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() Netflix continues to branch out from being a basic streaming service.
While the streamer’s bread and butter will always be shows scripted and unscripted it is leaning more into products and experiences… in brick-and-mortar buildings.
As I noted two weeks ago one of the reasons Netflix gave Meghan Markle a “second season” (which had already been shot and paid for) is because of the As Ever products it is producing for her. While the crepe mix, teas, jams and edible dried flowers will be available online, they will also be available inside the Netflix houses.
Bloomberg reported Netflix will have a permanent “Netflix house” inside Philadelphia and Dallas malls and has opened restaurants such as Bites in Las Vegas, which serves food tied to its TV shows, including “Orange is the New Mac” (and cheese) and a “Love Is Blind” cocktail… my sources say the plans for Vegas are even bigger.
My spies say Netflix is building a very big experiential “house” in Vegas that will host “Squid Games” virtual reality games, “Love Is Blind” contests, “Bridgerton” balls and more.
”It’s a big deal, and they are putting a lot of money behind Vegas it will be their biggest project to date,” my insider said.
The “house” will also have a store where people can buy products Netflix has produced off the shows where they own the IP… like Markle’s As Ever.
“It’s like QVC meets TV shows,” the insider added.
It remains to be seen how Markle’s elite products will do.
As I reported two weeks ago, Markle’s food and lifestyle show, “With Love, Meghan,” debuted at No. 6 on Netflix’s most-watched list, and it was slammed by critics in the U.S. and England alike. A second season has been announced, but Markle is still on very shaky ground at Netflix.
“It’s necessary for a second season because Netflix has sunk so much money into it as ever and she can promote the products in the second season she couldn’t promote in this one due to all the trademark hassle.”