Netflix to double original content in 2016

In a move that is sure make the sweet smell of grass, the chipper of birds and the great outdoors seem like a distant memory for some, Netflix is turning the binge-watching dial up to full and is to double the amount of original programming on offer next year.

Speaking at the UBS Media Conference this week, chief content officer Ted Sarandos announced that the SVOD giant will reach a total of 31 scripted shows over the course of 2016 – as well as adding 10 new feature films, 30 children’s shows, 12 documentaries and 10 stand-up shows.

This year Netflix, which has so far acquired 69 million users across 50 countries, received 34 nominations at the Emmys for House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Bloodline. It also bagged an Oscar nomination for documentary Virunga and Golden Globe nominations for House of Cards and Orange is the New Black.

Sarandos said that the new content will be “quality” over quantity, while also confirming efforts to expand the service to Italy, Spain, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Portugal, as Netflix looks to go “fully global”.

Another busy year ahead, then. Although perhaps less productive for those that were hoping to get outdoors a bit more…