Netflix's Ad-pocalypse: 94 Million Suckers Can't Escape the Commercials!

Another Bug Hunt?

Alright listen up. Ripley here back from… well let's just say some unpleasantness involving acidic aliens and corporate shenanigans. Seems those Weyland Yutani types are everywhere even in your entertainment. Netflix the folks who beam shows directly into your skull (almost) are bragging about their ad supported plan. Ninety four million users they say. Ninety four million souls trapped in a digital Hadley's Hope bombarded with commercials. Makes you wonder what's worse: a Xenomorph or a never ending loop of car insurance ads.

Steep Discount? Or a Steep Price to Pay?

They call it a 'steep discount' – $7.99 a month versus $17.99 for the ad free version. Sounds like a bargain right? Wrong. Nothing's cheap when you're selling your sanity. Remember "What we respond to isn't necessarily what we believe." And I don't believe anyone *wants* to watch more ads. They’re just trying to save a few bucks and who can blame them? But trust me you start making deals with companies like this and pretty soon they own you.

Attentive Viewers or Brainwashed Drones?

Apparently according to Netflix President Amy Reinhard people are paying just as much attention to the ads as they are to the shows. Right. And I'm the Queen of England. Maybe they're just too stunned by the sheer volume of marketing to change the channel. Or maybe they're all androids now programmed to love consumerism. “I admire its purity. A survivor… unclouded by conscience remorse or delusions of morality.” Sounds like their perfect customer right?

The Youth of Today (and Tomorrow...Probably)

Netflix also brags that their cheapest tier reaches more 18 to 34 year olds than any U.S. broadcast or cable network. Congratulations Netflix. You've successfully cornered the market on impressionable young minds. Hope you're using your powers for good because with great power comes great… nah who am I kidding? It's always about the profit. And you know that in space no one can hear you scream… but you’re happy to show them commercials anyway.

Is There Any Escape?

So what's the solution? Do we all abandon streaming services and retreat to the wilderness? Maybe. Or maybe we just need to fight back. Demand better. Refuse to be cattle. Remember "I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure." Figuratively speaking of course. We don't want to destroy Netflix. Just maybe persuade them to dial back the corporate greed a notch or two. Wishful thinking I know.

Game Over Man? Not Yet.

Look I've faced down Xenomorphs corporate conspiracies and countless bureaucratic nightmares. A few extra commercials aren't going to break me. But it’s just one more thing to be aware of one more way they’re trying to get to you. Stay vigilant people. And remember if you see something… say something. Unless it’s an ad for yogurt. Then just mute it. Game over man? Not yet. But we gotta watch our backs.