Netflix says AI has helped on about 300 titles as content spend rises

Netflix is preparing to spend about $20 billion on content in 2026, even as co-CEO Ted Sarandos says generative AI is already trimming costs across hundreds of productions.

Speaking on a video call after the company’s quarterly earnings, Sarandos said Netflix expects its content outlay to rise about 10% in 2026. That would be faster than the roughly 8% annual increases seen over the past five years, but still below the 14% average growth rate over the past decade, according to the company’s comments reported by Deadline.

Live programming, a growing priority for the streamer, is expected to account for about 5% of total content spending.

Sarandos said generative AI is helping Netflix produce higher-quality work faster and with greater efficiency. He said AI-assisted workflows have been used on roughly 300 Netflix titles, mostly in post-production.

According to Sarandos, Netflix is using the technology on complex visual material, including crowd enhancements and historical battle scenes. He said some productions would not have been able to include certain costly shots without access to generative AI tools.

One example he cited was the documentary series The American Experiment, which includes 17 minutes of AI-enhanced footage. Sarandos said that material was made in half the time and at half the cost of earlier production options.

The savings, Sarandos indicated, are likely to go back into programming. He tied the strategy to Netflix’s broader cycle of adding more content, increasing viewing and supporting revenue and profit growth.

Live shows take a bigger role

The remarks came after a second-quarter earnings report that Deadline described as mixed, with Netflix executives facing questions from analysts about a perceived slowdown on Wall Street.

Live programming was a major subject on the call as Netflix continues to broaden that part of its service. Sarandos said live events can help bring in subscribers, support advertising revenue, spark conversation and introduce viewers to new shows.

Netflix has been expanding its sports-related live offerings. Sarandos pointed to The Roast of Kevin Hart and the MLB Home Run Derby, which was followed by an exclusive Hot Ones special made through a partnership with Sean Evans.

That special was filmed at a baseball stadium and featured Will Ferrell, whose series The Hawk recently debuted on Netflix. Sarandos described the pairing as an example of how Netflix is blending its scripted series, creator-driven programming and live sports.

Netflix widens its idea of TV

Sarandos also highlighted newer formats and partnerships beyond traditional series and films. He cited vertical video clips, podcasts and content agreements with publishers including Condé Nast, Hearst and People, which he said will add more lifestyle programming to the platform.

He said the meaning of television has expanded over the past 15 years, and that Netflix’s own definition has shifted with it.

This story draws on original reporting from Deadline.