Netflix Celebrates a Decade of European Storytelling, Unveiling New Projects
[CITY, STATE] – Marking a decade of captivating European audiences, Netflix executives took the stage at Content London, offering a glimpse into the streaming giant’s European success story and exciting future projects.
Looking back on Europe’s impact on Netflix’s global popularity, Vice President of Content for EMEA Larry Tanz highlighted the company’s significant investment in European cinema and television. “Between 2020 and 2023, we invested €6.5 billion (roughly $6.8 billion) in non-English series and films from across Europe," Tanz shared.
This investment has not only brought viewers critically acclaimed shows like the Spanish survival drama Society of the Snow, the Norwegian fantasy epic Troll, and the compelling Italian coming-of-age story The Hand of God, but also fueled job creation. “This has resulted in 60,000 jobs just in Europe," Tanz added.
As Netflix looks ahead, the commitment to local storytelling remains strong. Tinny Andreatta, Vice President of Content for Italy, confirmed the return of the popular historical drama The Law According to Lidia Poët for a third season, continuing the captivating story of the pioneering female lawyer in 19th-century Turin. Andreatta also unveiled details about an ambitious new series, The Leopard, based on Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s beloved novel set against the backdrop of revolution in 1860s Sicily.
Pauline Dauvin, Vice President of Content for France, shared exciting news for fans of the rap reality show Nouvelle Ecole, confirming a three-part reunion special that will bring viewers up-to-date on their favorite contestants, revealing how their lives and careers have progressed since the show.
The event also buzzed with excitement for the upcoming second season of Squid Game, the South Korean phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. “We celebrated Squid Game with a fan event on Paris’ Champs-Elysees, where a massive twin game doll greeted hundreds of people playing ‘Red Light, Green Light,’" Tanz recounted. "Hundreds of thousands watched it live on YouTube. It’s so exciting to see how passionate fans are."
Looking ahead across Europe, Tanz emphasized the need for healthy competition and the development of the next generation of filmmakers. He highlighted Netflix’s commitment to nurturing talent through workshops and training programs. “This year alone, the company facilitated over 100 workshops aimed at developing storytellers, aiming to upskill writers, directors, producers, and above-the-line talent," he explained.
Netflix’s success in Europe underscores the power of tailored content, proving that audiences worldwide crave stories that reflect their own cultures and experiences. As Netflix continues to invest in European talent and storytelling, the streaming giant is poised to remain a major player in the global entertainment landscape.
