In the simplest terms, Netflix provides virtually the same content as traditional television: a selection of various shows and movies. Why then does the popularity of Netflix, an online streaming website, seem to be noticeably surpassing that of television in recent years? A study found that, in 2015, Netflix had over 60 million subscribers. Only 2 years later, in 2017, this number jumped to nearly 100 million. This massive growth in numbers is not only momentous, it also shows no signs of slowing its progression. Each year the statistics will continue to showcase the broadening audience of Netflix for numerous reasons, all inevitably contributing to a decline in TV’s viewing numbers.  

Unsurprisingly, consumers today are constantly gravitating towards the newest technology, also thought of as the most accessible. Netflix differentiates itself greatly from television in its easy attainability. You no longer have to rush urgently to your living room in hopes of catching your favorite show on your family’s TV; now, you can simply log onto your account via computer or cell phone to gain access to a wide variety of movies and shows. Because people today are rarely without their smartphones, this website enables viewers to watch from practically anywhere. Unlike television, Netflix does not confine you to a TV set plugged into the wall of your home. Now, with WiFi, you can essentially watch from wherever you are, whether it be on the bus, at work, or at school.

In addition to providing flexibility for its viewers, Netflix is also utilizing its platform to shed light on pressing political and social issues of the modern day in ways that the traditional television just can’t. Because it is an independent site, Netflix has significantly more freedom to express ideas that are commonly considered too-controversial to broadcast on national television. Netflix offers a selection of media centered around government and politics, ranging from satires to dramas. Targeting teenagers and young adults as its primary audience, Netflix has maintained its relevancy through its fearlessness to speak out on progressive issues that deserve attention, a refreshing change from the conventional and seemingly routine programs of television.