Cordkillers 594: Streamflation Frustration

In this episode of Cordkillers, hosts Brian and Tom dive into the growing frustration around streaming service pricing, focusing on Netflix's recent price hikes across all tiers. They explore the economic logic behind Netflix's strategy—charging more for higher usage and leveraging ad-supported tiers as a revenue engine—while questioning whether consumers should track their viewing habits in terms of 'dollars per minute.' The hosts also reflect on the psychological impact of ads, comparing them to dental surgery: painful in the moment but quickly forgotten. A highlight is their heartfelt appreciation for Patreon supporters, who enjoy an ad-free experience through the Cordkillers RSS feed. The episode also covers major entertainment news, including Andy Weir's controversial Star Trek comments and his subsequent apology, the upcoming Lord of the Rings spinoff by Stephen Colbert and his son, and the new Harry Potter HBO series. The hosts debate the value of remakes and reboots, with mixed feelings about the Harry Potter adaptation and enthusiasm for the new Murder, She Wrote reboot. They close with a deep dive into AI training ethics, challenging the double standard between human learning and AI data use. The episode blends humor, insight, and advocacy for transparency in media and technology. Key takeaways include: 1) Netflix’s pricing strategy is sustainable because high-volume viewers generate more ad revenue, making the ad tier more profitable; 2) Consumers should consider 'value per minute' when evaluating subscriptions; 3) The ad-supported model is psychologically effective because ads are quickly forgotten; 4) Patreon is a powerful tool for creators to bypass corporate monetization; 5) AI training raises ethical concerns due to massive unauthorized copying, unlike human learning; 6) Reboots and remakes should bring fresh perspectives, not just visual upgrades; 7) Public apologies should balance accountability and authenticity; 8) The future of live streaming (like NFL games on Netflix) signals a major shift in media consumption. The overall tone is thoughtful, witty, and cautiously optimistic about the evolving media landscape.