Netflix adds more than 130 countries in bid for world streaming dominance
Additions more than triple its availability in one flip of the switch
Netflix is the undisputed streaming video giant, delivering many thousands of movies and television series while also debuting many of the best new original shows available today – and now many more people can subscribe.
Today, at CES 2016, the company announced that it has added more than 130 countries to its worldwide roster, more than tripling the previous tally of 60 countries that it started the day with. Branded “Netflix Everywhere,” the global expansion adds new locales like India, South Korea, Afghanistan, and even Antarctica. Netflix also says it’s working on bringing access to the Moon – and we sort of believe them.
“Today you are witnessing the birth of a new global Internet TV network,” said Reed Hastings, Netflix co-founder and CEO. “With this launch, consumers around the world – from Singapore to St. Petersburg, from San Francisco to Sao Paulo – will be able to enjoy TV shows and movies simultaneously – no more waiting.”
Although Netflix is primarily available in English worldwide, today the company also added Arabic, Korean, and both Simplified and Traditional Chinese to its existing 17 supported languages. However, China still doesn’t have access to Netflix, likely due to its restrictions on content, while Crimea, North Korea, and Syria also don’t have Netflix due to United States governmental restrictions on international business.
Netflix has big plans for the year ahead, continuing its increased focus on original content with 31 new or expanded original series, a couple dozen films and documentaries, and 30 children’s series.
Recent releases like Master of None, Making a Murderer, and Marvel’s Jessica Jones have all been widely praised in addition to earlier favourites like House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, and Marvel’s Daredevil – all of which have new seasons on the horizon, as well.
[Sources: The Consumerist, Netflix]
Andrew Hayward
Freelance Writer 
