Netflix original TV shows may be the next big thing

By HOPE RACINE

It is 3 a.m.; your eyes are bloodshot; your bed is covered in Cheeto crumbs and there is a sinking feeling in your stomach. You have reached the last episode on Netflix.

Netlflix is an online company with one mission: to deliver hours of television and movies directly to home televisions, computers, smartphones or other devices with internet connection. Prime for binge watching, Netflix streaming has become a standard not only for college students, but also for families seeking a more affordable form of television.

While many indulge in the full seasons of older television shows, such as “The West Wing” (1999-2006) or “Freaks and Geeks” (1999-2000), Netflix is now turning the corner and delivering original shows to their viewers.

This year was a big one for Netflix original series. With over 21 straight-to-Netflix programs released, they struck gold with their recent original television shows, such as the political drama “House of Cards,” and “Orange is the New Black.”

“House of Cards” was nominated for nine Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series, Lead Actress in a Drama Series, and Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Director David Finch took home an Emmy for Outstanding Director in a Drama Series.

“Orange is the New Black” enraptured audiences with the tale of a white, middle class woman who ends up in a women’s penitentiary for a decade-old drug charge. The show was praised for the way it handles its characters, most notably the minority characters prevalent in the series. A particular hit in the blogosphere, “Orange is the New Black” was specifically made to be binge watched. In a recent statement, a Netflix spokesperson said that “Orange is the New Black” had more viewers in its first week than “House of Cards.”

While Netflix does not disclose their numbers in terms of viewers or popularity, their website does cite the fact that the company has more than 38 million subscribers in more than 40 countries. According to Netflix’s website, those 38 million viewers watch more than one billion hours of online television each month.

Some worry that the popularity of Netflix will overtake broadcast television. It seems natural that people are less willing to wait each week to see what happens next in their favorite television shows when they have the ability to watch as much as they want anywhere and at any time.

With such successes such as “House of Cards” and “Orange is the New Black” under their belt, Netflix is gearing up for more original shows. If you have reached the end of Netflix, never fear. There are new shows coming.