ITV

Tag: Netflix

  • Netflix and Supercell partner for Clash of Clans animated series

    Netflix and Supercell partner for Clash of Clans animated series

    MUMBAI: Netflix is about to turn your village raid into a full-blown series binge. The streamer has teamed up with mobile gaming giant Supercell to bring Clash, an animated series based on the runaway hits Clash of Clans and Clash Royale. No, this isn’t a drill—nor is it a poorly-timed Hog Rider charge.

    Currently in pre-production, Clash will be helmed by Fletcher Moules, the wizard behind Supercell’s viral YouTube shorts. With Moules as showrunner and Ron Weiner (of Silicon Valley, 30 Rock and Futurama fame) penning the scripts, the show promises a blend of explosive action, tongue-in-cheek humour, and yes—immaculate Barbarian moustaches. Vancouver-based Icon Creative Studio is handling animation duties.

    The storyline? Classic underdog chaos. A plucky but clueless barbarian finds himself forced to rally a band of misfits—wizards, archers, and goblins galore—to protect their village while navigating the hilariously absurd politics of war.

    Supercell  head of film & TV Curtis Lelash said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Netflix and this creative team to bring the world of Clash to life. Think epic battles, immaculate Barbarian mustaches, and the kind of humor our players know and love. They’ve been asking for a Clash series forever, and we’re beyond excited to finally say: it’s happening!”

    Netflix’s veep of animation series John Derderian added: “Clash has been a global gaming phenomenon for over a decade—filled with humor, action and unforgettable characters perfect for an animated series adaptation. Working with the incredible team at Supercell, Fletcher Moules and Ron Weiner, we’re bringing all the fun, chaos and spirit of the world of Clash to life in a whole new way. We can’t wait for fans—old and new—to experience the mayhem.”

    With over four billion downloads and 180 billion hours of gameplay under its belt, the Clash universe isn’t just mobile—it’s momentous. Netflix has a track record of turning fan favourites into cult classics (Arcane, Blue Eye Samurai, Sonic Prime), and this latest drop could well be its next tower-toppler.

    No release date yet, but fans are already hoarding hype like Dark Elixir. One thing’s for sure: mobile mayhem just levelled up.

  • Sesame Street’s new global playground: Netflix

    Sesame Street’s new global playground: Netflix

    MUMBAI: Netflix has tossed a lifeline to Sesame Street, bringing the beloved children’s show to its 300 million subscribers while keeping it on PBS in the US. The 56-year-old kids’ favourite will now stream new episodes on both Netflix and PBS on the same day, a rescue move after HBO dropped its funding.

    The deal is a double delight for Sesame Street fans—new episodes will be available worldwide on Netflix, while PBS viewers in the US will continue to get free access. But behind the cheerful puppets, it’s a story of survival.

    Sesame Workshop, the non-profit behind the iconic show, has been struggling financially after losing its lucrative HBO deal, which paid $30 million to $35 million a year. Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO’s parent, decided to drop the series as it shifts away from children’s content.

    To cope with the financial blow, Sesame Workshop laid off 20 per cent of its staff this year and warned that the Netflix deal will bring in significantly less revenue. But it’s not all doom and gloom. With Netflix’s global reach and PBS’s trusted brand, Sesame Street is now set to reach more kids than ever.

    In Season 56, the show will focus on character-driven stories, with each episode featuring an 11-minute tale packed with humour and heart. Classic characters like Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster will return, along with a peek inside the iconic 123 Sesame Street building.

    “This unique public-private partnership allows us to continue our mission of educating kids, now with Netflix’s global reach and PBS’s community trust,” said Sesame Workshop CEO Sherrie Rollins Westin.

    Sesame Street’s Netflix run will also include 90 hours of classic episodes, bringing the joy of learning to a new generation.

     For kids and parents, the message is clear: the street is still where the fun and learning meet.

  • Interio brings cool comfort home with Summer Chill Deals campaign

    Interio brings cool comfort home with Summer Chill Deals campaign

    MUMBAI: Turning up the style and turning down the heat, Interio’s latest campaign is a breath of fresh flair. Interio, one of India’s leading furniture brands under the Godrej Enterprises Group, has launched its sunny new campaign, Summer Chill Deals, showcasing how modern Indian homes can beat the heat with cool customisation and hot deals. The campaign comprises three breezy films that highlight the brand’s diverse range of stylish and functional furniture, designed to mirror the tastes, quirks and daily dynamics of today’s families.

    Whether you’re a colour-coordinated maximalist or a minimalist with a Pinterest obsession, Interio promises a personalised fit. From the modular Upmods range perfect for those who want flexibility with flair to bespoke sofa fabrics and user-designed kitchens, every piece becomes an extension of personal expression.

    Speaking about the films Interio head of integrated marketing & communications Reshu Saraf said, “At Interio, we believe that home space is deeply personal. Our furniture isn’t just functional, it’s a canvas for self-expression. From modular innovations like our Upmods range, which allows for limitless customization, to our wide array of styles, colours, and materials, we enable customers to create spaces that truly reflect their individual taste. Our summer campaign brings this philosophy to life, celebrating the creativity and uniqueness of every Indian home. For over decades, our commitment to style, design, and personalization has made us a trusted part of Indian homes and a beloved brand for families across the country.”

    Each campaign film captures relatable everyday moments: the social media-savvy parent trying to recreate a ‘dream home’ setup, the couple debating kitchen finishes over brunch, or the solo dweller designing a living room that suits both Netflix and nap time. The message is clear Interio makes it personal.

    To sweeten the deal, the brand is offering up to 35 per cent off on furniture and a chance to win a free Godrej AC, adding a literal chill to the Summer Chill Deals. The campaign is being rolled out across Youtube, social media, and print, ensuring it reaches digital explorers and newspaper loyalists alike.

    As Indian consumers increasingly seek out spaces that reflect their identity, Interio steps in not just to furnish homes, but to frame the stories within them.

  • Netflix to rewire its homepage in a game-changing move

    Netflix to rewire its homepage in a game-changing move

    MUMBAI: Netflix plans to reimagine its homepage, swapping its classic layout for a sleeker, smarter design that’s more than just eye candy. 

    The streaming giant has confirmed that the new homepage will roll out over the “next few weeks and months,” varying by location, as it dives into fresh waters—live events, games, and a cutting-edge search tool powered by OpenAI’s generative AI.

    According to Netflix chief product officer Eunice Kim, the streamer has been tinkering with its home page  for 12 years, but the current refresh is bigger than ever as it involves a mix of new tech and an expanded entertainment range.

    Netflix’s new look is cleaner, bolder, and all about discovery. Visual elements pop, while shortcuts that used to hide on the left now glide to the top. The revamped recommendation engine is a step up, promising to read your mood like a fortune-teller—whether you’re after a thriller, a tearjerker, or a pixel-packed game.

    Kim added that the new look is a playground for everything Netflix  offers—films, live events, and games. 

    But the behemoth isn’t stopping there. A TikTok-style vertical video feed is also in the works, letting users swipe through bite-sized clips of shows and movies—tap to watch, add to your list, or share the hype.

    For Netflix, the new homepage is more than a fresh coat of paint—it’s a gateway to everything it hopes to be.

  • Natasha Dave rises at Netflix, taking APAC talent reins

    Natasha Dave rises at Netflix, taking APAC talent reins

    MUMBAI: In a move that highlights Netflix’s commitment to empowering its talent across the Asia-Pacific region, Natasha Dave has been named the talent management lead for APAC. Dave, a seasoned HR leader with over 18 years of experience in talent management, strategic HR partnership, and organisational development, transitions to her new role after two and a half years with Netflix, where she previously served as HR business partner for India.

    Describing her journey at Netflix as a transformative experience, Dave credits the streaming giant’s culture and values for shaping her professional growth. Before Netflix, she led talent initiatives at GroupM India and Mindshare, managing chaos with a method to the madness and driving people-centric strategies. Her extensive career also includes leadership roles at Housing.com, Altisource, Intelenet Global Services, HSBC Securities, and Computer Sciences Corp.

    As she steps into her new role, Dave is set to steer Netflix’s APAC talent management strategy, ensuring that the region’s talent thrives in a dynamic, high-performance culture

  • Netflix bets big on Bharat: Ted Sarandos touts $2bn impact, calls India the next Korea

    Netflix bets big on Bharat: Ted Sarandos touts $2bn impact, calls India the next Korea

    MUMBAI:  “Don’t globalise it. Localise it, then watch it fly.” That was Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos’ mantra to Indian creators at the government of India’s Waves  Global Summit 2025, where he shared the stage with actor Saif Ali Khan in a high-wattage fireside chat titled Streaming the New India: Culture, Connectivity & Creative Capital.

    Sarandos came bearing stats—and swagger. Netflix’s investments in India from 2021 to 2024, he revealed, have generated over $2 billion in economic impact, filming across 23 states and 100+ cities, and collaborating with over 25,000 local cast and crew. “That’s not just entertainment—it’s employment, infrastructure, and skill-building,” he said.

    And the viewership numbers? Eye-watering. In 2024 alone, three billion+ hours of Indian content were streamed globally on Netflix—nearly 60 million hours a week. An Indian title made it to the global Top 10 non-English list every single week of the year.

    Saif Ali Khan, now a veteran of both big screens and binge-worthy epics, waxed lyrical about the creative freedoms offered by streaming. “It’s a gift,” he said. “Long-form storytelling lets you explore characters with nuance and intimacy. Streaming is a creative playground—with no school bell ringing at the end.”

    When asked how Indian creators can crack global markets, Sarandos dropped the algorithmic truth: “If you try to engineer something for the world, you end up making it for no one,” he warned. “The most successful global stories—Korea’s Squid Game, Spain’s Money Heist—were deeply local. India must do the same. If it’s not loved here, it won’t work out there.”

    He didn’t mince words. “Don’t water it down for the west. Audiences don’t want diluted. They want real.”

    According to Sarandos, India is teetering on the edge of a Squid Game-scale global breakout. “Korea had years of storytelling before its global moment,” he said. “India is now at that inflection point. The creative base is solid. The reach is already here.”

    Netflix is doubling down on that bet, with buzzy upcoming titles like The Royals and The B*****s of Bollywood joining global juggernauts like Squid Game S2, Stranger Things, and Wednesday.

    When asked if streaming would cannibalise cinemas, Sarandos played diplomat. “India is fan-first,” he said. “Theatres and streaming aren’t rivals—they’re tag-team partners.” Streaming, he added, simply meets audiences where they are. “In India, films move from theatre to streaming at record speed. That’s not disruption—that’s democratisation. India, in many ways, was ahead of the curve.”

  • Supreme Court puts OTT and social media sleaze on notice

    Supreme Court puts OTT and social media sleaze on notice

    MUMBAI:  The supreme court on Monday fired a warning shot across the bows of the government, streaming giants, and social media platforms, flagging the unchecked spread of obscene and sexually explicit content online.

    A bench led by justice B R Gavai and justice Augustine George Masih issued notices to the Centre and a who’s who of Big Tech — Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Meta, X Corp, Google, Apple, Ullu, and ALTT — after a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by journalist Uday Mahurkar and others called for urgent curbs on indecent material floating unchecked across digital platforms.

    “This petition raises an important concern,” said justice Gavai, cautioning that the issue was best left to the executive or legislature lest the court be accused of overreach. Nevertheless, he nudged solicitor general Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, to act: “Do something… something legislative.”

    Mehta did not dispute the concerns, describing some content as so perverted “that even two respectable people cannot sit together and watch,” but stressed that censorship was not an option. He added that regulations under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, were in place — and more were under contemplation.

    The petitioners, represented by advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, called for the establishment of a National Content Control Authority to monitor and regulate streaming and social media output until a comprehensive law is enacted. The plea warned that without action, the flood of sexually explicit, paedophilic and perverse material could corrupt young minds, fuel deviant behaviour, and trigger a rise in crimes against women and children.

    “What was once an individual vice has now become a public menace,” the petition thundered, accusing platforms like X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, and Ullu of promoting explicit content without adequate checks.

    While the Supreme Court has not set a timeline for the next hearing, the Centre’s response will be pivotal in shaping how India reins in its booming but increasingly controversial digital content ecosystem. For India’s streaming giants, the party might just be about to face a reality check.

  • Netflix shrugs off downturn fears as ad tech rollout bears fruit

    Netflix shrugs off downturn fears as ad tech rollout bears fruit

    MUMBAI: Netflix executives are feeling rather chirpier about their prospects, even as storm clouds gather over the global economy. During their Q1 2025 earnings call, co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters dismissed concerns about consumer belt-tightening, insisting that home entertainment has historically been “resilient” during lean times.

    “Entertainment historically has been pretty resilient in tougher economic times,” Peters told analysts. “Netflix specifically also has been generally quite resilient, and we haven’t seen any major impacts during those tougher times.”

    The streaming behemoth is ploughing ahead with its advertising ambitions, having just rolled out its proprietary ad tech platform in Canada and the US, with plans to expand to its remaining 10 ad markets in the coming months. Peters confidently predicted the company would “roughly double” its advertising revenue in 2025.
    “We aren’t currently seeing any signs of softness from our direct interactions with buyers,” he said. “Actually, to the opposite, we’re seeing some positive indicators from clients as we approach our upfront event.”

    The firm’s first-party ad tech platform is already yielding dividends, offering “more flexibility for advertisers” and “fewer activation hurdles,” according to Peters. In the US, Netflix has significantly expanded its targeting capabilities based on “life stage, interest, viewing mood” and third-party data.

    Sarandos reiterated that the company’s live strategy extends beyond sports, though he confirmed Netflix will broadcast a second NFL Christmas Day game in December 2025. The company will also stream the Taylor-Serrano boxing rematch in July, following on from the Tyson-Paul fight that generated substantial buzz.

    When questioned about potentially competing head-to-head with YouTube in short-form content, Peters struck a pragmatic tone: “We think the biggest opportunity we’ve got is actually going after the roughly 80% share of TV time that neither Netflix nor YouTube have today.”

    Meanwhile, chief financial officer Spence Neumann assured investors that excess cash flow would predominantly be returned to shareholders through buybacks, absent any “meaningful M&A.” The company maintains its full-year operating margin guidance of 29 per cent.

  • Netflix steams ahead with blockbuster Q1 as profits pop; Reed Hastings moves to non-exec chair

    Netflix steams ahead with blockbuster Q1 as profits pop; Reed Hastings moves to non-exec chair

    MUMBAI: Netflix smashed expectations in its first quarter of 2025, raking in $10.54bn in revenue—up nearly 13 per cent from last year—as the streaming titan shifts the spotlight from subscriber counts to cold, hard cash.
    The platform’s earnings per share soared to $6.61, comfortably beating Wall Street’s forecast of $5.71, while net income hit $2.89bn, up from $2.33bn a year ago. Operating income leapt 27 per cent to $3.35bn, pushing the margin up to 31.7 per cent.

    This was Netflix’s first earnings show without revealing its subscriber count, a move designed to pivot focus onto financial muscle and engagement rather than the once-sacrosanct user numbers. With pricing bumped up in key markets and a small but growing ad business, the company managed to woo both viewers and investors alike.

    Shares gained around three per cent in after-hours trading, closing Thursday at a sizzling $973. Netflix also doubled down on its full-year revenue forecast of $43.5bn–$44.5bn, projecting a 15 per cent year-on-year lift for Q2, with a beefier operating margin of 33 per cent.

    By region, the US and Canada contributed $4.62bn (up 9 per cent), EMEA rose 15 per cent to $3.41bn, Latin America clocked $1.26bn (up 8 per cent), while Asia Pacific surged 23 per cent to hit the same $1.26bn mark.
    On the content front, the UK’s moody miniseries Adolescence got a nod for driving eyeballs, alongside action flicks Back in Action, Ad Vitam and Counterattack. WWE’s Monday Night Raw also proved a global hit, cracking the streamer’s weekly top 10 since its January debut.

    The company launched its in-house ad tech platform in the US in April, touting it as a foundation for “enhanced targeting, snazzier formats and programmatic wizardry” in the quarters ahead.

    While economic clouds hover—thanks to tariff turmoil under President Trump 2.0—co-chief executive Greg Peters struck a bullish tone.

    “Based on what we are seeing by actually operating the business right now, there’s nothing really significant to note. We also take some comfort that entertainment historically has been pretty resilient in tougher economic times. Netflix, specifically, also, has been generally quite resilient. We haven’t seen any major impacts during those tougher times, albeit over a much shorter history,”  he said, adding that Netflix’s cheaper ad tier gives it added economic resilience.

    The earnings bonanza was capped off with a curtain call from co-founder Reed Hastings, who stepped down as executive chairman to become a non-executive chair—marking the end of an era for the man who helped binge-watching go mainstream.

    And just to keep Wall Street happy, Netflix threw in some shareholder candy too—buying back 3.7 million shares for $3.5bn and paying down $800m in debt. Still, with $15.1bn in debt on the books and $7.2bn in the bank, the company isn’t quite ready to roll the end credits.

  • K-dramas rank second on Netflix, just behind US content: Ampere research

    K-dramas rank second on Netflix, just behind US content: Ampere research

    MUMBAI: South Korean content is delivering knockout streaming figures for Netflix, now accounting for a whopping 17 per cent of the platform’s top 500 non-US shows and films, according to fresh research from Ampere Analysis.

    The streaming giant’s Seoul-mates now rank second only to American content for total viewing hours, a relationship that’s proving rather lucrative as Netflix pursues its ad-tier strategy and battles subscriber churn.

    In the latter half of 2024, viewers devoured 7.7 billion hours of Korean content—roughly 8 per cent of all Netflix viewing—outpacing entertainment heavyweights like the UK, Japan and Spain. Squid Game Season 2 topped global charts with a staggering 619.9 million streaming hours, while romance drama Love Next Door and cooking competition Culinary Class Wars also cooked up impressive numbers.

    Viewing share

    The streaming service isn’t playing hard to get, either. Netflix has pledged a cool $2.5 billion to Korean content between 2024 and 2028, having already established relationships with local broadcasting titans CJ ENM, JTBC, KBS, SBS and MBC. Meanwhile, local production capacity continues to expand with facilities like Studio 139 and Samsung Studio now operational.

    Korean media powerhouse CJ ENM is riding this global Hallyu wave with gusto, earmarking $818 million for content in 2025 while eyeing international expansion through Netflix exposure, partnerships with global studios, and potentially launching its streaming platform Tving worldwide.

    “Korean content plays a pivotal role in Netflix’s international success, driving both breakout hits and sustained viewing time,” notes Ampere Analysis research manager Orina Zhao. “South Korean content owners are well-positioned to capitalise on the global Hallyu phenomenon, maximising worldwide audience reach through strategic distribution and collaborations.”

    As the Hallyu wave shows no signs of crashing, Netflix’s Korean romance appears set for quite the happy ending.