Cliff Notes – Netflix fans threaten to cancel subscriptions over worst update possible
- Netflix’s recent app redesign, launched globally on May 19, aims to enhance user experience with improved recommendations and a modern interface, but has faced significant backlash from subscribers.
- Many users describe the new interface as “clunky” and “terrible,” with some threatening to cancel their subscriptions due to difficulties in navigation and reduced content visibility.
Netflix fans threaten to cancel subscriptions over ‘worst update possible’
Netflix says the new interface makes choosing what to watch ‘quick, simple and intuitive’ but it has not gone down well with subscribers.
Netflix has unveiled a new version of the app, and some users have been left unimpressed.
The redesign has been rolling out globally since May 19, promising to bring ‘better recommendations and an improved interface that highlights what matters most to you’.
New features include improved shortcuts, more personalised recommendations and ‘a clean and modern design’.
But many Netflix subscribers, of which there are 300 million in total, have voiced their complaints about the new look, while others have defended the change.
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Users have called it ‘terrible’, ‘clunky’ and ‘the worst update possible’. Some have even threatened to cancel their subscriptions.
On Reddit, one calling themselves Nearby_View544 said: ‘It’s awful. My TV updated to it automatically this week after putting off the update for ages, now it’s a load of rubbish. Will be cancelling [my] subscription’.
Pookiejim echoed: ‘It’s soo dire. You can’t find anything. It was so slick and easy to use before. Now it’s soo clunky. I’m always willing to try new ideas, but this is a big step backwards. Thinking I might actually now cancel my subscription.’
Netflix subscribers are hoping the old interface will be brought back (Picture: Netflix)
Netflix says the new look allows for better recommendations (Picture: Netflix)
Another user simply said: ‘It’s like they wanted to put out the worst update possible.’
Meanwhile, on X, @_daniredd complained: ‘Netflix’s update is diabolical, where the hell is the coming soon section!!’ and @mrjeffknoxwrote : ‘Darn it, Netflix forced a not very user friendly update on me. This interface is horrible.’
Some frustrated subscribers have even signed a petition to restore the older user interface, with the organiser writing: ‘The new layout only allows users to see a sparse selection of 3 or 4 titles per screen, compared to the previously user-friendly layout of 20 or more titles.
‘This change not only limits variety and accessibility but also diminishes the ease-of-use Netflix was renowned for.’
Netflix unveiled the new look in May this year
However, others have been slightly more level-headed about the update. Reddit user dangler83 reasoned: ‘To be fair, most drastic new UI changes are disliked (because it’s not familiar). Now that’s not to say that the changes made are in fact better, but it may take some time to fully appreciate [them]’.
MenthoL809 agreed: ‘I’m sure it’ll be like pretty much every other redesign of every tech product ever. It comes out, people hate it, and a month later nobody remembers what the previous version looks like’.
Netflix says the new interface makes choosing what to watch ‘quick, simple and intuitive’.
When the new look was first unveiled in May, Eunice Kim, Netflix’s chief product officer, said: ‘We wanted to create an experience that was more flexible for our broad Entertainment offerings, more intuitive and responsive to our members’ needs, and capable of elevating the most thrilling moments on Netflix.’
Users will get fresh recommendations in real time with the new update. The new look will eventually be rolled out to all 300 million users. And not everyone is totally against the new look.
User RevRay said on Reddit: ‘The only issue I have with it is the removal of the tabs on the left side of the screen. Otherwise it’s still better than the majority of streaming services.’
schwiftydude47 added: ‘Most of us just watch the same show over and over again anyway. If anything, this makes it easier to get to whatever show that is.’
What is the new Netflix update?
Netflix’s new look is designed to be more personal and make choosing what to watch easier.
For example, users will get fresh rows of recommendations in real time as they browse the app, depending on which titles they engage with. The idea is to help subscribers quickly find something that suits their mood in the moment.
Other features include shortcuts at the top of the screen (instead of the left-hand side) and a ‘My Netflix’ hub, where users can find their Continue Watching, My List and Remind Me sections.
The new interface also includes more detailed information about each title, such as the synopsis, runtime, award wins, Top 10 history and key cast, which appear up-front while users browse.
One of the changes users have taken issue with is the removal of ‘categories’ as a standalone menu, but Netflix says it’s still possible to filter by genres or themes when clicking into Search.
When will I get the Netflix update?
If your app hasn’t updated yet, it’s likely that it will very soon as Netflix is updating each zone and subscription levels in batches.
The new Netflix interface started rolling out globally on May 19, so many users have already had a chance to try it out. If your app hasn’t updated yet, it’s likely that it will very soon.
Netflix says that most TV and streaming devices are currently eligible for the new update, with more devices to be added as the rollout continues.
The streamer has also said that users should notice a welcome message, which will walk them through the new homepage once it’s been updated.
WTX News has contacted Netflix for comment.