Netflix vs YouTube: A Comparison of Quality and Diversity
I personally find Netflix to be somewhat boring compared to some of the captivating series available on YouTube. Recently, YouTube has become the go-to platform for short films and serials that intrigue and engage viewers. Shows and movies, such as Permanent Roommates from TVF Triplings, First Seasons of Man’s World, and films like Piper, have gained significant traction. These pieces of content are more diverse and often more engaging, especially when it comes to niche and lesser-known genres.
The State of Modern Romance Series
When it comes to romantic and love stories, my preferences skew towards classic and timeless titles. Movies such as A Star Is Born, Romeo and Juliet, Titanic, Mississippi Masala, and Midnight Sun have a timeless quality to them. These films evoke genuine feelings of love and empathy. On the other hand, modern reality-based romantic comedies often leave me feeling disappointed and even angered. The objectification, sexism, and crass perceptions of romance portrayed in these shows do not reflect real-life love stories.
Even for fellow viewers who may appreciate some of these contemporary series, the sentiments often fall flat. As a woman, I often feel a lack of genuine happiness and love, while as a man, I find the series lacking in respect and depth. These shows tend to focus on exaggerated sexual jealousy and objectification, rather than portraying love with respect and mutual fulfillment. The cringe factor is high, and characters often have larger-than-life sexual lives that lack relatability and naturalness.
Content Versatility: Netflix's Disappointment
Netflix, in recent years, has failed to offer the same level of content versatility that it once did. While it still boasts a few original dramas, many of its shows and movies have become repetitive and lack originality. Sci-fi series, for instance, tend to follow similar themes, with a heavy reliance on magic and fantasy elements. Many college and high school romcoms are predictable, filled with clichéd hookup lines and an excessive amount of cringe.
On the other hand, YouTube offers a wider range of themes, including those that are thought-provoking and less hyped-up. While not every YouTube series achieves mass success, the ones that do, often do so because of their unique storytelling and diverse themes. Moreover, YouTube maintains a higher focus on content quality and originality, which often sets it apart from mainstream streaming platforms like Netflix.
Netflix's current approach often seems to prioritize quantity over quality, focusing on mass appeal and profitability over content versatility and depth. The Godfather, a movie available on Netflix, stands out as one of its more rare gems that cannot be found on other platforms, speaking to the platform's occasional success in offering unique content.
Ultimately, while Netflix might still have its charms, particularly in providing access to The Godfather, it has lost its edge in providing a diverse and consistently high-quality array of content. YouTube, with its vast collection of short films and niche series, continues to offer a more compelling alternative for viewers seeking meaningful and engaging content.