It’s Thursday night, your homework is close enough to being done and you’re ready to snuggle up into bed with your favorite movie. You fire up Netflix, make some popcorn and slip under the covers, ready to begin a fantastic evening.
You search for your favorite movie, one that Netflix has always had in the past, to no avail. It’s gone, and you’re left wondering what just happened.

Sadly, by the end of September, it’s possible that this could happen to you because Netflix’s deal with Epix will expire, and they aren’t planning on renewing.

After the contract expires, movies like “The Hunger Games” and “Wolf of Wall Street” will no longer be streaming. The company Epix includes Lionsgate, MGM and Paramount, so movies from these names will no longer be available on the streaming application. Hulu is picking up the scraps in an effort to boost sales and popularity and will soon be offering more movies, exclusive content and shows than ever before. Starting Oct. 1, Hulu will provide movies from Epix, as well as original shows.

Why is Netflix letting the contract that provides most of its movies fall through? To focus on original shows, says Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos.

“While many of these movies are popular, they are widely available on cable and other subscription platforms at the same time they are on Netflix and subject to the same drawn out licensing periods.” Sarandos explained to BBC.

“We know some of you will be disappointed by the expiration of the Epix movies,” He wrote in a recent blog post. “Our goal is to provide great movies and TV series for all tastes that are only available on Netflix. We’re confident you’ll enjoy our ever-improving catalogue.”

Netflix is trying to gain the upper hand when it comes to competing with other video streaming companies such as Amazon and Yahoo! In the past year the company’s stock has seen a slight decrease in net worth at 2.25 percent.
Why did Netflix make this decision if they cared about how many people viewed these popular titles?

“They didn’t make this decision without looking at how many people are viewing these titles,” says Forrester Analyst Jim Nail. He said Netflix was positioning itself to be considered a luxury service with high-quality offers rather than an enormous library (BBC). “They’re not trying to please everyone. They’re pleasing people who want premium content. That’s not all of America.”

Netflix is readying itself for exclusive shows, including new work from the likes of Rick Gervais, Idris Elba, and Adam Sandler, as well as an upcoming Netflix-based documentary about Rolling Stones’ guitarist Keith Richards.

An original movie called “Beasts of No Nation” is also being released. So, no need to worry fellow binge-watchers! Viewers may be losing popular titles, but they will be gaining even more award-winning shows to watch for three days straight in the process, along with more focus on existing shows such as “Orange is the New Black,” “Daredevil,” “Sense8” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.”

Netflix is also renewing shows like “Arrested Development” and “Hemlock Grove.” These shows won’t be available on any other video platform as part of Netflix’s plan to become a more exclusive video streaming company.
Is Netflix’s decision a good one? Is it truly the future of television? Viewers will soon find out after the end of September rolls around and the contract with Epix expires.