The Walking Dead should be on Netflix ‘Basic with ads’

You see the title: Yes, I think The Walking Dead should be on Netflix “Basic with ads.” I know they say it isn’t there due to licensing restrictions, and I know this is me harping on a “first-world problem.” Still, as someone trying to maintain a tighter budget these days, it would be nice if they could figure out a way to put it on their “Basic” plan. I also think it would help improve Netflix’s brand, which has taken some hits here and there (as most big businesses do).

On that note, this isn’t me trying to write some Netflix hit piece or anything dramatic like that. It’s really just me saying, “Okay, Netflix, WTF?” Really, with all the inflation going around these days —a Hot Pocket costs 4 dollars! — and wages often not rising to accommodate spenders, isn’t it considered wise to curb one’s spending? That is why I lowered myself down to that ad-supported plan.  The few bucks saved may not seem like much, but they add up, and if you’re subscribed to a bunch of other stuff, it adds up even more (sometimes without people noticing it).

The Walking Dead is nice ad-free, but tolerable with ads

Look, I know someone out there will be like, “Dude, there’s such and such a reason it can’t happen,” and some might scoff at the very idea of my telling Netflix or AMC what to do. However, let’s be clear that people like myself are still paying customers, and if they can find ways to meet our simplest of demands, they might as well get right on it. It’s not exactly like I’m asking for the moon, the stars, and the sky. In fact, I am pathetically asking a corporation to consider throwing ads at my stupid face! Could you ask for a more embarrassingly egregious act of consumer loyalty than that?

Would fans of The Walking Dead be able to tolerate having ads on their viewing experience? Of course! That’s already how the regular version appears on AMC, so there’s pretty much no mystery there, right? It should also be noted that other streaming services operate primarily, if not entirely, on an ad-supported basis. You have PlutoTV that does it, as well as Tubi, and they have tons of different things to watch (Tubi has a ton of horror flicks that are tough to find in many places, actually).

The Walking Dead isn’t alone

In addition to The Walking Dead not being on Basic ad-free Netflix, there are plenty of other shows such as Arrested Development, House of Cards, Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (you can read my interview with that series’ composer here), Peaky Blinders, Stargate SG-1, and a substantially longer list of others. It’s a bit sad, really.

Yes, I know it’s not the end of the world, and some might dismiss this as just venting, but I’ll just say it’s a bit silly. If you pay a little less for a subscription but now must see some advertisements, it’s a bit of a sacrifice for the viewer, too. So I hope that Netflix and the other corporations involved can find ways around this simple problem.

To frame it annoyingly: If they can put a man on the moon, can’t they put some advertisements and zombies in front of my face? To vehemently say “No” would almost seem un-American!

What are your thoughts on The Walking Dead not being on Netflix’s Basic ad-supported plan? Let us know in the comments!