Ted Sarandos Delves into Hollywood, Acting Debut on Apple TV+

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, is set to make his acting debut by portraying himself in an episode of the Apple TV+ series “The Studio,” created by Seth Rogen. This role, where Sarandos attends the Golden Globe Awards, not only showcases his comedic side but also highlights the peculiar landscape of a streaming executive making a cameo on a competing platform.

“I said yes right away,” Sarandos said, reflecting on how he approached the role. Unlike the sterner, often criticized persona he embodies in business, Sarandos exhibited warmth and enthusiasm during the interview, sounding more like a fan of Hollywood than a corporate titan. “Seth sent it to me, and I thought it was really funny. I kept asking him, ‘Is this a heightened version of me?’”

At the age of 60, Sarandos continues to juggle his responsibilities at Netflix while preparing for his on-screen performance. He admitted, “I was really super conscious about not forgetting my lines. I just didn’t want to slow anything down and cost them money.” This self-awareness is quite the contrast for a man who has played a key role in transforming Netflix from a DVD rental service into a major streaming powerhouse.

Over his 25-year tenure, Sarandos has become synonymous with Netflix’s rise, responsible for hits like “Stranger Things” and “Squid Game.” Under his leadership, the platform has accumulated 300 million global subscribers and is projected to spend $18 billion on content this year.

Despite his success, Sarandos has faced criticism for contributing to the industry’s challenges. Detractors argue that Netflix’s approach has led to audiences becoming passive consumers of content, reducing the diversity of storytelling in Hollywood. “We’ve been the most-nominated studio for the past three years,” Sarandos countered regarding the Academy’s snub of Netflix for Best Picture. “There’s something about the Academy; you nominate the movies that you respect and admire.”

Amid the challenges, Sarandos maintains an optimistic outlook for the future of Netflix, emphasizing the company’s commitment to delivering compelling content. He highlighted upcoming projects, including the final season of “Stranger Things” and new titles from notable filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro and Noah Baumbach. “We have an incredible embarrassment of riches,” he said.

Reflecting on his quarter-century at Netflix, Sarandos remarked, “Like a freight train. No two years are alike.” He also acknowledged the potential for competition rising from legacy studios entering the streaming space. “I felt a lot more comfortable that we would do better at this than they would,” he expressed, indicating confidence in Netflix’s unique identity.

Sarandos noted the importance of adapting to market changes, especially after Netflix faced two significant stock drops, with one occurring in April 2022 amid concerns over subscriber growth and competition from rivals. “You don’t want to disappoint shareholders,” he explained, stressing the need for the company to refocus on its core strengths.

His long-term vision for Netflix involves continuing to build a diverse streaming library while exploring newer avenues, such as gaming and live events, further solidifying the platform’s status in the entertainment landscape.

As Sarandos steps into his acting role, he is sure to attract attention, further blending his dual identity as a business leader and content creator. With skepticism about how streaming services are perceived and positioned, his performance may offer a humorous take on the challenges of navigating this tumultuous industry.