If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.
Netflix doesn't seem too worried about Trump's tariffs... and according to their Q1 numbers, they might not have to be
In a recent call, Netflix's co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters said the company was "paying close attention," but "not changing anything."
Popverse's top stories of the day
- Disney & Lucasfilm are quietly planning a 50th anniversary Star Wars movie that's focused on all-new characters
- MEMBERS ONLY: Follow along live to the Mandalorian & Grogu movie panel from Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025!
- WATCH NOW: The gentleman villain Mads Mikkelsen tells us how he balances being charming and despicable in our favorite movies & TV series
As you know if you've been on Popverse lately, some folks in the entertainment biz are getting pretty nervous about the Trump Administration's layoffs. Take, for example, Nintendo, whose Switch 2 console is now going for more than was previously announced. The folks at Netflix, however, aren't quite as nervous, and if their recent revenue numbers are correct, they may just be right to feel that way.
Speaking on an April 17 earnings call (which was reported on by The Hollywood Reporter), Netflix's co-CEO Greg Peters had a message of calm for Netflix's subscribers and (probably more importantly) investors. Regarding the president's trade war, Peters said that the streamer was, "playing close attention, clearly, to the consumer sentiment and where the broader economy is moving." This was followed up by other co-CEO Ted Sarandos, who further confirmed "we’re not changing anything in the forecast" in terms of Netflix's financial future.
As the co-CEOs will tell you, this sense of calm is partially owed to experience of years past. "Entertainment historically has been pretty resilient in tougher economic times," as Peters puts it. However, there's another, much more contemporary reason the CEOs aren't hitting the panic button just yet: that is, their most recent earnings report. According to The Guardian, Netflix made a staggering $10.54B in Q1 of 2025.
Now, as The Guardian is quick to point out, the success of Netflix's first quarter does not guarantee the success of the other 3, as the recession that some economists fear is just around the corner may have some subscribers reconsidering their pledge. Something like that could very well put damper on the streamer's impressive growth, which as Netflix freely admits, is driven by "membership growth and higher pricing."
That said, it isn't just Netflix's head honchos that have a good feeling about the future - as The Guardian also points out, Bank of America media analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich thinks Netflix won't see the "wave of churn" that other companies will as Trump Administration continues its trade war. So while the future is as uncertain as it ever was and ever will be, the co-CEOs of Netflix have a lot of tried-and-true reason to keep their calm demeanors in this tumultuous time.
Spare some of that for the rest of us, wouldja?
Fade to credits, then a pop-up of what to watch read next - just like Netflix:
Follow Popverse for upcoming event coverage and news
Find out how we conduct our review by reading our review policy
Let Popverse be your tour guide through the wilderness of pop culture
Sign in and let us help you find your new favorite thing.
Comments
Want to join the discussion? Please activate your account first.
Visit Reedpop ID if you need to resend the confirmation email.