Is Roku the Next Netflix Killer?

Is Roku a Netflix Killer?

November 23, 2021

November 23, 2021

Roku has been dominating the streaming device market for the past several years, but apparently, devices aren't enough for it. Reports indicate that Roku is planning to turn itself into a streaming giant, as well. 

Streamer's Spotlight: Could Roku Be a Netflix Killer?

We'll answer the question right away. Could Roku be a Netflix killer? Probably not. But it doesn't have to kill Netflix to become a winner in this space. All it needs is to become a major competitor. And if its current plans are any indication, the company has both the money and the name recognition to do it. 

1. What Is Roku Planning?

Roku announced last week that it plans to release

over the next two years. Let's step back for a moment and think about that. The name-brand streamer Hulu only released 27 new original shows in 2021. 

Meanwhile, Netflix releases hundreds of original programs each year. Roku's plans for 50 over two years is small potatoes (Netflix released over 350 titles in 2019, for example). However, 50 over two years (or let's say, 25 in 2022 and 25 more in 2023), is a far better production rate than other big names like HBO Max and Apple TV+.

2. Will Roku Ban Competing Streaming Services?

Roku has had its own streaming service for several years, but its original content on the device has been scant. Ramping up its original content production could incentivize it to be pickier with contracts from competing streaming services, like Netflix. However, it can only do so much as antitrust laws would make it difficult for the company to go too far (think Microsoft Windows and competing apps).

3. Will Roku Start Charging a Subscription Fee?

Here's the big question that's going to be a wait-and-see. Roku's streaming app is currently free. But if the company starts producing more original content, it's not likely to keep it free. That said, it may be able to subsidize the cost thanks to its device sales and data collection services, so it may be able to undercut the price of its competitors by a wide margin. 

This Week's Streaming Guide

1. MCU 'Hawkeye' TV Show Launches

The new Hawkeye TV show premieres this Wednesday (Nov. 24) on Disney+ -

  2. Beatles Fans Rejoice: Disney+ Has a Show for You 

Disney+ Miniseries 'The Beatles: Get Back' premieres on Disney+ this Thursday (Nov. 25) -

  3. The Next Great Christmas Movie Will be on HBO Max 

Live out your childhood dreams of getting a Nintendo this Thursday (Nov. 25) with '8-Bit Christmas'. -

4. These Are the Toys Built America

History Channel continues its "Built America" series, this time, with toys. Watch on History Channel this Sunday (Nov. 28) at 9 PM EST. -

News and Industry Developments

1. Roku Plans to Produce 50 Original Shows in the Next Two Years

The company wants to be the big next streaming service, and it has the presence to do it. -

2. HBO Discussed Buying Netflix in 2006

Needless to say, it didn't happen. -

3. 'Star Trek: Discovery' Is Tearing the Streaming World Apart

Paramount+ is bringing the brand into new directions, and that's not OK with many fans. -

4. Notice How Netflix Never Has Outages? Here's Why

The company consistently proves that it's more than just a streaming service. -

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