Netflix Officially Has a Major Viewership Problem
By Erin Konrad
Published Sep 19, 2026, 2:27 PM EDT
Erin Konrad's love for entertainment spans back to elementary school, when she developed an obsession with classic Hollywood musicals. A journalist and Creative Writing Master's graduate, she combines her writing skills with her passion for TV and movies as a content creator at Collider. When not reading or spending time with her dog Gracie, she's advising friends on their next binge-watch.
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In today's streaming era, streamers must consistently release content to keep viewers engaged. Once a clear leader, Netflix now faces stiff competition from the likes of Disney+, Hulu (merged), Prime Video, and even Apple TV+ – a relatively new player that made waves at this year's Emmy Awards.
Netflix is losing subscribers, as evidenced by an 8% drop in viewership in H1 2026. While rising subscription costs might be a factor, the main reason for viewers' exodus is the increasing gap between seasons of popular shows.
Long breaks between seasons leave audiences yearning for more, prompting them to explore other streaming platforms with consistent releases.