For many years, if you missed a new movie at the cinema, you had to wait months for it to arrive at your local video rental store, and hope you could be there at the exact time the movie was released. Otherwise, you could find that all the copies had already been rented and you were out of luck, having to make multiple trips to the store hoping that someone had returned their rental copy.
That all changed with the introduction of Netflix in 1997. The concept of Netflix was simple: Create an account on the website and make a list of movies you wanted to watch. The company then mails you the movies that are at the top of your list. Once you’ve watched the movie, you put it back in the pre-paid envelope. A few days later, the next movie on your list appears.
Credit: Netflix
In 2007, Netflix changed things again when it introduced its streaming service. Although it didn’t always have the newest movies, subscribers had thousands of movies to stream whenever they wanted. Eventually, the demand for DVDs and Blu-rays by mail faded, and Netflix became an entirely streaming business in 2023.
The love for Netflix shows no sign of waning. In fact, its vast selection of new releases, original movies, and series has made it the most popular streaming service in the world, with nearly 300 million subscribers.
Credit: Netflix
RELATED: Jenna Ortega’s hit Netflix series confirmed to continue without her after shocking exit
But there’s also a push by some angry subscribers to see streamers take a major hit.
On July 21, President Joe Biden announced that he would not seek reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who has since worked to secure delegates to the Democratic National Convention and raised tens of millions of dollars in donations.
Credit: The White House
It was recently revealed that Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings donated a whopping $7 million to Harris’ campaign, and was one of the people who called on President Biden to drop out of the race after the “depressing debate.” He even tweeted his congratulations to the vice president on July 23.
Congratulations Kamala Harris. It’s time to win!
Congratulations Kamala Harris. It’s time to win!
— Reed Hastings (@reedhastings) July 23, 2024
Related: Disney+, Netflix lose millions of subscribers to new streaming services
But Hastings’ endorsement of the vice president and subsequent donation to her campaign infuriated some of the company’s conservative subscribers — so much so, in fact, that #CancelNetflix recently trended on X (formerly Twitter).
Hey @netflix #CancelNetflix
We have only lost members since 2018, but other emails have lasted longer. Perhaps we should not mix business and politics.
Hey @Netflix #CancelNetflix
We have only lost members since 2018, but other emails have lasted longer. Perhaps we should not mix business and politics. pic.twitter.com/gSr71g3UiU
— Chris Thomas (@HODLfrGODL) July 27, 2024
RELATED: Confirmed: Stranger Things “Won’t Return” to Netflix in 2025
Some people joined the #CancelNetflix movement but said they were not involved in the boycott.
#CancelNetflix #netflix cancelled. I am not joining the boycott. They have the right to support whoever they want. But I can never accept my money going to Kamala Harris who I consider to be very immoral, corrupt and very anti-Christian in spirit and intent.
#CancelNetflix #Netflix Cancellation. I am not joining the boycott. They have a right to decide who they support. But I can never accept my money going to Kamala Harris. She is extremely immoral, corrupt and very anti-Christian in spirit and intent. pic.twitter.com/1K34mKCAup
— Bill Collier Jr. (@freedomregent) July 26, 2024
Of course, while some people said they would cancel their Netflix subscriptions, others supported Reed Hastings and found the whole incident amusing. They were so impressed by Hastings’ actions that they even renewed their Netflix subscriptions.
Find out why #CancelNetflix is trending.
Oh, and he gave $7 million to Kamala Harris and the MAGA tantrums are happening? Great motivation to resubscribe. Well done Netflix 👏, I’m back after a 2 year hiatus.
Find out why #CancelNetflix It’s becoming a trend.
Oh, and he gave $7 million to Kamala Harris and the MAGA tantrums are happening? Great motivation to resubscribe. Well done Netflix 👏, I’m back after a 2 year hiatus. pic.twitter.com/AaX2dL3Frz
— J Hunter 🍁 (@MrJoKeR604) July 26, 2024
Some pointed out that those infuriated by Hastings’ donation to Harris would be truly furious if they knew who has donated to Vice President Harris in the past: former President Donald Trump, who gave Harris $5,000 in 2011 and $1,000 in 2013.
It seems MAGA wants to cancel your Netflix subscription for donating to Kamala Harris. You know who else donated to Kamala Harris?
Donald Trump.
It seems MAGA wants to cancel your Netflix subscription for donating to Kamala Harris. You know who else donated to Kamala Harris?
Donald Trump.
–Alex Cole pic.twitter.com/18ERWVz1Vz
— QuoteDigger (@QuoteDigging) July 26, 2024
Shortly after #CancelNetflix began trending, reports emerged that the streaming service had lost over 6 million subscribers and its stock price had fallen by over 40%. Neither claim is true; Netflix’s stock price has remained relatively stable, and it’s unclear exactly how many people actually canceled their Netflix accounts as a result of Hastings’ donation.
Do you support people canceling their Netflix subscriptions over Reed Hastings’ donation? Or do you think this trend is ridiculous? Let us know in the comments!
