Cordkillers 594: Streamflation Frustration

In this episode of Cordkillers, hosts Brian and Tom dive into the growing frustration around 'streamflation'—the steady rise in streaming prices, particularly Netflix’s recent price hikes across all tiers. They analyze the business logic behind Netflix’s strategy, noting that despite higher prices, subscribers are increasingly opting for the ad-supported tier, which actually generates more revenue per user due to ad monetization. The hosts explore the psychological paradox of ad tolerance, comparing it to dental surgery: people hate ads in the moment but forget them quickly, making the ad tier a surprisingly effective revenue model. They also discuss Andy Weir’s controversial comments about Star Trek, his subsequent apology, and the delicate balance of tone in public apologies. The episode covers major entertainment news, including the upcoming Supergirl film, a new Lord of the Rings movie centered on Sam’s daughter, and HBO’s Harry Potter series. The hosts reflect on the cultural implications of remakes, the global expansion of Eurovision, and Netflix’s growing role in live sports and award shows. In the 'Buried Treasure' segment, they share personal viewing highlights and promote Tom’s new book, 'Synced,' which explores the human stories behind technology. The episode closes with listener insights and a call to support the show via Patreon for an ad-free experience. Key takeaways include: 1) The ad-supported streaming tier is a smarter financial move for platforms than pure subscription models; 2) Consumers should track their viewing habits to evaluate value per minute; 3) Public apologies are most effective when they acknowledge impact without over-defending; 4) Remakes and reboots succeed only when they bring a fresh perspective; 5) Netflix’s expansion into live events signals a shift toward becoming a full entertainment ecosystem; 6) AI training differs from human learning in scale and potential for exact replication; 7) Patronage models like Patreon offer a sustainable alternative to ad-driven content; 8) The future of entertainment lies in personalization and access, not just content volume.