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Streaming, Netflix, and the Evolution of Entertainment

Welcome to The Stream Snob, where I share insights and honest reviews on streaming content, examining an ever-evolving industry from the perspective of a busy father. In today’s world of endless streaming options, The Stream Snob is here to help you navigate what’s worth your time, without the hype.

The entertainment industry has come a long way since the days of the video rental store. Growing up in the ‘90s, I remember the excitement of visiting a rental store, knowing that my entertainment time was a prized commodity. Back then, we’d browse shelves of movies, pick up tapes, and spend precious minutes debating which one was worth the rental fee. It was an event in itself, and in those days, TV shows and movies—aside from a few standouts—were mostly mediocre by today’s standards.

Now, the supply of shows and movies is overwhelming. We’re constantly bombarded with content, dopamine hits pinging our brains from every corner of cyberspace, enticing us to watch just one more episode or try out the latest show. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and others have revolutionized how we consume entertainment, offering us countless choices at the click of a button. But with this abundance comes a challenge: how do we sift through the sheer volume to find what’s truly worth watching?

From Video Stores to Streaming Giants

As someone who grew up in the slower times of the ‘90s, the shift in how we consume media is striking. I remember watching my dad come home, unwind with a newspaper, maybe work on a small project, balance the checkbook, and finally sit down for an hour of TV—whatever happened to be on. Entertainment was finite, and every choice felt deliberate. As a father myself now, I look back on those times and reflect on how different things are.

Today, my downtime feels just as fragmented as the content we’re offered. I juggle parenting duties, making sure my kids are keeping up with their studies and practicing math, all while managing my own career and interests. Somewhere in between, I’m plugged into my phone, endlessly flipping through news apps, checking Twitter, scrolling Instagram—a reality my wife often shakes her head at. Yet despite these changes, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love technology, the convenience of streaming, and the ever-shifting landscape of cyberspace, even if it comes at a different pace than I was used to.

But I still miss the thrill of the rental store—the joy of picking out a movie, the surprise of finding the last available copy of the newest release, and the excitement of bringing it home, eager to press play.

Quality Over Quantity: How the Pandemic Changed Streaming

While technology has advanced our entertainment choices, the “streaming wars” took a toll on quality, especially during the pandemic. As companies fought for subscribers, they flooded us with content, chasing quantity over quality. Disney poured out MCU installments at a pace that led to franchise fatigue. Meanwhile, Netflix bought up scripts left and right, cramming its lineup with anything remotely promising, only to deliver a string of disappointing releases. Examples like Space Force, Jupiter’s Legacy, and Resident Evil left viewers underwhelmed, chipping away at Netflix’s reputation as a reliable source of quality entertainment.

It’s a far cry from when Netflix first introduced its originals, like House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, and Stranger Things. Back then, a Netflix Original meant something exceptional—a series that would grip you, offering an escape or making you think about life in a new way. Somewhere along the line, that brand promise faded as Netflix and others sought to churn out as much content as possible, hoping for hits rather than crafting them.

A Shift Towards Quality Content

Now, in late 2024, it appears the industry is starting to learn from its missteps. Platforms are showing signs of returning to quality-focused storytelling, bringing back some of that excitement that originally drew us to their services. It’s a promising shift, and one I hope continues. I’ve always believed that a great show or movie should serve a purpose, whether it’s providing a captivating escape, telling a story that sticks with you, or challenging you to reflect on life and society. Series like True Detective (Season 1) and Black Mirror are prime examples—they don’t just entertain, they leave an impression, making you ponder their themes long after the credits roll.

If content creators can return to these fundamentals—passion for storytelling, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality over flashy gimmicks—they can create masterpieces rather than formulaic, cash-grab attempts. Shows that feel mass-produced, like Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon, only underscore the problem: when studios focus solely on copying success formulas without adding originality, the results are often disappointing. Busy viewers like myself go into these shows almost expecting a letdown, which shouldn’t be the case.

Why I Started The Stream Snob

I created The Stream Snob as a place to share my thoughts on what makes a show or movie truly worthwhile. As a busy father, my time is limited, so I want to find content that’s worth every minute. This blog is my way of highlighting those hidden gems and standout releases, focusing on quality rather than hype. Here, I review shows not because they’re trending but because they resonate, offering meaningful stories or memorable escapism that stands out amid the noise.

If, like me, you’re looking for entertainment that respects your time and captivates your attention, I hope you’ll find The Stream Snob a valuable guide in the ever-growing sea of streaming content.

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