Netflix Enters a New Era as ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Squid Game’ End

A recent change is underway in 2025 for Netflix. Two of the most famous shows from the company- Stranger Things and Squid Game are ending this year. These blockbuster series used to attract new subscribers to the service. In the past, such shows became the heartbeat of the service. But now, the giant streaming house is switching to a new strategy, which includes live events, reality shows, and ad-supported content.

The Impact of ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Squid Game’
Stranger Things was one of the first Netflix originals to be a huge global hit. It wasn’t just a show-its influence spread into Halloween costumes, merchandise, and even a Broadway play. Even though seasons were released years apart, fans stayed excited about the series.

Squid Game followed a similar path but took Netflix’s success to a worldwide audience. The Korean survival thriller became an unexpected phenomenon, leading to a reality show, a video game, and spin-offs. The show remained popular despite its dark theme, and season 2 broke Netflix’s record for the most-watched debut week. The third and final season will be released in June.

What’s Next for Netflix?

In the old days, they relied on megahit shows to attract subscribers. However, the new focus today is changing that emphasis. These large series are never good enough; it should try offering many shows to attract more viewers.

The content lineup Netflix has these days encompasses:
Live sports and events
Reality shows and true crime documentaries
Movies: Happy Gilmore

International series like Last Samurai Standing

Now with ads being a huge portion of its business, Netflix is striving to keep the steady stream of content coming for every type of viewer, much like cable TV.

Will Netflix Ever Have Another Mega-Hit?

Netflix has tried to create other big franchises, but none have matched Stranger Things or Squid Game. Shows like The Witcher started strong but lost popularity, and others, like 3 Body Problem, haven’t taken off as Netflix hoped.

That doesn’t mean Netflix won’t have further successful shows. Very popular series like Bridgerton and Wednesday are on, and international shows could be the next big surprise. However, those shows would not play the same critical role for Netflix going forward.

A Different Netflix in the Future

Netflix is no longer just a high-budget, must-watch show streaming service. It is now a platform that mixes content, from sports and reality TV to live events. The blockbuster shows will still be there, but they will not be the defining factors of Netflix success as they once were with Stranger Things and Squid Game.

This is the new Netflix: variety and ad revenue are what matter more than a single must-watch series.