streaming27.815 min read
Netflix to stream publisher videos from BuzzFeed, Condé Nast and more
3 days ago•Source: The Verge
Streaming News
The latest streaming stories, summarized by AI
Featured Streaming Stories
View original source
32.12 min•9 days ago
Peacock goes solo: can it survive as a standalone streamer?
Comcast’s plan to spin NBCUniversal away from its broadband and wireless units puts Peacock on its own, forcing profitability and scale without the corporate backing; even with exclusive live sports and new features, it remains US-only with about 46 million subs and lags rivals, and an update notes it was offered for free to some Xfinity subscribers. Analysts wonder about future M&A as Peacock fights to stand out in a crowded streaming market.
More Top Stories
2
YouTube lets you craft a personalized video feed using AI prompts
The Verge•1 month ago
3
Netflix’s ad push grows to 250M viewers, with vertical video and podcasts expansion
The Verge•1 month ago
More Streaming Stories
Texas sues Netflix over ads, data mining, and autoplay concerns
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed suit against Netflix, accusing the company’s ad-supported tier of breaching its ad-free/kid-friendly promises while turning Texans’ data over to ad-tech brokers in a claimed behavior-surveillance program; Paxton seeks to block data collection and disclosure and to disable autoplay on kids’ profiles. Netflix did not immediately comment.
NFL rights clash: YouTube balks at split as Netflix expands and broadcast TV returns
YouTube reportedly balked at splitting the NFL’s five-game package with Netflix, leaving two windows it would have received to be bid to broadcast networks while Netflix is set to take three windows (plus its Christmas Day games) and an Australia game, expanding its NFL slate. The league had originally presented 12 windows to choose five, with the remaining being NFL Network inventory; Fox and other networks are viewed as potential bidders for the added broadcast windows. The development comes amid ongoing scrutiny of streaming rights in sports and a broader push for more games on broadcast television, framed by comments from league officials about Netflix’s scale.
YouTube tests a conversational AI search experience
Google is testing an AI-driven search on YouTube called 'Ask YouTube' that delivers a conversation-like results page with longform videos, Shorts, and explanatory text. Access is currently limited to US YouTube Premium subscribers 18+; a Verge tester saw prompts and a full AI-style results page when using the feature. Results combine text summaries, videos, and curated Shorts, with follow-up prompts after the initial search. While promising, the tester noted a factual error (Steam Controller details), underscoring the need to verify AI-generated content. Google says it plans to expand access beyond Premium and continue iterating on AI Mode across products.
Netflix bets on vertical video with a mobile UI revamp
Netflix announced a redesigned mobile app set to launch at the end of April, adding a vertical video feed to better reflect its expanding entertainment lineup and make mobile engagement easier; the company says the lines between TV and mobile entertainment are blurring and that mobile video clips drive engagement, with the revamp aiming to support long-term growth after a prior TV app update and earlier vertical-feed tests.
Netflix cofounder Reed Hastings steps down as chair after nearly 30 years
Reed Hastings will not stand for re-election to Netflix’s board and will step down as chairman when his current term expires at the June annual meeting, ending nearly 30 years with the company to focus on philanthropy and other pursuits. Netflix reported $12.25 billion in Q1 2026 revenue, up 16.2% year‑over‑year, driven by member growth, higher pricing, and ad revenue, while continuing to push into live content, podcasts, and games; it also paid a $2.8 billion breakup fee after walking away from an $83 billion Warner Bros. deal, raised prices to $19.99 for the cheapest ad‑free plan, and plans a mobile app revamp focused on vertical video.
Fox eyes five-game NFL package amid streaming bidders and antitrust probe
Fox is reportedly bidding for the NFL’s five-game media-rights package, joining YouTube and Netflix as the DOJ investigates whether streaming deals fall under the Sports Broadcasting Act antitrust exemption; the league has outlined five game windows (including the Australia International Series, Thanksgiving Eve, Black Friday, and a potential Christmas Eve slot), with Fox moving a high-profile window from streaming back to broadcast.
Three Must-Watch Netflix Picks From This Weekend’s Top 10
Tom’s Guide narrows Netflix’s current US top 10 into three must-watch picks for the weekend (Mar 28-29, 2026), highlighting a popcorn thriller War Machine, the kid-friendly The Bad Guys 2, and a third title starring Cillian Murphy described as a historical drama, to help you decide what to stream.”
Netflix hikes prices across its entire lineup
Netflix is raising prices on all subscription tiers in the US, with the ad-supported Standard plan going from $8 to $9, the ad-free plan from $18 to $20, and the Premium plan from $25 to $27. Adding another member now costs $8 on the ad-supported plan or $10 on the ad-free plan. The changes will roll out to current subscribers in the coming weeks, and existing members will be emailed about the price updates ahead of the switch.
One Piece returns as Netflix drops seven new titles for March 9–15
Netflix’s March 9–15 slate brings seven new titles, including One Piece Season 2, Virgin River Season 7, and Love Is Blind: The Reunion, plus Derrick Stroup: Nostalgic, Age of Attraction, Louis Theroux: Inside The Manosphere, and That Night. The standout options are the return of One Piece and Virgin River, with a live Love Is Blind reunion airing March 11. Other entries cover stand-up, reality dating, documentary, and a Spanish crime thriller, offering a diverse week of premieres for Netflix subscribers.
Drive to Survive expands to Apple TV as Netflix streams a live race
Netflix’s eighth season of Drive to Survive will stream on Apple TV in addition to Netflix, as Apple secures a five‑year US rights deal for Formula 1 races; the season debuts on both services, and Netflix will livestream the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix weekend for US subscribers.