Netflix: The TV Revolution

With the release of Netflix’s first major original series, political drama “House of Cards” starring Kevin Spacey, the company has revealed its plans to take the reigns of the ever-evolving television format.

The days when people sat down to watch live television are gone. Now with the advent of the Internet, digital video recorders and Netflix, people have the leisure to watch shows on their time.

But even if the gamut of television viewership is more widespread than ever, many pop culture pundits believe we’re living in a golden age of television programming, and they’re right. This is due to the years of creative freedom afforded to such networks as HBO, Showtime, AMC and FX, who aren’t shouldered with the same content restrictions as the networks known as the Big Four (ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC). And now Netflix is getting into the game with its instant streaming selections.

“House of Cards,” whose 13 chapters were all released online Feb. 1, is unquestionably the flagship for Netflix’s innovative endeavor. With such big name talents as Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright in front of the camera and celebrated filmmaker David Fincher directing/producing, it’s hard to imagine the concept failing. “House of Cards” proved to be a modern Shakespearean political roller coaster, featuring the darkest and dankest back alleys of Washington political affairs.

Netflix’s chief content officer Ted Sarandos said “House of Cards” is currently the most watched item on the website. Come May, we’ll see the launch of the anticipated return of the critically adored cult comedy “Arrested Development,” which should be another major draw for the website.

But Netflix shouldn’t pop the champagne just yet. The other new shows sound promising, but they don’t come with the built-in safety net of big names or fan bases. “Weeds” creator Jenji Kohan will produce a new show centered on a women’s prison entitled “Orange is the New Black,” debuting in the late spring. The summer will bring “Derek” from comedian Ricky Gervais, which revolves around workers in a nursing home. Optimistically, these shows will see the same kind of success “House of Cards” is seeing. They may sound like risks, but as long as the creative content is nourishing, Netflix is looking like it may just be the next great television competitor.  

The system still does require some fine-tuning. While I was more than happy at the time to devour all 13 chapters of “House of Cards” in a week, it does feel unsatisfying to know I’ll most likely be waiting another year for a new season. In hindsight, I would have preferred Netflix to launch the episodes on a weekly basis to extend the ride. But then again, that’s what regular television does, and Netflix is looking to redefine the medium.

The upcoming months will be crucial in seeing Netflix build and nurture its new configuration. Like all art forms, television is constantly being reenergized. I’d bank on Netflix leading the charge, fostering viewers further into this golden age of television.