Not quite yet. The world’s biggest streaming service has more than 221 million subscribers. But earlier this year, it reported its first quarterly loss in over a decade. Experts say inflation and competition from services like Disney+ are to blame for Netflix’s very own “How to Lose Subscribers in 10 Days.” But today, the company’s expected to report another loss — this time, 2 million subscribers in a single quarter.
That sounds like...a lot?
It is. Compare that to last quarter’s loss which was 200,000. But there could be a second act: last week, Netflix announced it’s partnering up with Microsoft to launch a cheaper (but not free) ad-supported subscription plan later this year. The company’s also cracking down on password sharing. It's a move the service hopes will bring back subscribers. Meanwhile, Netflix is also reportedly working to build a hit as big as “Star Wars” or “Harry Potter.” Do or do not, Netflix. There is no try.
theSkimm
Netflix is the leader of the streaming services world. But today could play out like a cautious tale for other streaming platforms — and investors who are looking for the next big thing.
The UK. Yesterday, the UK issued its first-ever red warning for extreme heat. Large parts of Britain — from England to Wales — are reaching record high temperatures. In some places, they’re even rivaling temps seen in the parts of the Sahara. The alert means that this level of extreme heat can lead to heatstroke or even death. The agencies are also explicitly pointing the finger at climate change, saying it will only get worse. The news comes as two people have died from heat-fueled wildfires in Spain and as countries like France and Greece try to contain the blazes.
What you maybe don’t want to taste…
The rainbow. Last week, a California man sued the maker of Skittles, accusing the company of making a product that is “unfit for human consumption.” While these are the kinds of harsh words normally reserved for Subway tuna, in this case, the debate is over titanium dioxide. The EU is banning the food additive next month over concerns it could be tied to cancer. And a few years ago, Skittles owner Mars said it would phase out the additive. But the lawsuit accuses the company of failing to warn consumers — which could amount to fraud. Mars says its use of the additive “complies with FDA regulations” which is about as comforting as that sounds.
…Oh and freeze-dried blueberries: There’s a nationwide recall on two batches of Natierra Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberries. The reason: concerns over too much lead. Toss the bags with best by dates of December 2024 and January 2025.
What’s issuing some refunds…
Uber. Yesterday, the ride-sharing company reached a settlement with the Justice Department to resolve a lawsuit alleging that Uber violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. The allegations include charging passengers with disabilities wait time fees — even though they needed more time to get into the cars. Now, Uber’s agreed to cough up more than $2 million. Some of that money will go to the more than 65,000 Uber users who were charged wait time fees. Uber has also agreed to waive wait time fees for passengers with disabilities. Officials say the settlement will send a “strong message” to other companies.
While the MLB will be singing Smash Mouth today...
If your kitchen cabinets are filled with hand-me-downs you’ve had forever (no judgment here), it’s probably time for an upgrade. Meet Caraway. Their colorful, ceramic-coated kitchenware is toxin-free, non-stick, and oh-so-easy to clean. Here are a few of our fave items:
theSkimm is headed to the big screen…NASDAQ’s billboard screen in Times Square, that is. We know you’re navigating a lot. So as theSkimm celebrates a decade of providing the info you need to make confident decisions, we’re giving you one more vote of confidence: you got this. Let’s get loud about the issues we care about most.
Whether you can head to Times Square IRL or want to follow along virtually on Instagram (@theSkimm), you can check out our Nasdaq Marketsite takeover through tomorrow, July 20. Oh, and don't forget to take pics, share, and tag us for a chance to be featured on our Insta stories.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Everything you need to know about the paid leave laws where you live. America doesn’t have a nationwide policy. But some states have made their own rules. Check out this map (created with our friends at Sparrow) to see if yours is one of them.*
2. Outdoor furniture that’ll amp up your next backyard BBQ. Pour one out for your old, rusty patio set. This brand’s new all-weather, durable wicker collection is here to take its place. Psst...all the pieces are handcrafted and made from recycled materials. Check ‘em out.*
3. A non-invasive way to say ‘bye’ to bladder leaks. Yes, we’ve all peed a little when LOLing, working out, coughing, or sneezing. But this brand’s FDA-approved smart shorts do perfect kegels for you. See how they can help you strengthen your pelvic floor here.*
4. The secret to getting collagen back in your skin. Natural collagen breaks down over time, causing wrinkles. And the collagen in most lotions is too big to be absorbed. Enter: this award-winning device. Psst…the brand's extended their biggest sale of the summer ($100 off) just for Skimm’rs.*
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Raising the bar...Melissa A (NY). She presented at anational conference and advocated for better inclusion and access for law students with disabilities.
(Some) Birthdays…Cassidy Butera (NY), Allie Diamond (FL), Alex Burstein (RI), theSkimm's Ashley Stern (CA), theSkimm's Will Livingston (NY), Annette Wehrli (IL), Rachel MacWhorter (CO), Alexandria Bennett (CA), Frank Rogers (OR), Maria Farina (CT), Penny Drue Baird (NY), Chiara Longhi (AU), Lauren Tilley (AR), Brenda Parks (TX), Katie Goetsch (NH)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
theSkimm Loyalty Program
Design: theSkimm
10 Gifts to Celebrate 10 Years of Skimm’ng* continues. Look your best while living your smartest life in Skimm swag. Log in and enter to win here. Not a member? No worries, you can still get in on the gifts. Enroll in our Loyalty Program and we’ll automatically add you to the giveaway*.
*Terms and Conditions apply for the 10 Gifts to Celebrate 10 Years of Skimm’ng Sweepstakes occurring between July 18, 2022 and July 29, 2022. By joining and/or entering, you affirm that you have read and agree to the T&Cs. Reach out to loyalty@theSkimm.com for questions.
Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
