Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos on Final Season of Stranger Things, ‘Emilia Pérez’ Controversy and Meghan Markle Backlash
Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, has played a pivotal role in transforming the entertainment industry over his 25-year career. He has not only witnessed but also shaped the evolution of media consumption, guiding Netflix from a DVD rental service to a global streaming giant with over 300 million subscribers.
Sarandos spearheaded Netflix’s shift to streaming and revolutionized content creation, starting with original shows like “House of Cards” in 2013. This move established Netflix as a major player in Hollywood, later producing hit shows like “Stranger Things” and “The Crown”. Sarandos also led Netflix into original films, partnering with renowned filmmakers for projects like “Roma” and “The Irishman”, which redefined film distribution.
Looking ahead, Sarandos envisions a future where streaming is even more integrated into everyday life. His leadership and innovation have not only propelled Netflix’s success but have also set new industry standards, ensuring his lasting impact on the entertainment world.
Ted Sarandos, Netflix CEO On Future TV and Movie Slate
In a recent interview with Variety, Sarandos expressed his excitement about the year’s upcoming releases, including the final season of “Stranger Things”, the final season of “Squid Game”, and the return of “Wednesday”. He described it as “an incredible embarrassment of riches,” adding, “We have the return of our biggest franchises… the finale of Stranger Things, which is going to be incredible; a third season of Squid Game, which the world is waiting for; and the return of Wednesday.” The film slate also includes projects from Guillermo del Toro, Noah Baumbach, and a new “Knives Out” film.
On Apple TV+
Regarding Apple’s content strategy, Sarandos shared, “I don’t understand it beyond a marketing play, but they’re really smart people. Maybe they see something we don’t.”
On Emilia Pérez & Not Winning Best Picture
He also addressed the controversy surrounding the film “Emilia Pérez”, which received 13 nominations despite the controversy over Karla Sofía Gascón’s tweets. Sarandos explained, “You have to have some grace when people make mistakes, and we have grace.” He added, “I hate that question, because it creates all of these what-if’s… It was the frontrunner, but it was never a slam dunk that Emilia Pérez — with all its innovation and thrills — would win best picture.”
On Final Season of “Stranger Things”
When asked about the final season of “Stranger Things”, Sarandos revealed, “There won’t be a dry eye.” He also spoke about the show’s future, stating that while the series itself is ending, the Stranger Things universe is expanding. “I believe Stranger Things is a gigantic universe… You see it in novelizations of the characters now. You see it in consumer products. You see it in the live stage show, the prequel Stranger Things: The First Shadow.” He added that the show “is playing hugely successfully on the West End, and it’s going to be opening on Broadway.”
On Collaboration with Meghan Markle
Sarandos also addressed Netflix’s partnership with Meghan Markle. “We’re a passive partner in Meghan’s company, and it’s a big discovery model for us right now,” he explained. When asked why Markle was the right person to bet on, Sarandos responded, “I think Meghan is underestimated in terms of her influence on culture.” He pointed to the success of the Harry & Meghan docuseries, noting, “When we dropped the trailer for the Harry & Meghan doc series [in 2022], everything on-screen was dissected in the press for days. The shoes she was wearing sold out all over the world. The Hermès blanket that was on the chair behind her sold out everywhere in the world. People are fascinated with Meghan Markle. She and Harry are overly dismissed.”
Sarandos’ forward-thinking leadership and vision have propelled Netflix to the forefront of the entertainment industry, with an eye on the future of streaming and its potential to further integrate into everyday life. His work continues to redefine the landscape of media and entertainment. If anything’s for sure, Netflix will continue to be a shapeshifter in the industry and we cannot wait to see what they do next!
