Ever since it made its debut back in 2007, Netflix (NFLX) has made an impressive ascent from its origins as a DVD service that once mailed its product to subscribers.
While it may not have been a part of its original plans, Netflix's moves helped contribute to the demise of the innovator that came before it — Blockbuster Video.
The legacy movie rental chain wasn't able to adapt as streaming services took hold in the U.S., leading to its eventual shuttering in 2014.
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In the meantime, Netflix was perfectly poised to lead the charge. Its global subscribers catapulted past 200 million in 2020 as the pandemic created a perfect setting for it to thrive.
Related: Netflix is making an unexpected move no one saw coming
Today, Netflix boasts an impressive 300 million+ subscribers as of 2024. And with more original and diverse content than ever before, it's no surprise that the streaming giant is the top performer in the space.
Now Netflix is making a change that, while well warranted, may upset its loyal users who aren't exactly fast to upgrade their hardware.
Netflix ends service for specific devices
If you are a subscriber and happen to enjoy Netflix using any of Amazon's first-generation Fire TV devices, including the Fire TV, the Fire TV Stick, and the Fire TV Stick with Alexa voice remote control, you may have gotten an email from the streaming company recently.
The email sent explains Netflix will be ending support for this round of first-generation Fire TV devices as of June 3, 2025. After that date, people using the these devices will no longer to be able to access Netflix using them.
Related: Netflix adds advertising tech that will enrage subscribers
Netflix did not explain its reasons for the decision, but they're fairly obvious. The first-generation devices have been around since 2014, and a full 11 years later, most people have upgraded to newer devices with stronger hardware.
The most current Amazon Fire TV Stick is called the 4K Max and retails for $39.99 at Amazon, so at least if you do have to upgrade, it won't set you back too much.
Netflix makes a heroic move for kids
If you're one of the folks affected by Netflix's decision to pull support for first-gen Fire TV products and you're grumpy about it, it may lift your spirits to hear about another pretty great move it made this week.
Sesame Workshop announced via press release on May 19 that it had found a new home with Netflix for “Sesame Street,” which had previously been with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Warner Bros. Discovery announced in December 2024 that it would not renew for new episodes on HBO and Max, leaving “Sesame Street” up for grabs. The past episodes of “Sesame Street” will still be available in the streaming giant's library, which means viewers can watch them through 2027.
Netflix will also have all the old episodes, plus the upcoming 56th season of the classic children's show, which “will feature fresh format changes and the return of fan-favorite segments like Elmo’s World and Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck,” according to a Netflix press release.
Related: Netflix makes surprising move to attract new subscribers
