episode |last=Collura |first=Scott |date=July 21, 2017 |work=[[IGN]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722053637/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/07/22/comic-con-2017-the-defenders-we-just-saw-the-first-episode |archive-date=July 22, 2017}}</ref> Marvel owner [[Disney]] later entered into other content agreements with Netflix, including acquiring its animated ''[[Star Wars]]'' series ''[[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 TV series)|Star Wars: The Clone Wars]]'', and a new sixth season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Itzkoff |first=Dave |date=2014-02-13 |title='Clone Wars' Moves to Netflix |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/13/clone-wars-moves-to-netflix/ |access-date=2023-03-17 |website=ArtsBeat |language=en |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317182533/https://archive.nytimes.com/artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/13/clone-wars-moves-to-netflix/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2014, Netflix began to enter into agreements with U.S. internet service providers, beginning with [[Comcast]] (whose customers had repeatedly complained of frequent [[Data buffer|buffering]] when streaming Netflix), in order to provide the service a direct connection to their networks.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://consumerist.com/2014/02/23/netflix-agrees-to-pay-comcast-to-end-slowdown/ |title=Netflix Agrees To Pay Comcast To End Slowdown |first=Chris |last=Morran |work=[[Consumerist]] |date=February 23, 2014 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=January 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127082826/https://consumerist.com/2014/02/23/netflix-agrees-to-pay-comcast-to-end-slowdown/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://money.cnn.com/2014/08/29/technology/netflix-comcast/index.html |title=Slow Comcast speeds were costing Netflix customers |first=David |last=Goldman |publisher=[[CNN]] |date=August 29, 2014 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912154101/https://money.cnn.com/2014/08/29/technology/netflix-comcast/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://money.cnn.com/2014/02/23/technology/netflix-comcast-streaming-deal/ |title=Netflix and Comcast strike deal to allow faster speeds |first=Gregory |last=Wallace |publisher=[[CNN]] |date=February 23, 2014 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912154103/https://money.cnn.com/2014/02/23/technology/netflix-comcast-streaming-deal/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2014, Netflix signed ''[[Arrested Development]]'' creator [[Mitchell Hurwitz]] and his production firm The Hurwitz Company to a multi-year deal to create original projects for the service.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://deadline.com/2014/04/mitch-hurwitz-to-create-new-series-for-netflix-under-multi-year-deal-718382/ |title=Mitch Hurwitz Inks Multi-Year Deal With Netflix For New Series |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=April 22, 2014 |first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423233403/http://www.deadline.com/2014/04/mitch-hurwitz-to-create-new-series-for-netflix-under-multi-year-deal/ |archive-date=April 23, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2014, Netflix acquired streaming rights to films produced by [[Sony Pictures Animation]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/netflix-gets-rights-sony-animation-707134/ |first=Georg |last=Szalai |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |title=Netflix Gets Rights to Sony Animation Films |date=May 27, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827193637/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflix-gets-rights-sony-animation-707134 |archive-date=August 27, 2016}}</ref> It also quietly began to introduce an updated logo, with a flatter appearance and updated typography.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-05-06 |title=Meet Netflix's stealthy new logo |url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/05/06/tech/web/netflix-logo/index.html |access-date=2023-03-17 |website=CNN Business |language=en |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317182532/https://www.cnn.com/2014/05/06/tech/web/netflix-logo/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2014, Netflix expanded into six new European markets, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, [[Luxembourg]], and Switzerland.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Netflix now in France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg |date=September 18, 2014 |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/netflix-now-in-france-germany-austria-switzerland-belgium-and-luxembourg-275696061.html |agency=[[PR Newswire]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140919042118/https://pr.netflix.com/WebClient/getNewsSummary.do?newsId=1593 |url-status=live |archive-date=September 19, 2014}}</ref> On September 10, 2014, Netflix participated in [[Internet Slowdown Day]] by deliberately slowing down its speed in support of [[net neutrality]] regulations in the United States.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/09/todays-net-neutrality-campaign-explained/379973/ |title=Why Netflix Is 'Slowing Down' Its Website Today |first=Rose |last=Eveleth |author-link=Rose Eveleth |work=[[The Atlantic]] |date=September 10, 2014 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130234919/https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/09/todays-net-neutrality-campaign-explained/379973/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2014, Netflix announced a four-film deal with [[Adam Sandler]] and his [[Happy Madison Productions]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=With Four New Adam Sandler Films, Netflix Takes Aim at Theaters |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/02/business/media/with-four-new-adam-sandler-films-netflix-takes-aim-at-theaters.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003090325/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/02/business/media/with-four-new-adam-sandler-films-netflix-takes-aim-at-theaters.html |archive-date=October 3, 2014 |url-status=live |last=Steel |first=Emily |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=October 2, 2014 |url-access=limited}}</ref>

In April 2015, following the launch of ''[[Daredevil (TV series)|Daredevil]]'', Netflix director of content operations Tracy Wright announced that Netflix had added support for [[audio description]] (a narration track with aural descriptions of key visual elements for the blind or visually impaired), and had begun to work with its partners to add descriptions to its other original series over time.<ref>{{cite news |title=Netflix makes a blind superhero accessible to blind audiences |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2015/04/14/netflix-makes-a-blind-superhero-accessible-to-blind-viewers/ |first=Alyssa |last=Rosenberg |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=April 14, 2015 |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415205708/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2015/04/14/netflix-makes-a-blind-superhero-accessible-to-blind-viewers/ |archive-date=April 15, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Netflix Adding Audio Description Tracks for Visually Impaired, Starting with 'Marvel's Daredevil' |url=https://variety.com/2015/digital/news/netflix-adding-audio-description-tracks-for-visually-impaired-starting-with-marvels-daredevil-1201472372/ |first=Todd |last=Spangler |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=April 14, 2015 |access-date=July 8, 2019 |archive-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122070455/https://variety.com/2015/digital/news/netflix-adding-audio-description-tracks-for-visually-impaired-starting-with-marvels-daredevil-1201472372/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The following year, as part of a settlement with the [[American Council of the Blind]], Netflix agreed to provide descriptions for its original series within 30 days of their premiere, and add [[screen reader]] support and the ability to browse content by availability of descriptions.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/netflix-audio-descriptions-blind-settlement-1201753569/ |title=Netflix to Expand Audio Descriptions for Blind Subscribers |last=Spangler |first=Todd |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=April 14, 2016 |access-date=July 8, 2019 |archive-date=April 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430112257/https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/netflix-audio-descriptions-blind-settlement-1201753569/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2015, Netflix expanded to Australia and New Zealand.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Netflix to launch in Australia and New Zealand in March 2015 |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/netflix-to-launch-in-australia-and-new-zealand-in-march-2015-283111031.html |agency=[[PR Newswire]] |date=November 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129032333/https://pr.netflix.com/WebClient/getNewsSummary.do?newsId=1751 |url-status=live |archive-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/how-the-australian-netflix-differs-from-the-us-service-20150324-1m60g8.html |title=How the Australian Netflix differs from the US service |first=Ben |last=Grubb |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=March 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324032158/http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/hometech/how-the-australian-netflix-differs-from-the-us-service-20150323-1m60g8.html |archive-date=March 24, 2015}}</ref> In September 2015, Netflix launched in Japan, its first country in Asia.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Netflix to launch in Japan this fall |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/netflix-to-launch-in-japan-this-fall-300030504.html |agency=[[PR Newswire]] |date=February 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205005245/https://pr.netflix.com/WebClient/getNewsSummary.do?newsId=1871 |url-status=live |archive-date=February 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/4/9095939/netflix-japan-launch-september-global-expansion |title=Netflix is coming to Japan on September 2nd |first=Jamieson |last=Cox |work=[[The Verge]] |date=August 4, 2015 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912154103/https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/4/9095939/netflix-japan-launch-september-global-expansion |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/netflix-expanding-to-japan-2015-8 |title=Netflix is finally launching in Asia, and it's starting in Japan |first=Paul |last=Sawers |work=[[Business Insider]] |agency=[[VentureBeat]] |date=August 4, 2015 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912154102/https://www.businessinsider.com/netflix-expanding-to-japan-2015-8 |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2015, Netflix launched in Italy, Portugal, and Spain.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2015/digital/global/netflix-italy-spain-portugal-launch-1201513878/ |title=Netflix to Stream Into Italy, Spain and Portugal in October |first=Todd |last=Spangler |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=June 6, 2015 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912154101/https://variety.com/2015/digital/global/netflix-italy-spain-portugal-launch-1201513878/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2016, at the [[Consumer Electronics Show]], Netflix announced a major international expansion of its service into 130 additional countries. It then had become available worldwide except China, Syria, North Korea, [[Kosovo]] and [[Crimea]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Netflix Expands to 190 Countries |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/netflix-expands-to-190-countries-1452106429 |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |issn=0099-9660 |first1=Ezequiel |last1=Minaya |first2=Amol |last2=Sharma |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207005329/http://www.wsj.com/articles/netflix-expands-to-190-countries-1452106429 |archive-date=February 7, 2016}}</ref> In May 2016, Netflix created a tool called Fast.com to determine the speed of an Internet connection.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/new-netflix-tool-fastcom-shows-you-how-fast-your-internet-is-2016-5# |title=Netflix releases tool to determine internet speed |last=McAlone |first=Nathan |work=[[Business Insider]] |date=May 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911070634/https://www.yahoo.com/tech/netflix-launched-tool-show-fast-152135686.html |archive-date=September 11, 2016}}</ref> It received praise for being "simple" and "easy to use", and does not include [[online advertising]], unlike competitors.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Perez |first=Sarah |title=Netflix launches its own speed test website, Fast.com |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/05/18/netflix-launches-its-own-speed-test-website-fast-com/ |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=May 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919033224/https://techcrunch.com/2016/05/18/netflix-launches-its-own-speed-test-website-fast-com/ |archive-date=September 19, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lopez |first=Napier |title=Netflix launches Fast.com, the simplest internet speed test ever |url=https://thenextweb.com/apps/2016/05/18/netflix-just-created-simplest-internet-speed-test-ever/ |work=[[The Next Web]] |date=May 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809030644/https://thenextweb.com/apps/2016/05/18/netflix-just-created-simplest-internet-speed-test-ever/ |archive-date=August 9, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Netflix Launches Fast.com, New Tool To Check Your Internet Speed |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/shelbycarpenter/2016/05/18/netflix-fast-com-internet-speed-download-video-streaming/ |last=Carpenter |first=Shelby |work=[[Forbes]] |date=May 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117194028/https://www.forbes.com/sites/shelbycarpenter/2016/05/18/netflix-fast-com-internet-speed-download-video-streaming/ |archive-date=January 17, 2021}}</ref> On November 30, 2016, Netflix launched an offline playback feature, allowing users of the Netflix mobile apps on [[Android (operating system)|Android]] or [[iOS]] to [[Cache (computing)|cache]] content on their devices in standard or high quality for viewing offline, without an Internet connection.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2016/11/30/netflix-is-finally-letting-you-download-videos-for-offline-viewing/ |title=Netflix is finally letting you download videos for offline viewing |last=Fung |first=Brian |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201015959/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2016/11/30/netflix-is-finally-letting-you-download-videos-for-offline-viewing/ |archive-date=December 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/bluesky/technology/ct-netflix-download-offline-binge-watching-blm-bsi-20161130-story.html |title=Netflix unveils download feature for offline binge-watching |last=Shaw |first=Lucas |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201013555/http://www.chicagotribune.com/bluesky/technology/ct-netflix-download-offline-binge-watching-blm-bsi-20161130-story.html |archive-date=December 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Netflix finally lets you download shows and movies to watch offline |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/11/30/13792376/netflix-offline-downloads-now-available |website=[[The Verge]] |date=November 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128195409/http://www.theverge.com/2016/11/30/13792376/netflix-offline-downloads-now-available |archive-date=January 28, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Han |first=Angie |title=Netflix Offline Playback Is Finally Here |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/netflix-offline/ |work=[[/Film]] |date=November 30, 2016 |access-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-date=June 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616135126/https://www.slashfilm.com/netflix-offline/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2016, Netflix released an estimated 126 original series or films, more than any other network or cable channel.<ref name="Backlash">{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/netflix-backlash-why-hollywood-fears-928428 |title=The Netflix Backlash: Why Hollywood Fears a Content Monopoly |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=September 14, 2016 |last=Masters |first=Kim |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917022652/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/netflix-backlash-why-hollywood-fears-928428 |archive-date=September 17, 2016 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In April 2016, Hastings stated that the company planned to expand its in-house, Los Angeles-based Netflix Studios to grow its output; Hastings ruled out any potential acquisitions of existing studios, stating that "It's been 15 years we've been public and 20 years existing, and we've done no [mergers and acquisitions]. So I think that probably speaks for itself."<ref>{{cite news |title=Netflix to boost in-house production arm |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/broadcasters/netflix-to-boost-in-house-production-arm/5102756.article |work=[[Broadcast (magazine)|Broadcast]] |date=April 19, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031090520/http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/netflix-to-boost-in-house-production-arm/5102756.article |archive-date=October 31, 2016}}</ref>

In February 2017, Netflix signed a [[music publisher (popular music)|music publishing]] deal with [[BMG Rights Management]], whereby BMG will oversee rights outside of the United States for music associated with Netflix original content. Netflix continues to handle these tasks in-house in the United States.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/netflix-bmg-music-rights-1201976506 |title=Netflix Inks BMG Deal to Manage Music Rights Outside U.S. |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=February 2, 2017 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807194257/http://variety.com/2017/digital/news/netflix-bmg-music-rights-1201976506/ |archive-date=August 7, 2017}}</ref> On April 25, 2017, Netflix signed a licensing deal with [[IQiyi]], a Chinese video streaming platform owned by [[Baidu]], to allow selected Netflix original content to be distributed in China on the platform.<ref name="iQiyi">{{cite news |title=Netflix Signs Licensing Deal With China's iQiyi |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/netflix-signs-licensing-deal-chinas-iqiyi-997071/ |first=PATRICK |last=BRZESKI |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=April 24, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426002956/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflix-signs-licensing-deal-chinas-iqiyi-997071 |archive-date=April 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/25/netflix-china-iqiyi/ |title=Netflix enters China via licensing deal with top video streaming service iQiyi |last=Russell |first=Jon |work=[[TechCrunch]] |date=April 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426023043/https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/25/netflix-china-iqiyi/ |archive-date=April 26, 2017}}</ref>

On August 7, 2017, Netflix acquired [[Millarworld]], the creator-owned publishing company of comic book writer [[Mark Millar]]. The purchase marked the first corporate acquisition to have been made by Netflix.<ref name="Millarworld">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-40849525 |title=Netflix buys Scots comic book firm Millarworld |date=August 7, 2017 |work=[[BBC News]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808012529/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-40849525 |archive-date=August 8, 2017}}</ref> On August 14, 2017, Netflix entered into an exclusive development deal with [[Shonda Rhimes]] and her production company [[Shondaland]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/14/business/media/shonda-rhimes-netflix-deal.html |title=Netflix Signs Shonda Rhimes in Counterpunch to ABC and Disney |last=Koblin |first=John |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=August 14, 2017 |url-access=limited |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814191551/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/14/business/media/shonda-rhimes-netflix-deal.html |archive-date=August 14, 2017}}</ref>

In September 2017, Netflix announced it would offer its low-broadband mobile technology to airlines to provide better in-flight Wi-Fi so that passengers can watch movies on Netflix while on planes.<ref>{{cite news |title=Netflix wants to make it easier to binge-watch on planes |url=https://money.cnn.com/2017/09/25/technology/business/netflix-airline-streaming/index.html |last=O'Brien |first=Sara Ashley |publisher=[[CNN]] |date=September 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216043200/http://money.cnn.com/2017/09/25/technology/business/netflix-airline-streaming/index.html |archive-date=December 16, 2017}}</ref>

In September 2017, [[Minister of Heritage]] [[Mélanie Joly]] announced that Netflix had agreed to make a {{CAD|500&nbsp;million|link=yes}} (US$400&nbsp;million) investment over the next five years in producing content in Canada. The company denied that the deal was intended to result in a [[tax break]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/netflix-launches-pr-campaign-to-set-record-straight-on-500-million-pledge/article36528636/ |title=Netflix in campaign to 'set record straight' on $500-million pledge for Canadian productions |first=DANIEL |last=LEBLANC |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=October 9, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220092534/https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/netflix-launches-pr-campaign-to-set-record-straight-on-500-million-pledge/article36528636/?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theglobeandmail.com& |archive-date=February 20, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://deadline.com/2017/10/netflix-defends-500-million-canada-investment-no-special-treatment-1202185388/ |title=Netflix Defends $500 Million Canadian Investment: "No Tax Deals Were Part Of The Approval" |last=Hayes |first=Dade |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=October 10, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019003902/http://deadline.com/2017/10/netflix-defends-500-million-canada-investment-no-special-treatment-1202185388/ |archive-date=October 19, 2017}}</ref> Netflix realized this goal by December 2018.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://deadline.com/2019/03/netflix-reaches-tipping-point-as-originals-now-outpace-acquired-titles-study-1202579260/ |title=Netflix Reaches Tipping Point As Originals Now Outpace Acquired Titles – Study |last=Hayes |first=Dade |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=March 21, 2019 |access-date=April 3, 2019 |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403174643/https://deadline.com/2019/03/netflix-reaches-tipping-point-as-originals-now-outpace-acquired-titles-study-1202579260/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2017, Netflix iterated a goal of having half of its library consist of original content by 2019, announcing a plan to invest $8&nbsp;billion on original content in 2018. There will be a particular focus on films and [[anime]] through this investment, with a plan to produce 80 original films and 30 anime series.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/16/16486436/netflix-original-content-8-billion-dollars-anime-films |title=Netflix plans to spend $8&nbsp;billion to make its library 50 percent original by 2018 |last=Statt |first=Nick |work=[[The Verge]] |date=October 16, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017042303/https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/16/16486436/netflix-original-content-8-billion-dollars-anime-films |archive-date=October 17, 2017}}</ref> In October 2017, Netflix introduced the "Skip Intro" feature which allows customers to skip the intros to shows on its platform through a variety of techniques including manual reviewing, audio tagging, and [[machine learning]].<ref>{{cite web |title=How does the Skip Intro feature work on TV shows |url=https://help.netflix.com/en/node/63402 |publisher=Netflix |access-date=September 10, 2020 |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807004614/https://help.netflix.com/en/node/63402 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/10/netflixs-skip-intro-button-makes-tv-ever-more-like-an-app/544427/ |title=Netflix's 'Skip Intro' Button Makes TV Ever More Like an App |first=Ian |last=Bogost |work=[[The Atlantic]] |date=October 31, 2017 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |archive-date=September 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909162615/https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/10/netflixs-skip-intro-button-makes-tv-ever-more-like-an-app/544427/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2017, Netflix signed an exclusive multi-year deal with ''Orange Is the New Black'' creator [[Jenji Kohan]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://deadline.com/2017/11/jenji-kohan-deal-with-netflix-1202210938/ |title=Jenji Kohan Inks Overall Deal With Netflix |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=November 17, 2017 |access-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-date=July 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712121928/https://deadline.com/2017/11/jenji-kohan-deal-with-netflix-1202210938/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2017, Netflix withdrew from co-hosting a party at the [[75th Golden Globe Awards]] with [[The Weinstein Company]] due to the [[Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse cases]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2017/film/awards/netflix-weinstein-golden-globes-1202621699/ |title=Netflix Won't Host Golden Globes Party With Weinstein Company |date=November 22, 2017 |first=Daniel |last=Holloway |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130091738/https://variety.com/2017/film/awards/netflix-weinstein-golden-globes-1202621699/ |archive-date=January 30, 2018}}</ref>