The quality of Netflix’s library began to decline after the OTT giant switched to focusing more on original content. Because of the heavy investment in originals, the streaming platform has not been able to license good content and their streaming rights. Time and again, fans have shared their discontent with the selection of movies Netflix has, especially classic movies. However, recently the platform has been shifting its attention to acquiring rights for good movies and shows. 

Since the Netflix Originals are at a halt owing to the SAG-AFTRA strikes, the OTT is trying to revive itself by adding old hits to its library. After its acquisition of Richar Linklater’s movie, it has licensed a 2022 thriller drama by Xavier Dolan.

Netflix licensed Xavier Dolan’s Vidéotron series

Netflix recently acquired the 2023 action comedy, Hit Man, for $20 million, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. With a rating of 98 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, the assassin comedy starring Glen Powell received highly favorable reviews. While fans are anticipating the release date of the Richard Linklater action comedy, Netflix lined up another drama series, The Night Logan Woke Up. Directed by Dolan, the 2022 adaptation of Michel Marc Bouchard’s play will hit the US streaming platform in October 2023. 

The series centers around a family in Val-des-Chutes who are going through a difficult time dealing with the grief of their matriarch Madeleine’s death. The series first aired on Vidéotron, in the year 2022, and received a lukewarm response from the audience. Despite having a talented ensemble, the series failed to make a mark and sits at 7.7 on IMDb and 60% on RottenTomatoes. Apart from The Night Logan Woke Up, Netflix also licensed another show, Django, for October 2023.

While the OTT giant is trying its best to curate a selection of quality shows, the release of its originals is still up in the air.

The release dates of Originals are in limbo

It has been over four months, and the writers and actors’ strikes have been underway. While the protest has been inspiring for people encountering workplace injustice, it delayed many highly anticipated shows. Starting with Stranger Things, the series could take as long as two more years for its release. Even though the series’ updates suggest that the makers finished a bulk of its writing, it is still uncertain when the shooting will start. Apart from that, Bridgerton also finished filming its final season and the ongoing strike has been preventing the team from promoting the show any further. 

Things got even worse when fantasy show lovers heard that the second season of Wednesday was not even at the starting line. The show did not start its filming, nor does it have a script yet. Multiple other shows, including Emily in Paris Season 4, The Umbrella Academy Season 4, and Virgin River Season 5, are at a halt owing to the strikes. While the release of the anticipated originals is uncertain, Netflix users might be able to binge-watch a few old classics. 

What do you think about Netflix’s attempts at upgrading its library? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!