A media research analyst is warning that Netflix Inc. could see the defection of as many 750,000 subscribers in the U.K. with the loss of several older U.S. sitcoms and action shows that are owned by Walt Disney Co.. But is this warning accurate in its severity, or is it overlooking several key elements regarding both companies?
What Was Claimed
In an interview with the British media out The Guardian, Ali Vahdait, founder and CEO of Digital i, observed that Netflix has lost the streaming rights to five series that are owned by Disney—“How I Met Your Mother,” “Modern Family,” “New Girl,” “Prison Break” and “Sons of Anarchy”—and will soon be losing the rights to “Homeland.”“The viewing to these six titles, five of which have already left Netflix, was significant in the U.K.,” said Vahdati. “This means a significant number of subscribers will begin to question their Netflix subscription and look to the new home of their favorite content, Disney+.”
