With subscription prices climbing and competition fiercer than ever, millions are asking the same question: Is Netflix still worth the money? The answer isn’t simple. It depends entirely on what you’re looking for. But looking at the streamer’s upcoming slate for 2025 and 2026, it’s clear Netflix is fighting to justify its spot on your credit card bill with a massive, multi-pronged content offensive designed to offer something for everyone.
The company isn’t just relying on old favorites. It’s aggressively pushing into new territories while doubling down on the blockbuster series, A-list films, and shocking documentaries that made it a household name. This isn’t just more content; it’s a calculated strategy to prove its value.
Blockbuster Franchises and Event Television
For many, the value of Netflix is tied directly to its biggest shows. The service knows this. The final chapter of a pop culture phenomenon is arriving with Stranger Things Season 5. Promising an epic conclusion to the Hawkins saga, the final season will be split into volumes, ensuring it dominates the cultural conversation for months. This is the kind of appointment television that keeps subscribers from canceling.
The platform is also bringing back another beloved franchise. Benoit Blanc returns in Wake Up Dead Man, the next installment in the Knives Out mystery series, promising a darker and more complex case for the famed detective. For those seeking lighter fare, Emily in Paris is back for a fifth season, relocating the fashion and drama to Rome for a fresh start. These tentpole releases are powerful anchors, each targeting a massive and dedicated audience. Add in continuations of international hits like the Korean cooking competition Culinary Class Wars: Season 2 and the cozy Norwegian series Home for Christmas: Season 3, and the lineup for returning favorites looks incredibly strong.
Live Sports and Unscripted Shake-Ups
Perhaps the most significant shift in Netflix’s strategy is its major push into live events and unscripted programming. This is a direct challenge to traditional television. The streamer is set to host NFL Christmas Gameday 2025, broadcasting two key matchups—Cowboys vs. Commanders and Lions vs. Vikings—live on Christmas Day. This move into major league sports is a massive investment and a clear signal that Netflix is aiming to be a one-stop shop for entertainment.
The unscripted slate is also getting a serious boost. Neil Patrick Harris will host What’s in the Box?, a high-stakes game show mixing trivia, strategy, and life-changing prizes. In a nod to television history, the legendary talent competition Star Search is being revived for 2026 with host Anthony Anderson and real-time audience voting. These shows are designed for broad, family-friendly appeal and offer a different kind of viewing experience than the typical binge-watch drama, adding a new dimension to the platform’s catalog.
Prestige Dramas, Thrillers, and A-List Talent
Netflix continues to be a destination for top-tier filmmakers and actors. Director Noah Baumbach’s heartfelt comedy-drama Jay Kelly (2025) stars George Clooney and Adam Sandler in what are being described as career-defining roles about family and legacy. For thriller fans, the successful partnership with author Harlan Coben continues with Run Away, a new mystery series starring James Nesbitt and Minnie Driver that is sure to be a binge-worthy hit in early 2026.
The platform’s global reach also brings a deep collection of international hits. The Town (2025) is a gritty Turkish thriller about a group of friends who find stolen money, while Ripple (2025) is an emotional American drama about four strangers in New York connected by loss. The variety is staggering, with something for almost any mood. Here are just a few more notable additions:
- People We Meet on Vacation (2026): An adaptation of Emily Henry’s bestselling rom-com.
- 100 Meters (2025): A highly anticipated sports anime film.
- Love Through a Prism (2026): A dazzling new romance anime from WIT Studio.
- The Night My Dad Saved Christmas 2: A hilarious Spanish holiday comedy sequel.
Explosive Documentaries and Intimate Conversations
The non-fiction programming on Netflix remains a powerful draw, often sparking global conversations. The platform is leaning into this with several provocative releases. Sean Combs: The Reckoning is a four-part docuseries set to explore the scandals behind the music mogul’s empire. Similarly, Cover-Up will investigate the groundbreaking and controversial work of journalist Seymour Hersh, who exposed decades of U.S. military secrets.
On the sports front, Elway (2025) will provide a definitive look at the triumphs and tragedies of NFL legend John Elway. For more personal stories, David Letterman returns with My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, featuring candid conversations with Michael B. Jordan, MrBeast, and Jason Bateman. Even Simon Cowell is getting the documentary treatment in Simon Cowell: The Next Act, which follows his creation of a new global boyband. This mix of hard-hitting journalism, celebrity biography, and intimate interviews ensures the documentary section remains a vital part of the subscription.
So, is Netflix still worth it? If you only watch one type of show, maybe not. But if you value variety—the ability to switch from a live NFL game to a prestige film, a blockbuster finale, or a controversial documentary—the evidence suggests Netflix is building a library that is increasingly difficult to ignore.