Netflix: "Everyone feels warm and fuzzy about it, but there aren't that many great shows."

A TVNZ executive says Netflix is like a pet that makes people feel warm and fuzzy, but lacks in quality programmes.

TVNZ's deputy director of content Andy Shaw said the rise of the global Streaming Video On Demand site has affected the television industry, but he considered it more of a fad.

Netflix delivers documentaries, TV shows and movies to its subscribers for at least $9.99 a month.

GETTY IMAGES TVNZ's deputy director of content Andrew Shaw thinks Netflix is over-hyped by the media.

"At the moment I suspect people treat Netflix like a pet, it's nice to stroke and everyone feels warm and fuzzy about it, but you know there aren't that many great shows on Netflix, frankly," Shaw said.

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"There are some that are good but it's a brand that is over-hyped by the media and frankly if you search for longer than four minutes there's actually not that much out there. So lets not get carried away."

Netflix arrived in New Zealand in 2015.

Since then, and in the space of just a few months, Kiwis found themselves with a smorgasbord of streaming video options, including Neon, Quickflix, Lightbox, ThreeNow and TVNZ on Demand, among others.

Netflix has over 100 million members world wide - but won't say how many of those are in New Zealand.

A spokesman said they did not give out "​regional numbers".

The company did not wish to respond to the attacks, but said prior to launching in New Zealand it had carried out "extensive research" to find out what types of content Kiwi audiences enjoy.

"Every day since launch they've learned more and more about local content preferences, resulting in a content library that is constantly evolving to meet local member's needs and wants".

He said Netflix would produce over 1000 hours of original content this year - up from 600 hours last year.

"We offer programs for tastes of our over 100 million members around the world so there is something for everyone.

"A number of Netflix originals have been shot in New Zealand – including Marco Polo, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, and the upcoming Legend of Monkey," the spokesman said.

But Shaw still questioned whether it was worth it.

"There's great drama and great comedy being produced across the world, 500 titles this year possibly," he said.

"Maybe 12 of them will be on Netflix.

"So let's not get seduced by the fact that Netflix is a ubiquitously available service at a reasonable price.

"You're still paying for it - would you pay $10 a month or $12 a month for twelve shows across the year? I'm not sure you would."