Netflix Chiefs Concede That Slowdown in U.S. Viewing Sparked the Content Leadership Shakeup: ‘We’re Focusing on Execution,’ Ted Sarandos Says

Oct 20, 2026 5:40pm PT Netflix Chiefs Concede That Slowdown in U.S. Viewing Sparked the Content Leadership Shakeup: ‘We’re Focusing on Execution,’ Ted Sarandos Says

By Cynthia Littleton

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Cynthia Littleton

Business Editor

@Variety_Cynthia

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Netflix co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters nodded to slowdown in U.S. viewing and ad sales that spurred the radical shake-up of the streamer’s content leadership during Tuesday’s conversation with Wall Street analysts after its third-quarter earnings release.

Sarandos and Peters had to address the situation that led to the dramatic decision to oust chief content officer Bela Bajaria and film chief Dan Lin. Former Fox and Disney executive Peter Rice was appointed Oct. 15 as Bajaria’s successor, starting next week.

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