Netflix Is Letting Some Subscribers Watch New Shows Early
Netflix has been inviting select US subscribers to view original content ahead of public release.
As Variety reports(Opens in a new window), Netflix began running feedback panels in May 2021, asking small groups of users to evaluate the streaming service's upcoming movies and TV shows before they hit the platform.
"We at Netflix are building a community of members to view and give feedback on upcoming movies and series, and we'd like to know if you're interested in being a part of it," explained a recent subscriber email, published by Variety. "It's simple, but an incredibly important part of creating best-in-class content for you and Netflix members all around the world."
Participants are asked to watch several films and series over the course of about six months. They then fill out a survey "to tell us what you liked, what you didn't, how you'd make it even better, or how likely you'd be to recommend it to friends and family." Early-bird viewers must sign a nondisclosure agreement and keep all information about the content quiet ahead of the official release.
Focus groups are nothing new. Hollywood has been conducting test screenings and market research for decades, and Netflix clearly sees a benefit, too. You may remember last year Netflix trialed the Play Something feature that picks a title based on users' previous viewing history.
What we don't know is how many people are taking part in these early viewing, what programs they're watching, or how a subscriber can snag a coveted invite for themselves. Netflix did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment.
Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate
Read more on pcmag.com
