Should You Cancel Netflix?

Recent discussions have led many to consider the merits of canceling their Netflix subscription. There are valid points to both arguments, but when it comes down to it, the decision often hinges on how you value your entertainment and the programming offered.

Why I Canceled

I've personally opted to cancel my Netflix subscription, not because of the price, but due to the limited programming that genuinely interests me. The amount of content that I really want to watch is minimal, and I find myself going weeks without engaging with the platform. Instead, I've turned to other streaming services like BritBox, Acorn, PBS, and BBC One, which better suit my preferences.

Even Hulu, which I had previously used, was canceled for similar reasons. The limited content that aligns with my interests has made these platforms more appealing alternatives. This decision is not uncommon, as many are reevaluating their streaming habits to align better with their content consumption.

Tips for Valuing Your Streaming Entertainment

To help you decide whether to retain or cancel your Netflix subscription, consider the following framework:

Destinations and Active Viewing

For me, the value of "destination content"—content that requires significant effort to find and watch—is high. I value this type of content at 50 cents per hour of active viewing. Alternatively, regular shows watched in the background, which I categorize as "passive viewing," are worth 10 cents per hour.

Content Breakdown

Let's take a closer look at a specific example to illustrate this valuation. For May, Sandman and Locke Key (season 3) added 15 hours of "destination content" which will be viewed by two people together. That's a total of 15 hours at 50 cents per hour, adding up to $7.50. Meanwhile, August's contributions were more balanced: 4 hours of Stranger Things, 7 hours of Resident Evil, 2 hours of The Gray Man, and 13 episodes of Bastard!! which equaled a total of 2.50 hours of content at 50 cents per hour.

Monthly Summary

For July, the content breakdown was as follows: 4 hours of Stranger Things, 7 hours of Resident Evil, and 2 hours of The Gray Man, all viewed by two people. This amounted to 13 hours at 50 cents per hour, or $6.50. Additionally, Komi Can't Communicate contributed another 2.50 hours at 10 cents per hour. Thus, July's total entertainment value was $8.75.

Other Viewing

It's important to note that some months might include comedic specials that are only 10 cents an hour. These might play as background noise, but they still contribute to the overall entertainment tally. If you're looking to justify retaining Netflix, you can review your viewing history and see if it meets your valuation criteria.

Is It Worth Hanging On?

Considering how Netflix has handled its content and partnerships, it might seem more attractive to say goodbye. After years of missteps and inconsistent content, it may be time to explore other streaming platforms. However, all streaming services have moments of peak content, and they can be worth it at least some of the time.

The question is not whether to cancel, but when to wait for better content to accrue. A few months might pass before quality content floods your inbox, making it a good time to revisit Netflix. In the meantime, exploring other streaming options like BritBox, Acorn, PBS, and BBC One could be a rewarding alternative.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to keep or cancel your Netflix subscription depends on your content consumption habits and your personal valuation of entertainment. By analyzing your viewing history and understanding the value of different types of content, you can make an informed decision. Happy streaming!