Netflix is a media service provider founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph. Currently headquartered in Los Gatos, California, Netflix offers both its original DVD rental service by mail and its current primary service, which is online streaming of its library of films and television shows. Netflix carries a variety of programming from third parties and content that is produced in-house. As of April 2019, Netflix reported 148 million paid subscriptions worldwide, including 60 million in the USA and a total of more than 154 million total subscribers, including those on free trials. The service is available worldwide with the exception of mainland China, Syria, North Korea, and Crimea due to either local restrictions or US government sanctions.

New subscribers may access a 30-day free trial of the service. If the subscription is not cancelled during the free trial period it will automatically convert to a standard subscription-based on the tier chosen during signup. Netflix streaming subscriptions are available in 3 tiers. The Basic subscription includes unlimited streaming in standard definition in 1 stream at a time. Standard subscriptions include unlimited streaming in standard or high definition though not in Ultra HD, with the ability to watch 2 streams at a time. Finally, the Premium membership offers unlimited streaming in standard, high, and Ultra-high definition and up to 4 streams at a time. Basic subscriptions are $8.99 per month after the trial month. Standard subscriptions are $12.99 per month after the trial, and premium subscriptions are $15.99 per month after the free trial. All Netflix memberships can be cancelled at any time and have no minimum commitment. Refunds are generally not available and subscriptions cancel at the end of the currently paid month.