Netflix is laying off about 1,000 employees roughly 6% of its global workforce in its largest round of job cuts since 2022. Co CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters informed staff via email on Wednesday, stating the decision was necessary to prioritize resources more selectively. Most affected roles are in product, technology, legal, and human resources. The company, which had around 16,000 full-time employees at the end of last year, said its business remains strong and it is on track to meet its full-year earnings forecast.
The announcement quickly drew sharp reactions on social media. Users expressed concern for the displaced workers and questioned the company’s priorities. Many pointed to recent subscription price increases, asking why customers continue to pay more while staff are reduced. Some wondered whether any cost savings would reach subscribers or primarily benefit executives and shareholders. Others speculated about artificial intelligence’s role in the cuts, though Netflix has not linked the layoffs to AI and has framed them as a matter of focused resource allocation.
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The move comes amid slower viewer engagement. Global viewing hours rose only 2% in the first half of 2026, and Netflix’s share of U.S. television viewing slipped. Sarandos recently acknowledged the company is “not growing as fast as I want us to.” Netflix has been expanding into video podcasts, live sports, and other formats to reverse the trend.
Similar workforce reductions have hit Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon in recent months. Netflix reports its third quarter results on October 20, which will give investors a clearer view of its performance. For many online, the debate goes beyond one company’s restructuring: it raises broader questions about how large firms balance cost control, employee welfare, and rising prices for customers.