Netflix & Chill Just Got Pricier in the US: Users Say ‘It’s Cancel Time’
Netflix will charge $1-$2 more per user. Says it’s investing more in video podcasts and live sports events. Fair or unfair?
U.S. users now have to pay more to chill with Netflix. Prices are up as the platform is now spending more on new content types, such as video podcasts and live sports events. The ad-supported plan is now a $8.99/month high. The standard and premium are costing $2 more each. Basically, no more cheap plans on the platform. Well, as soon as the news went viral, many said it was “cancel time.” Several think it's unfair to keep raising prices for things they don’t watch at all. So, what exactly has changed? What’s the public reaction in the U.S.? For all that, learn more.
Netflix U.S. Plan Price Changes
What Happened to the Cheapest Plan on Netflix?
Netflix has long moved from its cheapest ad-free plan (“Basic”) in 2023. Users currently have the Standard, with or without ads, and a premium plan, which is the most expensive. The platform right now has 325+ million subscribers worldwide and wants to benefit from them all. Therefore, Netflix will now earn more money per user. Analysts from TD Cowen say that revenue per subscriber in the U.S. and Canada will increase by 6% in 2026 (which is massive).
Financial Shifts in Netflix in 2026
Roughly after a three-month bidding battle with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), Netflix has finally moved away from the deal. WBD has the production and distribution rights to the Friends series. It was historically one of the most-watched licensed shows on Netflix. And Netflix wanted to get its hands on the show again via the deal. However, it couldn't get through. Paramount Skydance will now move ahead with a huge $110 billion deal to buy the studio. The deal is still pending regulatory approval.
Final Thoughts… Public Reaction
People are reacting to the news on Instagram as it is going viral. Many commented (some of them are hilarious, one wrote “still using my ex’s account, hope she can afford this 💔”) that it’s ‘time to cancel’ Netflix. For more updates on the same, keep in touch.