Netflix Instant

Once simply an on-demand Internet streaming service, Netflix Instant changed the streaming platform for the better by becoming a distributer of original content. Netflix Instant not only acquired the rights to instantly stream popular movie and TV titles, but it's also competing with major TV networks by distributing original series, such as Emmy-nominated 'House of Cards,' 'Orange Is the New Black' and the latest season of 'Arrested Development.' In addition to expanding with more scripted series, Netflix Instant will become the destination for Marvel's highly anticipated 'The Defenders' series, which will include standalone series for 'Daredevil,' 'Luke Cage,' 'Jessica Jones' and 'Iron Fist' before culminating in an 'Avengers'-style miniseries team-up event.

Founded: August 29, 1997 (Netflix, Inc.); 2007 (introduced streaming service)
Founders: Reed Hastings, Marc Randolph

Original Netflix Instant Series: ‘House of Cards,’ ‘Orange Is the New Black,’ ‘Hemlock Grove,’ ‘Arrested Development‘ (season 4), ‘Lillyhammer,’ ‘The Killing‘ (season 4), ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars‘ (“The Lost Missions”), ‘Sense8,’ ‘Marco Polo,’ ‘Narcos,’ ‘BoJack Horseman,’ ‘Daredevil,’ ‘Jessica Jones,’ ‘Iron Fist,’ ‘Luke Cage,’ ‘The Defenders.’

Did the Queen of England Reference 'The Crown' on Christmas?

Much as we love to imagine historical figures sitting down to watch their fictionalized selves, there’s no way the real Queen Elizabeth II actually watches The Crown, right? A key moment from the Netflix drama’s second season seemed to make its way into this year’s Christmas address, and Her Majesty may just have tipped us to her royal binge-watching habits.

Kevin Fitzpatrick

'Fuller House' Might Actually Bring Back Steve Urkel

Netflix’s Fuller House may never bring Michelle back to the fold, but another ‘90s TV icon could be waiting in the wings. A curious reference from the Season 3 finale brings Family Matters’ Steve Urkel back into play, and producers have actually discussed bringing the famed character to San Francisco for a visit.

Kevin Fitzpatrick

Netflix 'Sabrina' Goes for a Walk in Chilling First Concept Art

Excited though we were to see Sabrina join the Riverdale-verse, Netflix likely offered a bit more leeway with its darker tone. That darkness is pretty literal in our first official concept art from the series, which brings a bit of school spirit to some creepy woods.

Kevin Fitzpatrick

David Harbour Confirms 'Stranger Things 3' 2019 Premiere

More and more series are taking year-long gaps for production, and Stranger Things is likely to be among them. Where previously star David Harbour suggested Season 3 of the fan-favorite Netflix drama might not arrive until 2019, the actor now has an even more specific date in mind.

Kevin Fitzpatrick

Dave Chappelle Sets Surprise Second Netflix Special for New Years

Excited though we were for a new Dave Chappelle special next week, Equanimity marked the last of his new Netflix material. Well, not anymore! A new trailer confirms that a fourth special will also be released in tandem with the New Year’s Eve debut.

Kevin Fitzpatrick

'Narcos' Confirms Pedro Pascal's Exit With Season 4 Time-Jump

The Narcos franchise got a shot in the arm this week with word that Diego Luna and Michael Peña would lead the fourth, Mexico-set season; effectively rebooting the series. Some had hope Pedro Pascal’s Javier Peña might still take part, but new details on the Mexico setting virtually guarantee Narcos starting from scratch.

Kevin Fitzpatrick

Dave Chappelle Takes on Trump Voters in Netflix 'Equanimity' Clip

Dave Chappelle was a voice of reason after the 2016 election, and you can bet he has more to say. Our first clip from his 2017 Netflix special Equanimity has arrived, as the comedian looks back on his experience voting alongside Trump supporters.

Kevin Fitzpatrick

Diego Luna and Michael Pena Will Lead 'Narcos' Season 4

Rebooting any series with new leads is tricky enough, but leave it to Narcos to pull it off twice. Netflix confirms that the fourth season will move to Mexico, with Diego Luna and Michael Peña taking over as co-leads from star Pedro Pascal.

Kevin Fitzpatrick

Netflix Fires Executive Who Doubted Danny Masterson's Accusers

It took Netflix suspiciously long to sever ties with Danny Masterson in the wake of numerous rape allegations, and the reason why added a new layer of shame to the matter. A Netflix exec inadvertently explained to an accuser that management simply didn’t believe the allegations, and the streaming service has now parted ways with said company man.

Kevin Fitzpatrick

New on Netflix: January 2018

From ‘Willy Wonka’ to ‘Cars 3,’ here’s everything headed to Netflix next month for your streaming pleasure

Matt Singer