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Netflix was founded as an online DVD rental service in 1997 and has since evolved into a subscription-based streaming platform with its own slate of original programming. The Onion looks back at the most important moments in the company’s 20-year history.


1997

Netflix cofounder Reed Hastings decides to capitalize on the huge, untapped market for avoiding eye contact with other human beings


1999

First non-cracked DVD arrives at customer’s door

2000

Netflix introduces personalized movie recommendations after finding out that user Jane Murphy has never even seen Goodfellas


2003

After several years of unsuccessful testing, Netflix phases out its nachos-and-soda-by-mail service


2005

Widespread closures of mom-and-pop DVD rental websites as Netflix surges in popularity


2007

Netflix stock soars after Peter Witte of Bridgeport, CT, forgets to cancel his subscription after his 30-day free trial ends


2009

Netflix revolutionizes the movie watching experience with its new endless buffering feature


2010

After a long, contentious debate, Netflix’s board votes to add Maid in Manhattan to the “Romantic Comedies With A Sassy Female Lead” category


2013

Netflix becomes the first online-only network to win a primetime Emmy award after adding all 11 seasons of Cheers


2017

Netflix continues to grow in popularity, with 128 million viewers worldwide sharing 32 accounts