Netflix launched its ad-supported tier yesterday, giving subscribers the option to pay less per month in exchange for four to five minutes of ads per hour. Netflix warned that certain shows and movies might not be available through the new tier when it launched. What it didn't clarify is which shows and movies would be missing.
Now the new tier has launched, and its first subscribers have taken it for a spin, that list has become clear. Variety revealed that among the missing shows on the ad-supported version of the platform are Breaking Bad, Arrested Development, The Crown, Grey's Anatomy, New Girl, and The Good Place, so some pretty heavy hitters. There does appear to have been some confusion as conflicting reports have claimed some of those shows, like Breaking Bad, actually are available.
Movies have been affected too. Skyfall, Rambo, and The Hateful Eight all make the list. When Netflix discussed plans for the tier earlier this year, it cited the reason for missing content as a licensing issue it would deal with in due course. Clearly that hasn't been entirely dealt with in time for launch, and those now paying $6.99 not only have ads, but also a smaller catalog than those willing to pay more.
Other benefits that are missing from the ad-supported plan include resolution being capped at 720p, and the ability to download shows and movies so they can be watched without an internet connection. It's also currently unavailable on Apple TVs, another wrinkle Netflix is attempting to iron out as soon as possible.
Introducing a new, cheaper tier is a part of Netflix's ongoing effort to prevent people from profile sharing. It comes a few weeks after its profile transfer feature encouraging the same thing. The platform's bosses have also made clear their intentions to venture further into the gaming space. It hopes to eventually allow subscribers to stream games through their TVs and laptops despite the recent failings of Google Stadia.