Have you ever felt the frustration of finally deciding to watch a movie that had been on your Netflix waiting list for months, but by the time you were finally motivated to see it, it had already been removed from the catalog? Or maybe you’re always keeping an eye on HBO Max’s “Last Days” list, checking to see if any of the movies you’re interested in watching will be pulled from the platform soon? With so many content takedowns and series and movies moving between streaming platforms, it’s easy to get confused about what’s available to watch at any given moment.
But have you ever wondered why this happens? Then read on, because below we will explain the reasons.
It’s all a matter of contract
On its help center page, Netflix itself explains the reason for removing the content. According to the company, this happens due to the deadlines set in the licensing agreements. The platform acquires the rights to show films and series produced by studios around the world, however, each contract has a specific validity period, which means that some titles may be withdrawn from the catalog after the period ends.
And it’s no different with the competition. Like Netflix, platforms like HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Star+ typically license content for a limited time, and can choose to renew or not the license when it expires.
And what are the factors for renewing licenses?
When a content license is about to expire, Netflix and other streaming services generally consider the same factors before renewing licenses. In general, these factors are the availability of exhibition rights, the popularity of the title in the region and the cost of the license.
HBO Max, for example, has removed its original content as a strategy to pay down debts, following factors such as the popularity of the titles and their licensing cost.
Exclusivity of content viewing rights has become a determining factor in the battle for leadership in the streaming market, with companies looking to secure the primacy of titles to attract and retain subscribers. Initially, pioneer Netflix established licensing agreements with various film and television studios, such as Disney and Warner, to offer its content on its streaming platform. However, the company’s success has inspired other companies to invest in their own streaming services. When these companies launch their own platforms, they choose to pull their titles off Netflix to show exclusively on their own platforms. Currently, part of the titles that are removed from some platforms are also related to these “musical chairs”.
And how do you know if a series or a movie is coming out?
Typically, streaming services notify you in advance when a title is about to leave the catalog.
HBO Max, for example, has a section called “Last Days,” which presents users with a list of movies and series that are about to be removed, along with when they will be removed.
On Netflix, when a title is about to be removed in the following month, a message will appear on the “Details” page of the work or at the top of the screen during the first few seconds of play, informing you of the last day to watch the title before to be withdrawn from the catalogue.
The post Why series and movies leave the Netflix catalog and other streams? first appeared on Look Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
