Each month, Netflix adds a bunch of new movies and television shows to its streaming lineup in order to keep their customers on their toes – this is not new information. But the changes in Netflix’s monthly lineup is a double-edged sword; to keep balance – or maybe just for laughs? – the streaming service has to take away titles too— kind of like the “Circle of Life” for our consumer society. February, it seems, is a relatively uneventful month for changes in the lineup, which is not exactly a bad thing. As it tends to work out every once in a blue moon, these changes actually seem to be for the best rather than the opposite.
Let’s start with what Netflix is bringing in this month. As of right now, the surprisingly long list of movies that have been added include “Goodfellas” (1990), the “Kill Bill” films (2003, 2004), “Men in Black” (1997), the “Ocean’s” trilogy (2001, 2004, 2007), “Meet the Parents” and “Fockers” (2000, 2004), most of the “American Pie” collection (way too lazy for this), and “The Hurt Locker” (2008).
These are all titles that are super recognizable – those that are not critically acclaimed are at least cultural staples and immensely quotable – so I don’t feel the need to provide you with descriptions. That’s what IMDb is for, friends. Did you know “Men in Black” won an Oscar?
The good streak of additions continues into the realm of shows. Though the list is noticeably shorter than the previous one, these are shows that have been long awaited. The first season of “Altered Carbon,” the much buzzed-about sci-fi saga where human consciousness is completely digitized, is already available to watch – as is the first season of the “Queer Eye” revival (which I’m sure has aged fantastically) and the next episode of David Letterman’s newish talk show special. The redundant “Joel McHale Show with Joel McHale” premieres the February18 and the fifth and final season of “Bates Motel” arrives February 20.
On to the departures: while the list of notable cuts is neither long nor incredibly noteworthy, there are still some titles leaving that will – or at least should – be missed. The most popular of which include Tim Burton classics “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993) and “Corpse Bride” (2005), as well as “Hard Candy” (2005) the supremely underrated revenge flick with Ellen Page at the helm.
Other than these films, the only other departing titles that might make people a little grumpy are “Project X” (2012), a staple of the “Nerds Try To Be Cool” subgenre, and the first eight seasons of “Family Guy” – or as I like to call it, “The Simpsons for Douchey Preteens.” All seven seasons of “Burn Notice” are also being taken off, but I don’t think anyone will really care about that. TL;DR – if you’re a straight dude who loves his edgy memes, I’m sorry for your loss.