Netflix is stepping into the physical world with “Netflix House,” a concept blending entertainment, dining, and shopping in themed spaces. The company is upping the ante to create real-world experiences for fans of its shows. They are preparing to launch “Netflix House,” a physical space where entertainment meets reality. Josh Simon, Netflix’s VP of Consumer Products, shared that these spaces won’t just be about watching shows; they are designed as hubs where fans can immerse themselves in their favourite series.
The “Netflix House” is envisioned as an exciting blend of retail, dining, and live experiences. Imagine shopping for show-themed clothing, savouring themed culinary delights, and perhaps even tackling a Squid Game-inspired obstacle course. These spaces will offer ticketed shows inspired by popular series and a variety of dining options, from casual bites to upscale restaurants. The first two Netflix Houses are expected to appear in the US by 2025, with global expansion plans on the horizon.
This move marks Netflix’s venture into permanent physical locations, signalling a significant investment in promoting its content and fostering fan communities. Netflix has previously experimented with temporary stores, such as pop-ups showcasing Stranger Things merchandise. It’s worth noting that the Netflix House concept itself is nothing new for Netflix as the company has had pop-ups in recent years with the same name.
Beyond Netflix House, the company is also exploring the gaming world by introducing games on TV through a new mobile app for game controllers. There are rumours of potential subscription price increases, but these might come with added features. As the streaming industry evolves, Netflix is exploring various avenues to engage its audience in new and exciting ways.
While the specific locations for Netflix House’s 2025 debut remain undisclosed, major US cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco are likely candidates. These locations will offer fans a tangible connection to their beloved Netflix shows.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and Netflix has new releases from the 6th to 12th of February to get you in the mood.
Asian love stories from Indonesia and Korea
Dear David. (L to R) Caitlin North Lewis as Dilla, Shenina Cinnamon as Laras, Emir Mahira as David in Dear David. Image source: Netflix
At the top of the list is the must watch, coming-of-age film Dear David which revolves around a high school girl’s worst nightmare. Depicted vividly in this teaser trailer, straight A student Lara’s risque blog about her crush gets released to everyone in school and she must face the consequences. Starring Indonesian talents Shenina Cinnamon, Emir Mahira and Caitlin North Lewis, Dear David releases on 9th February 2023. The movie is also the first of Indonesian movies and series to be released on Netflix, with upcoming ones listed here.
Enemies to friends to lovers in Love to Hate You. Image source: Netflix
There is also a new K-drama series Love to Hate You. From the trailer, the series plays on the enemies-to-lovers trope that will appeal to the romantic comedy fans. For more previews of the series, check out these character trailers for Mi-ran and Kang-ho. Netflix is also promising 2023 to be the biggest ever line-up of K-content, with the full list here.
Great exclusive content to be enjoyed alone or with a special someone
The doctor prescribes more laughs in his Ride With Caution stand-up special. Image source: Netflix
Netflix is also premiering a host of exclusive content to keep you entertained. For some guaranteed laughs, look no further than the latest stand-up special, Dr. Jason Leong: Ride With Caution. The trailer shows his hilarious insights on ageing, the absurdity of middle-aged cycling enthusiasts, and more, the doctor will see you starting 9th February. Also premiering on 9th February is You: Season 4 Part 1. Joe looks to start anew in London and bury his past, but the road ahead is rocky and a new obsession starts to take hold. Check out the trailer here. Netflix film Your Place or Mine puts a twist on the big question at the end of every date night. See what happens when best friends Debbie and Peter swap homes for a week and find a path to love.
Pay tribute to Boston Celtic’s legend Bill Russell in Bill Russell: Legend. Image source: Netflix.
Bill Russell:Legend will give NBA fans a chance to relive his life and legacy prior to his passing in 2022. Pay tribute to the Boston Celtic’s legend starting 8th February and learn more about the documentary here. Fans of Love is Blind: After the Altar will be thrilled to see the social experiment series back for Season 3. Starting 10th February, catch up with the former couples in this teaser trailer, to see their lives one year after their big decisions to stay or walk away. If you are spending the day in with the children, don’t miss My Dad the Bounty Hunter. The trailer for the new kid-friendly show, follows two kids who accidentally hitch a ride with their dad, a space-travelling bounty hunter.
Get your hearts racing, with adrenaline that is!
Catch Nobody starring Bob Odenkirk this February. Image source: Netflix
Netflix will also serve up shows to make our hearts race that does not involve romance. Action thriller Nobody follows a middle-aged everyman weighed down by life, until a lethal home invasion awakens his killer instincts. In the dark thriller M4M4, a distraught mother seeks revenge following the senseless death of her daughter at the hands of gang rapists. In the revenge thriller Promising Young Woman, a woman seeks revenge against a system that enables and protects its predators after her friend falls victim to a heinous act.
Netflix’s TUDUM event isn’t anything new for long-time Netflix viewers. The event returned for an exciting, feature-packed event over the weekend. There wasn’t any stone left unturned – from series to movies to games.
However, it wasn’t all just shows making their debut in 2023. Here are some of the English language series you’ll be able to binge before 2022 ends or during the holidays during some much-needed R&R.
Umbrella Academy (Seasons 1 – 3) – Already Available
I know, I know – it’s a little late for Umbrella Academy to make this list. But Netflix did show off a new blooper reel during TUDUM which you have to see.
The first three seasons of the adventures of the Hargreeves siblings are available for you to catch up on before the fourth and final season debuts. If you haven’t met Vanya, I mean Viktor, Diego, Klaus, Luther, Allison, and Five – what are you waiting for? Follow the story as they discover the secret behind their powers and their dysfunctional family.
Entergalactic (Debuts September 30, 2022)
Entergalatic is a special television event that follows Jabari, an artist on the brink of success. Follow his journey as he learns where love fits into his life while he chases his big break.
https://youtu.be/c_pHCqZkXvY
The animated feature showcases amazing animation and a love story that spans more than just the here and now. It also features music from Kid Cudi and debuts on the same day as his latest album – Entergalactic – drops. Characters are voiced by Scott Mescudi (Jabari), Jessica Williams (Meadow), Timothée Chalamet (Jimmy), Vanessa Hudgens (Karina), Jaden Smith (Jordan) and more.
Coming to Netflix in October 2022
The Watcher (Debuts October 13, 2022)
The Watcher follows a couple who purchase their dream home in the idyllic suburb of Westfield in New Jersey. Follow Dean and Nora Brannock as they discover that all is not as it seems in Westfield as their “unique” neighbours give them an icy welcome. Things go from awkward and irritating to a nightmare as the couple start receiving disturbing letters from “The Watcher”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HDkw100sXQ
The series is based on the true story of the infamous “Watcher” house in New Jersey. The series is spearheaded by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan who have worked on hit series like Ratchet, Glee and Netflix’s latest hit Dahmer. Bobby Cannavale and Naomi Watts play Dean and Nora.
Coming to Netflix in November 2022
Manifest Season 4 Part1 (Debuts November 4, 2022)
Manifest is probably one of the most well-known series on the list. The series was initially cancelled after a successful 3-season run on NBC. Netflix swooped in giving the series a final fourth season. The fourth season continues the story of the mysterious flight 828 that disappeared en route to New York from Jamaica only to reappear five years later.
Season 4 will take off where Season 3 ended with Cal reappearing after mysteriously vanishing when he touched the tail fin of Flight 828. But all is not as it once was as he’s returned older than he was. The series will continue to follow our heroes – Michaela, Ben, Cal, Zeke, and Saanvi – who race to unravel the mystery surrounding their reappearance before time runs out. The series stars Josh Dallas, Melissa Roxburgh, Matt Long and J.R. Ramirez.
The Crown Season 5 (Debuts November 9, 2022)
Netflix’s critically acclaimed historical drama of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s reign continues into its 5th and penultimate season this November. Having already covered the early part of her reign in Season 1, her wedding, and her relationship with Margaret Thatcher and Lady Diana Spencer, the new season of The Crown will continue in chronological order.
The 10-episode fifth season will trace Her Majesty through the late 90s and early 2000s. The season also marks the second wholesale recasting of the ensemble. Imelda Staunton leads a brand new ensemble with the talents of Jonathan Pryce, Lesley Manville, Jonny Lee Miller, Dominic West and Elizabeth Debicki.
Dead to Me (Debuts November 17, 2022)
After many delays, the third and final season of Netflix’s Emmy Award-nominated dark comedy, Dead to Me will finally debut on November 17. Follow unlikely friends – Jen and Judy – as they continue to get into awkward situations and hijinx that are mind-numbingly hilarious.
The third season picks up where season 2 left off with our dynamic duo injured and abandoned after their fateful car crash. Find out what happens as they will undoubtedly get into more hijinx and drama. Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini reprise their roles in the final season.
1899 (Debuts November 17, 2022)
1899 is a brand new German series coming to Netflix on November 17, 2022. The period mystery-horror follows a group of European migrants as they leave London on a steamship in the hopes of starting new lives in New York. However, things take a turn when they encounter another migrant ship adrift in the open sea. The series stars Emily Beecham, Aneurin Barnard, Andreas Pietschmann and Miguel Bernardeau.
Wednesday (Debuts November 23, 2022)
The Addams family is coming back to the silver screen with a brand new series which follows the daughter of the family – Wednesday Addams.
The new Netflix Horror comedy will follow Wednesday Addams as she attends Nevermore Academy. The supernatural mystery comedy will see Wednesday and some familiar characters as she learns to master her psychic powers, stop a mysterious killing spree of town citizens and unravel a supernatural mystery that has her family in the centre of it all. The series stars Jenna Ortega, Luis Guzman, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Coming to Netflix in December 2022
Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinnochio ( Debuts December 9 2022)
Gullermo Del Toro spearheads a stop motion retelling of the popular tale of Pinnochio, a wooden puppet to comes to life in 1930s Italy.
The new animated feature, Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinnochio, will follow Pinnochio as he becomes a boy and discovers the meaning of life. Pinnochio turns out to be one of the worst behaved boys playing pranks and causing mischief. Can he live up to his father’s expectations?
The animated feature stars Gregory Mann, Ewan McGregor, David Bradley and Christoph Waltz.
Emily in Paris Season 3 (Debuts 21 December 2022)
Emily Cooper is back for a third season in Paris! After the events of season 2, Emily finds herself in between a rock and a hard place both romantically and professionally.
Continue to follow the misadventures of Emily in Paris as she continues to navigate the highs and lows of her life as a Marketing Executive. Lily Collins, Lucas Bravo, Ashley Park, and Lucien Laviscount all reprise their roles in the new season.
The Witcher: Blood Origin (Debuts December 25, 2022)
Set 1200 years before the events of The Witcher, Blood Origin follows a group of outcasts that fight to preserve what was once taken from them.
The quest sees the creation of the first Witcher as conflict arises and threatens their worlds. The events of Blood Origin will unravel the untold tales which took place before the “conjunction of spheres”. The series stars Michelle Yeoh, Jacob Collins-Levy, Sophia Brown and Laurence O’Fuarain.
Netflix has pretty much changed the way we consume contents. To be fair, this whole streaming business started becoming a thing when YouTube started blowing up. To be fair to that also, YouTube’s rise to popularity is contributed by the increase in interest with short form contents and independent content creators.
In some sense Netflix’s rise in popularity is a little different than YouTube’s astronomical rise. Of course, Netflix has been in the general entertainment industry for longer than we know them to be the top Over-The-Top (OTT) content streaming service known to man today. Instead of dabbling in independent film makers, Netflix dabbles is offering the big budget film and on-demand TV shows on a single platform. You can watch all that Netflix has to offer in terms of films and TV shows at any time you want and at an affordable price. It did for films what Spotify has done for music. It democratizes big budget contents that were traditionally made for a scheduled TV programme or even the theatres. It put the controls of consuming these contents right in your palms and at home.
Their disruptive business model proves to be a winner with us, the users. Netflix, currently anyway, is still the top performing content streaming platform in the world with a huge global presence. Their success in the world of end-user entertainment platform leads to plenty of “me too” products we see today like Amazon’s Prime Video, Paramount+, HBO Max, and even Disney+.
While Netflix is still the king in content streaming platforms, they want to be more than just providing watched contents. They want to dabble in interactive contents. You can see Netflix experimenting with interactive contents when you look back into Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, a kind of movie where you can decide what your ending would be. It is like playing a game, except you are doing it on your browser and it involves a live-action content.
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, while a successful endeavour, is a huge undertaking though. It is time consuming to create, it is also complex to work with, which are all usually translated into the final cost of production in terms of currency. There is a cheaper way to do what Netflix wanted to do with Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, create actual games and host them on Netflix itself. That is what they want to do into the future though.
Netflix’s own exclusives have inspired games like Stranger Things 1984 and Stranger Things 3. While they are not strictly games you play on the PC or even a console, they are still games that puts you in the shoes of the main characters imagined from the Netflix exclusive series, ‘Stranger Things’. Yes, we are saying that they are mobile games.
Let’s talk Netflix and gaming.
Today members in Poland can try Netflix mobile gaming on Android with two games, Stranger Things: 1984 and Stranger Things 3. It’s very, very early days and we’ve got a lot of work to do in the months ahead, but this is the first step. https://t.co/yOl44PGY0r
So, Netflix is trying to make games and launch a gaming platform of their own. That is nothing new though. Since Google announced their Stadia platform, their competitors have all been jumping on board and are betting their futures with Cloud Gaming. In other words, everyone wants to get into game streaming, since the gaming industry is on a steady rise. Netflix wants that piece of action too.
Of course, at this time, Netflix has only confirmed that they are going to be integrating mobile games into their platform instead of a whole dive into cloud gaming. In that sense, Netflix Poland has already started testing their gaming platform. The experience, so far, has not been reportedly great though.
You are not accessing a completely different app, which is great news. While you are accessing the Netflix app to get to the games that are on offer though, it is not the third-party app store experience that Netflix wants you to believe at this time. The games that are on offer, at least according to current reports, are the two Stranger Things titles we mentioned earlier. They are not cloud based gaming as well, at this time anyway. You still have to download the games to play the games. Users are also led to the Google Play Store for the games to be downloaded too.
Once downloaded though, the games can only be launched via the Netflix app, which is a little counterintuitive. The games are tied to your Netflix credentials instead of your Google Play credentials though, which kind of makes sense. Reportedly also, the games you play through Netflix will not feature any ads or in-app purchases. Currently also, Netflix is focusing on bringing mobile optimised games on their platform, hence the test starts with smartphones. In some sense, it does sound a lot like Netflix is trying to create a platform that is likened to Apple Arcade. Unlike Apple’s Arcade though, membership is free as long as you have an active subscription with Netflix, for now anyway.
At the time of writing, there are only two game titles available on Netflix’s gaming section. The test is also only currently conducted in Poland with no other regions being confirmed at this time. Netflix also says that the iteration that is being tested in Poland is a very early development. While it does not feature cloud gaming yet at this time, it is not ruled out, at least from our point of view anyway. Still, would you play games on Netflix? Let us know in the comments.
Netflix has rolled out a new iOS exclusive feature they call ‘Fast Laughs’, aat least it is exclusive for now. The feature is very similar to TikTok, full-screen short video streaming platform. Like TikTok as well, you interact by swiping vertically, and you can engage with the creator that you like via the engagement buttons on the side like the “LOL” button. Users can also share the short clips to their family and friends on multiple platforms or drag it to ‘My List’ so that you can watch the full film later.
This feature will be accessible from the bottom navigation tab, right beside the ‘Coming Soon’ tab. Short clips on “Fast Laughs” ranges anywhere from 15 to 45 seconds. Of course, the feature will not be avaialble on Netflix Kids’ profile because clips can be inappropriate.
At this time, “Fast Laughs” will be a sort of gateway for users to the comedy world that exists in Netflix. “Fast Laughs” at this time will feature clips from the comedy catalog with films like “Murder Mystery”, “big Mouth”, “the Crew”, and even snippets from stand-up comedians like Kevin Hart and Ali Wong. While the feature is only tapping into their “Netflix Originals” Comedy catalog within Netflix, they also said that they are looking to allow the feature to tap into their full catalog later on.
This feature is now available for iOS users in selected countries like U.S, Canada, UK, Australia, and Ireland. Netflix is also looking to be testing the feature on Android devices soon. Netflix is a free app available on both iOS and Android via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store respectively. While the app is free, there is a subscription fee. For more information, do visit the Netflix blog.
Valve’s popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, DOTA 2, is making its way to a silver screen near you. The popular game will be making its silver screen debut on Netflix in a new anime series called DOTA: Dragon’s Blood. It will be making it debut on March 25, 2021.
The 8-episode anime series will be following the story of Davion, one of the characters from the MOBA. In the anime, Davion is a devoted Dragon Knight. He fights to rid the world of the scourge. During his journeys, he encounters a powerful, ancient eldwurm and Princess Mirana. Unbeknownst to Davion, the princess is on a mission of her own. Slowly, but surely, Davion is pulled into events that prove to be larger than he could ever imagine.
The series is produced in partnership with Valve. Showrunner, Ashley Edward Miller, is confident that the show will be received well by fans. Miller previously worked on shows such as X-Men: First Class, Thor and Black Sails and will be also acting as the executive producer for DOTA: Dragon’s Blood. Miller is joined by Ru Ki Hyun as the co-executive producer. The series is animated by Studio MIR, the studio behind The Legend of Korra, Voltron: Legendary Defender and the recently announced The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf.
“Fans will love how we’ve imagined the DOTA 2 universe and woven together an epic, emotional, and adult-oriented story about some of their favourite characters. The cinematic animation, acting and music are simply next level and I’m grateful to Valve for supporting our creative ambitions.”
Ashley Edward Miller, Showrunner & Executive Producer
While this is big news for the IP (Intellectual Property), Davion is widely considered one of the less interesting characters in the MOBA. It will be exciting to see what team behind the anime have in mind for the character and whether they will stick to the established lore of DOTA.
Apple and Google found themselves at odds with Governments when it came to how data should be handled in their Contact Tracing API.
The OnePlus 8 series found its way to Malaysia. The new Snapdragon685 touting Smartphones are up for pre-order. They are priced starting from MYR2,699.
AMD unveils a new generation of Zen 2 based Ryzen 3 processors.
Facebook had a busy week enhancing Messenger with Messenger Rooms and enabling Group Calls on WhatsApp.
vivo launched their Snapdragon 712 powered V19 in Malaysia. The Quad Camera touting flagship is retailing for MYR1,699.
Netflix scores an new Netflix Original with Pokémon Journeys and sneaks in a new feature on the Android app.
Motorola makes a comeback in the Flagship smartphone market with the new Motorola Edge! Remember to hit that like and subscribe button!
We are on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN and Instagram as techenttv, so follow us there!
Netflix has come a long way from just CD rentals to the biggest online streaming platform not only in the United States but across the entire globe. Netflix has been busy improving its services and features. So what does Netflix have up its sleeve this time to keep our butts stuck to our couch.
This time around, Netflix has added a top 10 list of what’s popular on Netflix in each country. This new label would be displayed on the top right corner of the show’s poster. Other than whats the most popular on the entire Netflix. Netflix has also separated what’s most popular based on whether it is a TV show or Movie.
Its been a while since I have kept up with the latest offerings from Netflix but here are some of the TV shows that I feel are a must-watch.
RIVERDALE
What started off as a murder mystery series quickly became a disturbingly addictive show. The spin-off of the Archie comic book series starts off with the mysterious murder of Jason Blossom, the popular kid in town.
Viewers were strapped onto their seats through a multitude of plot twists throughout the first season. The first season finale ended with a cliffhanger, luring all of us gullible souls into the second season. This was where the writing went off the rails, venturing more so into the realm of teenage fan-fiction. But hey, who can resist the cliffhangers and the hilariously cringy writing?
CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA
As another spin-off of a well-known comic series from the good-old-days, the Netflix exclusive takes a darker turn in this witchy tale. The first season is essentially the coming of age story of Sabrina, where she has to choose between being a mortal and a witch.
As it ruffled some feathers among the satanist community, it remains an interesting watch, especially if you like feeling like a badass when the show’s official soundtrack comes on. Though it seems to be going down the same route as Riverdale in terms of writing, it’s a nice, lighthearted show for lovers of the fantasy genre.
THE GOOD PLACE
If you like Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Office, you’ll love The Good Place. The show is basically a take on the afterlife and morality. Though chock full of actual ethical philosophy, the show maintains its comedic tone throughout the seasons.
The story starts with the main character, Eleanor Shellstrop being assigned to what seems to be the wrong afterlife she deserves. Eleanor alongside Chidi, Tahani, and Jason, the ethically confused quartet go on a journey of self-betterment so they can end up at The Good Place.
Netflix is arguably one of the most popular content streaming platforms out there. So, what happens when the largest content streaming platform when they release a sequel to one of their most popular teen romance dramas? Well, they allow you to stream the original for FREE.
The original romantic comedy, “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before”, which aired last year, will be available to stream for free. The free stream is done in conjunction with the launch of its sequel, “To All The Boys, P.S. I Still Love You”. The stream will be made available until 9 March, 2020. You can access the free movie at netflix.com/toalltheboys.
To All the Boys I Loved Before follows Lara Jean (played by Lana Condor) after her sister accidentally sends out love letters she’s written. These find their way to their intended recipients, boys whom she’s loved from afar. The movie chronicles the events that happen as she has to come face to face with them.
The sequel which premiered on Netflix on February 12, 2020 follows Lara as the letters continue to reach their recipients. The complication? Things have started to blossom between her and one of the boys from the first movie.
So, don’t miss out on the original misadventures of Lara Jean as she navigates a very awkward situation. However, you will need to subscribe to Netflix to watch the sequel. Netflix subscriptions start at MYR17 for the mobile only plan in Malaysia.
Official Synopsis
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them…all at once? Lara Jean Song Covey’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control when the love letters for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all– are mysteriously mailed out. From New York Times Bestselling Author, Jenny Han, the film adaption of the popular YA novel stars actress Lana Condor (Alita: Battle Angel, X-Men: Apocalypse) and Noah Centineo (Sierra Burgess Is A Loser, The Fosters).
To All The Boys I’ve Loved P.S. I Still Love You
It’s a new year and Lara Jean (Lana Condor) and Peter (Noah Centineo) are no longer pretending to be a couple. They ARE a couple. And, as Lara Jean navigates a trove of official firsts with Peter — her first real kiss, her first real date, her first Valentine’s Day — she finds herself leaning more on Kitty and Margot (Anna Cathcart and Janel Parrish), Chris (Madeleine Arthur), and an unexpected new confidant, Stormy (Holland Taylor), to help her manage the complex emotions that come with this new chapter of balancing a relationship and figuring out her authentic self. But when John Ambrose (Jordan Fisher), another recipient of one of Lara Jean’s old love letters, enters her life again she must rely on herself more than ever as she’s confronted with her first real dilemma: Can she love two boys at the same time?
