So, picture this: Ted Sarandos, the big boss at Netflix, is about to pop up on Apple TV+’s The Studio. Yeah, you heard that right—Apple TV+, the rival streamer. It’s like he’s sneaking into the competitor’s clubhouse just to wave hello. Pretty bold, right? And in a recent chat with Variety, he dished on all sorts of juicy stuff—like the end of Stranger Things, the messy breakup with Marvel, and why he still gets all warm and fuzzy about movie theaters. Buckle up, because this guy’s got stories.
If you don’t know Sarandos, he’s been running the show at Netflix for 25 years, turning it from that little DVD-by-mail outfit into the streaming giant we can’t live without. He’s not some stiff exec in a suit—he’s a total entertainment geek with a nose for what’s going to blow up next. From greenlighting wild original shows to shaking up Hollywood’s whole deal, Sarandos is the mastermind behind Netflix’s glow-up.
Take Stranger Things, for instance. That show’s been a monster hit, and now it’s heading into its final season. Sarandos knows it’s not just another show ending—it’s like losing a piece of Netflix’s soul. It tapped into that ‘80s nostalgia vibe so perfectly, it basically proved Netflix could out-Hollywood Hollywood. He talks about it like it’s a big, emotional send-off, but he’s also pumped for what’s coming down the pipeline. Netflix always has something up its sleeve, and Sarandos is betting big on the next obsession. What’s the magic formula? He’s keeping that close to the chest, but it’s clearly a mix of guts and a love for storytelling.
Then there’s the Marvel saga. Things got a little spicy there, and Sarandos only hints at it, but you can tell it’s a sore spot. Netflix used to have those dark, gritty Marvel shows like Daredevil locked down, but now Disney+ has swooped in, and it’s a full-on turf war. Think less “Avengers assemble” and more “lawyers assemble.” Sarandos gives Marvel props for their blockbuster game, but he’s not about to let Netflix get sidelined. It’s a high-stakes chess match, and he’s playing to win.
Here’s the kicker, though: Sarandos, the guy who made streaming the ultimate couch potato dream, is secretly a movie theater stan. Seriously! In the interview, he’s chilling in a theater green room, reminiscing about the good old days of video stores and packed screenings. He used to sling VHS tapes back in the day, so he gets the vibe—the shared laughs, the overpriced popcorn, the hush when the lights dim. Streaming’s his empire, but he’s got a soft spot for that big-screen magic. It’s this cool mix of pushing the future while still geeking out over the past.
Oh, and he’s got more up his sleeve. The Obamas are still cooking up projects with Netflix, bringing that A-list cred to the platform—total Sarandos power move. He even casually drops that he met with Donald Trump once, which sounds like it could be its own limited series. And when he talks about Apple’s content push, he’s not sweating it—he’s throwing subtle shade like a pro. The guy’s always got his radar on, sizing up the competition.
So, as he gears up for his cameo on The Studio, it’s not just a fun side gig—it’s a flex. Sarandos is everywhere, a big deal in an industry that’s changing by the minute. He’s the one torching the rulebook but still keeps a little piece of cinema’s heart close by. Whether you’re binging at home or sneaking into a theater, you’re in Ted Sarandos’ world—and it’s a pretty thrilling place to be.
source variety
