Netflix EMEA Content Boss Touts ‘Adolescence,’ Debunks a “Myth,” Talks Ted Sarandos’ Acting Debut
- Netflix focuses on commissioning U.K. programming for local audiences first and foremost, despite global success, according to a top executive at the Media & Telecoms 2025 & Beyond Conference in London.
Netflix is proudly commissioning U.K. programming with a focus on local audiences while being happy if they also end up traveling the world and becoming global hits, a top executive of the streamer told the Media & Telecoms 2025 & Beyond Conference in London, organized by Deloitte and Enders Analysis, on Tuesday.
"Maybe this is finally my chance [to debunk a] myth," Larry Tanz , vp, content, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Netflix, told the event with a grin. "I understand that there might be people who have an interest in saying we're commissioning for international audiences, but they all know it's just not true," pointing to the likes of hit series Adolescence . "We commission for the U.K. audience, first and foremost. So, we are absolutely focused on the local audience first and foremost, and that's our whole investment approach," including in other markets.
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"Am I happy and proud of Adolescence 's success around the world? Yeah, of course," he continued, challenging notions about Netflix's focus. "But does it make it any less British? I just don't think so."
Tanz shared his behind-the-scenes insights on a panel with Cécile Frot-Coutaz , the CEO of Sky Studios and chief content officer of Sky, owned by Comcast, Sarah Rose, president of U.K. broadcaster Channel 5 and U.K. regional lead at Channel 5 owner Paramount Global, and Wayne Garvie, president of Sony Pictures Television. The panel discussed commissioning trends and industry opportunities and challenges.
Asked about YouTube, Tanz on Tuesday called the Google video service "a very worthy competitor" and a great place to discover talent. "We are much better at helping them monetize," he argued, though, highlighting differences between the two players, citing the likes of The Sidemen .
Asked about competitors' shows that he likes, Tanz brought up Apple TV+ show The Studio , mentioning how his boss, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, made his acting debut in it. "It's quite an incredible performance," he offered.
Tuesday's conference also featured top executives from the likes of the Walt Disney Co. , U.K. public broadcaster BBC , and Comcast-owned Sky and Sky Studios .
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