‘Bright’ Reply: Netflix CEO Disses Critics as ‘Disconnected’
That 26 percent Rotten Tomatoes score didn’t faze Reed Hastings
Sean Burch | January 22, 2018 @ 3:54 PM
Last Updated: January 22, 2018 @ 4:13 PM
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Netflix CEO Reed Hastings doesn’t care about the haters.
While taking a victory lap on Monday afternoon, as he discussed his company’s standout Q4 earnings, the executive said he wasn’t thrown off by the tepid reviews received by “Bright” — its recent big-budget Will Smith release.
“The critics are pretty disconnected from the mass appeal,” said Hastings on Monday’s earnings call, adding, “considering we’re moving internationally at this point, and most of those critical reviews are English language and just U.S.”
“Bright” pulled in 11 million views for the streaming heavyweight in the first three days following its December release. But it was also pillaged by critics, who gave it a 26 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. Echoing Hastings, Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said that measure — rather than critical acclaim — is what they have their focus on.
“Critics are an important part of the kind of artistic process, but they’re pretty disconnected from the commercial prospects of a film,” said Sarandos on Monday’s call. “If people are watching this movie and loving it, that is the measurement of success.”
Netflix posted a banner quarter earlier on Monday, reporting a record 8.33 million new subscribers. Shares of its stock jumped more than 8 percent in after-hours trading following the news, reaching a new all-time high just shy of $250 a share.
Moving forward, Hastings said more high-profile projects like “Bright” will be in the works.
“The real driver is to make the big titles bigger,” said Hastings. “What happens is, so many people are talking about ‘Bright’ or ‘Stranger Things 2’ or ‘The Crown,’ that that’s what pulls in people that haven’t yet joined. That’s the dominant accelerator.”
Netflix in January: What's Coming and What to Watch Before It's Gone (Photos)
Here are our highlights for January on Netflix, from original programming to freshly added film titles. Plus, what to re-watch before it leaves Netflix.
Available Jan. 1: "Wedding Crashers"
This movie is the reason "crashing a wedding" is on everyone's Tindr bucket list and why some wedding crashing was featured on "The Bachelor" that one time. It's hilarious, and perfect for watching with your pals during your post-New Year's Eve hangover.
WB
Available Jan. 1: "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"
Did the Oompa Loompas freak you out as a child? Well, Netflix has your Golden Ticket to the magical (and creepy) candy-filled world of Willy Wonka on the first of the year.
Available Jan. 19: "Grace and Frankie" Season 4
Lisa Kudrow joins the cast as third wheel Sheree for the fourth season of the Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin comedy. How will their titular friendship weather challenges brought on by this new addition?
Netflix
Available Jan. 26: "One Day at a Time" Season 2
This rollicking reboot of the Norman Lear sitcom that originally aired from 1975-1984 is getting its second season on Netflix. The first season was met with critical praise for its take on Cuban-American identity and other hot topics.
Netflix
Available Jan. 16: "Dallas Buyers Club"
Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto both won Oscars for their performance in this 2014 film about HIV-AIDS healthcare struggles and an unlikely friendship.
Leaving Jan. 1: "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial"
Your favorite little alien is phoning home for real this time. Cry to the cutest relationship between an extra-terrestrial and a kid one more time before Spielberg's classic leaves the platform on the first of the month.
Universal
Leaving Jan. 1: "Forrest Gump"
Despite the fact this film flaunts one of Tom Hanks' most recognizable roles ever, Netflix is shouting, "run Forrest, run!"
Leaving Jan. 1: "Mean Girls"
Netflix finally broke down and decided to stop trying to make "fetch" happen. You can add the streaming service to your Burn Book at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve for this move.
Paramount
Leaving Jan. 1: "Grease"
Sandy and Danny rode off into the sunset in their flying car, and are continuing to fly right off the Netflix screen. We're writing a song called "Netflix Drop-Out."
Leaving Jan. 4: "Lost" Season 1-6
Why, oh why, are the television gods taking "Lost" away from us? The show that paved the way for fan-theory rabbit holes is leaving Jan. 4, so binge as much as you can in the next few weeks.
Here's the complete list of what's coming to and leaving Netflix in January.
ABC
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Buckle up, because 2018 is bringing a whole new batch of fresh Netflix Original programming and the return of old favorites
Here are our highlights for January on Netflix, from original programming to freshly added film titles. Plus, what to re-watch before it leaves Netflix.
Available Jan. 1: "Wedding Crashers"
This movie is the reason "crashing a wedding" is on everyone's Tindr bucket list and why some wedding crashing was featured on "The Bachelor" that one time. It's hilarious, and perfect for watching with your pals during your post-New Year's Eve hangover.