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| title = Co-chief executive officer of [[Netflix]]
| title = Co-chief executive officer of [[Netflix]]
| years_active = 1988–present
| years_active = 1988–present
| known_for = Building Netflix's original content strategy; co-CEO of Netflix
| spouse = Nicole Avant
| spouse = Nicole Avant
| known_for = Building Netflix's original content strategy; co-CEO of Netflix
| website =  
}}
}}


'''Theodore Anthony Sarandos Jr.''' (born July 30, 1964) is an American media executive who serves as the co-chief executive officer of [[Netflix]], the world's largest subscription streaming service. Sarandos joined Netflix in 2000 as its chief content officer and spent two decades shaping the company's transformation from a DVD-by-mail rental service into a global entertainment powerhouse that fundamentally altered how audiences consume television and film. He was elevated to co-CEO alongside Reed Hastings in July 2020, and following Hastings's transition to executive chairman in early 2023, Sarandos became the company's senior operational leader alongside co-CEO Greg Peters. Born in [[New Jersey]] and raised in [[Arizona]], Sarandos developed his deep knowledge of film and television while working in video stores during his youth, an experience that informed his later data-driven approach to content acquisition and original programming at Netflix. In February 2026, Sarandos emerged at the center of one of the largest proposed media transactions in history, leading Netflix's reported $83 billion bid to acquire [[Warner Bros. Discovery]], a deal that drew significant public attention including commentary from political figures.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Netflix boss says $83bn Warner Bros takeover will benefit industry |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/23/netflix-warner-bros-takeover-ted-sarandos-donald-trump-susan-rice |work=The Guardian |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
'''Theodore Anthony Sarandos Jr.''' (born July 30, 1964) is an American media executive who serves as the co-chief executive officer of [[Netflix]], the world's largest subscription streaming service. Sarandos joined Netflix in 2000 as its chief content officer and spent two decades shaping the company's transformation from a DVD-by-mail rental service into a global entertainment powerhouse that produces and distributes original films and television series. He was elevated to co-CEO alongside co-founder [[Reed Hastings]] in July 2020, and assumed a more prominent leadership role after Hastings transitioned to executive chairman in January 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Netflix Management |url=http://ir.netflix.com/management.cfm |publisher=Netflix Investor Relations |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> A self-described student of the entertainment industry who spent his early career working in video stores, Sarandos brought a data-informed but creatively ambitious approach to content acquisition and production that fundamentally altered how audiences consume television and film. As of February 2026, Sarandos has led Netflix's ambitious bid to acquire [[Warner Bros. Discovery]] in a deal valued at approximately $83 billion, a move he has characterized as aimed at acquiring assets Netflix does not currently possess.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Netflix boss defends bid for Warner Bros as Paramount deadline looms |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20jn073gj4o |work=BBC News |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Theodore Anthony Sarandos Jr. was born on July 30, 1964, in [[Long Branch, New Jersey]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ted Sarandos – Aspen Global Leadership Network |url=http://agln.aspeninstitute.org/profile/3463 |publisher=Aspen Institute |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He grew up in a large family in [[Arizona]], where he was one of five children. His formative years were shaped significantly by his employment in video rental stores, an experience that gave him an encyclopedic familiarity with film and television content that would later prove instrumental to his career.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Netflix Fix |url=http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/08/the-netflix-fix/ |publisher=The New York Times T Magazine |date=2013-02-08 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Ted Sarandos was born on July 30, 1964, in [[Long Branch, New Jersey]], and grew up in [[Phoenix, Arizona]].<ref name="lamag">{{cite web |title=Big Shots: Ted Sarandos |url=http://www.lamag.com/bigshots/big-shots-ted-sarandos/ |publisher=Los Angeles Magazine |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He was raised in a large family; accounts describe a working-class upbringing that instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for popular entertainment. As a young man, Sarandos developed an extensive knowledge of film and television, a foundation that would later prove central to his career in the entertainment industry.


Working in video stores during the 1980s, Sarandos developed a detailed understanding of consumer viewing habits and preferences. He spent years observing which titles customers selected, how they responded to recommendations, and what patterns emerged in rental behavior. This hands-on education in the economics and psychology of home entertainment consumption became a foundational element of his professional philosophy. By his own account, the experience provided him with an intuitive grasp of audience tastes that complemented the data-driven analytics he would later champion at Netflix.<ref>{{cite web |title=Big Shots: Ted Sarandos |url=http://www.lamag.com/bigshots/big-shots-ted-sarandos/ |publisher=Los Angeles Magazine |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Sarandos's formative professional experience came from working in video rental stores during the late 1980s, a period when the home video market was experiencing rapid growth.<ref name="hitfix">{{cite web |last= |first= |title=Ted Talk: State of the Netflix Union Discussion with Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos |url=http://www.hitfix.com/whats-alan-watching/ted-talk-state-of-the-netflix-union-discussion-with-chief-content-officer-ted-sarandos |publisher=HitFix |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Working in video stores gave Sarandos a ground-level understanding of consumer preferences, viewing habits, and the economics of content distribution. He has spoken publicly about how the experience of recommending films to customers and observing which titles were rented most frequently shaped his intuitive grasp of audience behavior — a skill he would later combine with Netflix's data analytics capabilities to revolutionize content strategy.


Sarandos's upbringing in a working-class household instilled in him a strong work ethic and an appreciation for popular entertainment as a form of cultural connection. His path into the entertainment industry was not through the traditional routes of elite education or family connections in Hollywood, but rather through the ground-level experience of the home video business, which was booming during his formative years in the 1980s.
His time in the home video industry also exposed Sarandos to the business relationships between studios, distributors, and retailers, giving him an understanding of the licensing and distribution deals that would become central to his role at Netflix. Before joining Netflix, Sarandos held positions in video distribution, including a role at a video distribution company where he gained experience in content acquisition, supply chain logistics, and the mechanics of delivering entertainment to consumers at scale.<ref name="documentary">{{cite web |title=How Ted Sarandos Transformed Netflix Into a Global Doc Streamer |url=http://www.documentary.org/online-feature/how-ted-sarandos-transformed-netflix-global-doc-streamer |publisher=International Documentary Association |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== Pre-Netflix Career ===
=== Early Career in Home Video ===
 
Sarandos began his career in the entertainment industry in 1988, working in the home video distribution business during the era when [[VHS]] tapes were the dominant medium for home viewing.<ref name="hitfix" /> His roles in video distribution gave him an intimate understanding of how content moved from studios to consumers, including the economics of licensing, wholesale pricing, and retail demand. This period of his career coincided with the emergence of the home video rental market as a major revenue stream for Hollywood studios, and Sarandos developed expertise in negotiating content deals and managing large catalogs of titles.


Before joining Netflix, Sarandos spent over a decade working in the home video distribution industry. Beginning in the late 1980s, he worked his way up through various positions in video distribution and supply companies. This period gave him extensive knowledge of the mechanics of content distribution, licensing agreements, and the economics of the home entertainment market. His career in video distribution positioned him as an executive with deep expertise in how content moved from studios to consumers, knowledge that proved essential when the entertainment industry began its transition to digital platforms.<ref>{{cite web |title=How Ted Sarandos Transformed Netflix Into a Global Doc Streamer |url=http://www.documentary.org/online-feature/how-ted-sarandos-transformed-netflix-global-doc-streamer |publisher=International Documentary Association |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Before joining Netflix, Sarandos worked at several companies in the video distribution space, where he honed his skills in content acquisition and built relationships across the entertainment industry. His background in the physical media business provided him with a pragmatic, distribution-focused perspective that complemented the technology-driven approach of Netflix's founders.


=== Netflix: Chief Content Officer (2000–2020) ===
=== Netflix: Chief Content Officer (2000–2020) ===


Sarandos joined Netflix in 2000 as its chief content officer, at a time when the company was still a fledgling DVD-by-mail rental service competing against the dominant brick-and-mortar chain [[Blockbuster Video]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Netflix Management |url=http://ir.netflix.com/management.cfm |publisher=Netflix Investor Relations |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In his role, he was responsible for all content acquisition and, eventually, the development of Netflix's original programming strategy. His early years at the company focused on building relationships with studios and distributors to secure a broad library of DVD titles for the service's subscribers.
Sarandos joined Netflix in 2000 as chief content officer, a role in which he oversaw all content acquisition and, eventually, original programming.<ref name="lamag" /> At the time of his arrival, Netflix was a relatively small DVD-by-mail rental service competing against established brick-and-mortar chains such as [[Blockbuster Video]]. Sarandos was responsible for building and managing Netflix's DVD library, negotiating licensing agreements with studios, and developing the content strategy that would support the company's growth.


As Netflix transitioned from physical media to streaming beginning in 2007, Sarandos played a central role in negotiating the licensing deals that would populate the company's digital library. He oversaw agreements with major studios and networks that gave Netflix access to vast catalogs of film and television content, which became the foundation of the streaming service's appeal to subscribers. During this period, Sarandos became known within the industry for his aggressive deal-making and his willingness to pay significant sums for content he believed would drive subscriber growth.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ted Sarandos on Netflix Programming Budget |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/ted-sarandos-netflix-programming-budget-915020 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
As Netflix transitioned from physical media to digital streaming in the late 2000s, Sarandos played a central role in securing the streaming rights to television series and films from major studios. This period required extensive negotiations with content owners who were initially skeptical of the streaming model and its potential impact on traditional revenue streams. Sarandos's relationships within the industry, combined with Netflix's growing subscriber base, enabled the company to assemble a streaming library that attracted millions of users.


A pivotal shift in Sarandos's tenure came with his decision to move Netflix into original content production. The company's first major original series, ''[[House of Cards (American TV series)|House of Cards]]'', debuted in February 2013 and represented a significant departure from the traditional television model. Rather than releasing episodes on a weekly schedule, Netflix made the entire first season available simultaneously, establishing the "binge-watching" model that would become synonymous with the platform.<ref>{{cite news |title=Outside the Box |url=http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/02/03/outside-the-box-2 |work=The New Yorker |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The decision to commission ''House of Cards'' was notable for its reliance on data analytics; Netflix used viewing data from its subscribers to identify that a political thriller starring [[Kevin Spacey]] and directed by [[David Fincher]] would appeal to a large segment of its audience.<ref>{{cite web |title=Big Data Lessons from Netflix |url=https://www.wired.com/insights/2014/03/big-data-lessons-netflix/ |publisher=Wired |date=2014-03 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
A defining moment in Sarandos's tenure came with Netflix's decision to invest in original content. Under his leadership, Netflix launched its first major original series, ''[[House of Cards (American TV series)|House of Cards]]'', in 2013, followed by ''[[Orange Is the New Black]]'' the same year.<ref name="nytimes">{{cite web |title=The Netflix Fix |url=http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/08/the-netflix-fix/ |publisher=The New York Times |date=2013-02-08 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The decision to release all episodes of a series simultaneously — a practice that became known as "binge-watching" — represented a departure from the traditional weekly broadcast model and changed audience expectations around how television content was consumed.


Under Sarandos's leadership, Netflix rapidly expanded its original programming slate. The company invested billions of dollars annually in original content across genres and formats, including drama series, comedies, documentaries, stand-up comedy specials, animated programming, and feature films. Sarandos articulated a content strategy aimed at serving diverse global audiences rather than pursuing a single mass-market formula. As he explained in various industry forums, the goal was to offer something for every subscriber rather than trying to create content that appealed to everyone simultaneously.<ref>{{cite news |title=Netflix's War on Mass Culture |url=https://newrepublic.com/article/115687/netflixs-war-mass-culture |work=The New Republic |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Sarandos's approach to content was informed by Netflix's sophisticated data analytics capabilities, which allowed the company to identify audience preferences and predict the potential success of programming investments.<ref name="wired">{{cite web |title=Big Data Lessons from Netflix |url=https://www.wired.com/insights/2014/03/big-data-lessons-netflix/ |publisher=Wired |date=2014-03 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The company's use of viewing data to inform greenlighting decisions was the subject of significant media attention and industry debate. A 2014 article in ''[[The New Yorker]]'' examined the interplay between data and creative decision-making at Netflix, noting the tension between algorithmic insights and traditional Hollywood instincts about what makes compelling content.<ref name="newyorker-outside">{{cite news |title=Outside the Box |url=http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/02/03/outside-the-box-2 |work=The New Yorker |date=2014-02-03 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Another ''New Yorker'' article examined whether Netflix's data-driven approach constituted a genuine innovation in content selection or represented an overstated marketing narrative.<ref name="newyorker-bigdata">{{cite news |title=Hollywood's Big-Data Big Deal |url=http://www.newyorker.com/business/currency/hollywoods-big-data-big-deal |work=The New Yorker |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


The use of data analytics in content decisions became a defining feature of Sarandos's approach. Netflix developed sophisticated algorithms and data platforms to analyze viewer behavior, preferences, and engagement patterns, which informed both content acquisition and original programming decisions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Netflix Hadoop Platform as a Service |url=http://www.slideshare.net/JeffMagnusson/qcon-sf-netflix-hadoop-platform-as-a-service |publisher=SlideShare |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Hollywood's Big-Data, Big Deal |url=http://www.newyorker.com/business/currency/hollywoods-big-data-big-deal |work=The New Yorker |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> While some industry observers questioned whether algorithms could replace human creative judgment, Sarandos maintained that data served as a complement to traditional creative instincts rather than a replacement for them. He described his philosophy as using data to reduce the uncertainty inherent in content investment while still relying on experienced creative executives to identify compelling stories and talent.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ted Talk: State of the Netflix Union – Discussion with Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos |url=http://www.hitfix.com/whats-alan-watching/ted-talk-state-of-the-netflix-union-discussion-with-chief-content-officer-ted-sarandos |publisher=HitFix |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Under Sarandos's content leadership, Netflix expanded rapidly into original programming across multiple genres and formats, including dramatic series, comedies, documentaries, stand-up specials, and feature films. The company also pursued an aggressive international expansion strategy, both licensing content from around the world and producing original programming in dozens of countries. Sarandos oversaw the development of Netflix into one of the world's largest commissioners of documentary content, a genre that benefited from the platform's ability to connect niche programming with targeted audiences globally.<ref name="documentary" />


Sarandos also spearheaded Netflix's international expansion of content, commissioning original programming in multiple languages and from numerous countries. This global content strategy helped Netflix grow its subscriber base beyond the United States and establish itself as a truly international entertainment platform. Original series from countries including [[Spain]], [[Germany]], [[South Korea]], [[Brazil]], [[India]], and others found audiences far beyond their home markets, a phenomenon that Sarandos pointed to as evidence of the universal appeal of quality storytelling regardless of language barriers.
Sarandos spoke publicly about Netflix's programming budget growing substantially year over year. In a 2016 interview with ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', he discussed the company's approach to content spending, noting that Netflix viewed its programming investments as essential to subscriber growth and retention.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ted Sarandos on Netflix Programming Budget |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/ted-sarandos-netflix-programming-budget-915020 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


His approach to documentary programming also transformed the genre's commercial viability. Under his oversight, Netflix invested heavily in documentary films and series, elevating the form from a niche category to a mainstream entertainment staple on the platform.<ref>{{cite web |title=How Ted Sarandos Transformed Netflix Into a Global Doc Streamer |url=http://www.documentary.org/online-feature/how-ted-sarandos-transformed-netflix-global-doc-streamer |publisher=International Documentary Association |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
A 2013 article in ''[[The New Republic]]'' analyzed the implications of Netflix's content strategy for mass culture, exploring whether the company's algorithmic approach to content and its emphasis on personalized recommendations were fragmenting the shared cultural experiences that broadcast television had traditionally provided.<ref>{{cite news |title=Netflix's War on Mass Culture |url=https://newrepublic.com/article/115687/netflixs-war-mass-culture |work=The New Republic |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


=== Co-CEO of Netflix (2020–present) ===
=== Co-CEO of Netflix (2020–present) ===


In July 2020, Netflix announced that Sarandos had been promoted to co-chief executive officer alongside the company's co-founder, [[Reed Hastings]]. The appointment formalized Sarandos's role as one of the two most senior leaders of the company and reflected his growing influence over Netflix's strategic direction beyond content alone. When Hastings stepped back to the role of executive chairman in January 2023, Sarandos continued as co-CEO alongside Greg Peters, who had previously served as the company's chief operating officer.
In July 2020, Sarandos was promoted from chief content officer to co-chief executive officer of Netflix, sharing the role with co-founder Reed Hastings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Netflix Management |url=http://ir.netflix.com/management.cfm |publisher=Netflix Investor Relations |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The promotion formalized Sarandos's role as one of the two most senior leaders of the company and reflected the central importance of content strategy to Netflix's business model. When Hastings stepped back to the role of executive chairman in January 2023, Sarandos became co-CEO alongside Greg Peters, who had served as the company's chief operating officer.


As co-CEO, Sarandos has overseen Netflix's continued growth and its expansion into new business areas, including live events, gaming, and advertising-supported subscription tiers. He has also led the company through a period of intensifying competition in the streaming marketplace, as traditional media conglomerates launched their own streaming services.
As co-CEO, Sarandos has continued to oversee Netflix's content operations while also taking on broader corporate leadership responsibilities, including investor relations, strategic planning, and corporate governance. Under his leadership, Netflix navigated the intensely competitive streaming landscape of the early 2020s, during which virtually every major media company launched its own streaming platform. Despite increased competition, Netflix maintained its position as the largest global streaming service by subscriber count.


=== Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition Bid (2026) ===
=== Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition Bid (2026) ===


In February 2026, Sarandos became the public face of Netflix's reported $83 billion bid to acquire [[Warner Bros. Discovery]], one of the largest proposed media transactions in history. The bid placed Netflix in direct competition with [[Paramount Global]], which was also pursuing an acquisition of WBD assets. On the eve of a reported deadline for the Paramount deal, Sarandos traveled to London, where he spoke publicly about the bid during events surrounding the [[BAFTA Film Awards]].<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-22 |title=Netflix Chief Ted Sarandos' Message To Paramount On Eve Of Warner Deadline: "Put A Better Deal On The Table" |url=https://deadline.com/2026/02/netflix-ted-sarandos-paramount-bafta-film-awards-1236732313/ |work=Deadline |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
In early 2026, Netflix under Sarandos's leadership launched an approximately $83 billion bid to acquire [[Warner Bros. Discovery]], one of the largest proposed media transactions in history. The bid placed Netflix in competition with [[Paramount Global]], which was also pursuing Warner Bros. Discovery assets as a deadline for offers approached.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-22 |title=Netflix Chief Ted Sarandos' Message To Paramount On Eve Of Warner Deadline: "Put A Better Deal On The Table" |url=https://deadline.com/2026/02/netflix-ted-sarandos-paramount-bafta-film-awards-1236732313/ |work=Deadline |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


Sarandos argued that Netflix's offer was superior for the industry, stating that his company was "buying assets we don't currently have," framing the acquisition as complementary to Netflix's existing business rather than merely consolidating overlapping operations.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Netflix boss defends bid for Warner Bros as Paramount deadline looms |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20jn073gj4o |work=BBC News |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He described the potential deal as one that would benefit the broader entertainment industry by bringing Warner Bros. Discovery's content libraries, studios, and intellectual property under the umbrella of Netflix's global distribution platform.<ref name="guardian">{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Netflix boss says $83bn Warner Bros takeover will benefit industry |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/23/netflix-warner-bros-takeover-ted-sarandos-donald-trump-susan-rice |work=The Guardian |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
In February 2026, Sarandos traveled to London, where he publicly defended Netflix's offer. Speaking ahead of the [[BAFTA]] Film Awards, Sarandos argued that Netflix's bid was superior because the company was "buying assets we don't currently have," suggesting that the acquisition would be more beneficial for industry growth than a rival bid from Paramount.<ref name="bbc">{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Netflix boss defends bid for Warner Bros as Paramount deadline looms |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20jn073gj4o |work=BBC News |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He characterized the deal as a business transaction intended to strengthen Netflix's content library and production capabilities through the addition of Warner Bros.' extensive film and television catalog, studio infrastructure, and intellectual property portfolio.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Netflix boss says $83bn Warner Bros takeover will benefit industry |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/23/netflix-warner-bros-takeover-ted-sarandos-donald-trump-susan-rice |work=The Guardian |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


The bid attracted significant political attention when former President [[Donald Trump]] publicly demanded on social media that Netflix remove [[Susan Rice]], a former [[United States National Security Advisor|National Security Advisor]] under President [[Barack Obama]], from its board of directors as a condition of the deal receiving favorable treatment. Sarandos dismissed the demand, telling reporters, "This is a business deal, not a political deal."<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Netflix boss responds to Trump's call to fire Susan Rice: 'This is a business deal, not a political deal' |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/netflix-ceo-responds-trump-susan-rice-board-warner-bros-paramount-2026-2 |work=Business Insider |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Ted Sarandos Responds to Donald Trump's Call to Fire Susan Rice |url=https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/ted-sarandos-responds-donald-trump-fire-susan-rice-1236670063/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His response drew widespread media coverage and was characterized by multiple outlets as a notable instance of a major corporate leader publicly declining to comply with political pressure during a high-stakes business negotiation.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Netflix CEO shrugs off Trump demands as Warner Bros. deal looms |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/23/netflix-ceo-trump-demands-warner-bros-deal-00793188 |work=Politico |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-24 |title='Not a political deal': Netflix boss rejects Trump's call to fire Susan Rice |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/movies-tv/article/netflix-trump-susan-rice-21879187.php |work=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
The bid became the subject of political controversy when U.S. President [[Donald Trump]] publicly demanded that Netflix remove former [[National Security Advisor (United States)|national security adviser]] [[Susan Rice]] from its board of directors as a condition of the deal receiving regulatory approval. Sarandos dismissed the demand, stating, "This is a business deal, not a political deal."<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Netflix boss responds to Trump's call to fire Susan Rice: 'This is a business deal, not a political deal' |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/netflix-ceo-responds-trump-susan-rice-board-warner-bros-paramount-2026-2 |work=Business Insider |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In multiple interviews, Sarandos reiterated that the composition of Netflix's board was a matter for the company and its shareholders, not a subject for political intervention.<ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Netflix CEO shrugs off Trump demands as Warner Bros. deal looms |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/23/netflix-ceo-trump-demands-warner-bros-deal-00793188 |work=Politico |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Ted Sarandos Responds to Donald Trump's Call to Fire Susan Rice |url=https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/ted-sarandos-responds-donald-trump-fire-susan-rice-1236670063/ |work=Variety |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-24 |title='Not a political deal': Netflix boss rejects Trump's call to fire Susan Rice |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/movies-tv/article/netflix-trump-susan-rice-21879187.php |work=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2026-02-23 |title=Netflix boss dismisses Trump's demand for Susan Rice to be fired |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/media/5750810-netflix-warner-brothers-ted-sarandos-trump-rice/ |work=The Hill |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Personal Life ==
== Personal Life ==


Sarandos is married to [[Nicole Avant]], an American film producer, philanthropist, and former [[United States Ambassador to the Bahamas]] who served in that role during the Obama administration.<ref>{{cite news |title=Obama, Ted Sarandos, Netflix, Nicole Avant |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/obama-ted-sarandos-netflix-nicole-avant-315830 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The couple resides in [[Los Angeles, California]]. Sarandos purchased a home previously owned by producer [[David Geffen]] in the Hollywood Hills area.<ref>{{cite news |title=Netflix's Ted Sarandos Buys David Geffen's Home |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflixs-ted-sarandos-buys-david-590777 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Ted Sarandos is married to [[Nicole Avant]], an American film producer, philanthropist, and former U.S. [[United States Ambassador to the Bahamas|Ambassador to the Bahamas]] during the [[Presidency of Barack Obama|Obama administration]].<ref name="obama">{{cite news |title=Obama, Ted Sarandos, Netflix, Nicole Avant |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/obama-ted-sarandos-netflix-nicole-avant-315830 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The couple is based in Los Angeles, California.
 
Sarandos has been involved in philanthropic and cultural organizations. He has served on the board of [[Exploring the Arts]], a nonprofit organization that supports arts education in public high schools.<ref>{{cite web |title=About ETA – Board of Directors |url=http://www.exploringthearts.org/about-eta#bio-10 |publisher=Exploring the Arts |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He has also been affiliated with the [[Aspen Institute]]'s Aspen Global Leadership Network.<ref>{{cite web |title=Aspen Global Leadership Network Profile – Ted Sarandos |url=http://agln.aspeninstitute.org/profile/3463 |publisher=Aspen Institute |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


Sarandos has been involved in philanthropic and cultural organizations. He has served on the board of [[Exploring the Arts]], a nonprofit organization co-founded by singer [[Tony Bennett]] that supports arts education in public high schools.<ref>{{cite web |title=About ETA – Board Members |url=http://www.exploringthearts.org/about-eta#bio-10 |publisher=Exploring the Arts |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He has also been affiliated with the [[Aspen Institute]]'s Aspen Global Leadership Network.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ted Sarandos – Aspen Global Leadership Network |url=http://agln.aspeninstitute.org/profile/3463 |publisher=Aspen Institute |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
In 2013, Sarandos purchased a home in the [[Bel Air, Los Angeles|Bel Air]] neighborhood of Los Angeles that had previously been owned by [[David Geffen]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Netflix's Ted Sarandos Buys David Geffen's Home |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflixs-ted-sarandos-buys-david-590777 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


Sarandos's marriage to Avant, who is the daughter of music executive [[Clarence Avant]], has placed him within a prominent network that spans the entertainment industry, philanthropy, and Democratic Party politics. His connection to political circles through his wife has occasionally drawn public attention, particularly in the context of Netflix's business dealings that intersect with government regulatory matters.
Sarandos has been recognized within the Jewish and interfaith communities for his civic engagement. He was honored at a [[Persian New Year]] event covered by the ''[[Jewish Journal]]'', and was included on the [[Simon Wiesenthal Center]]'s list of influential figures in the Hollywood community.<ref>{{cite web |title=Moving and Shaking: Ted Sarandos Honored, Persian New Year and Righteous Conversations |url=http://www.jewishjournal.com/los_angeles/article/moving_and_shaking_ted_sarandos_honored_persian_new_year_and_righteous_conv |publisher=Jewish Journal |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Wiesenthal Center Hollywood Power Elite |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wiesenthal-center-hollywood-power-elite-689713 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Recognition ==
== Recognition ==


Sarandos has received recognition from multiple organizations for his contributions to the entertainment and media industries. He has been included in the [[Simon Wiesenthal Center]]'s list of the most influential figures in the Hollywood entertainment community.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wiesenthal Center: Hollywood Power Elite |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wiesenthal-center-hollywood-power-elite-689713 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He has also been honored by cultural organizations, including recognition at events celebrating the Persian New Year for his contributions to global storytelling and cultural exchange.<ref>{{cite web |title=Moving and Shaking: Ted Sarandos Honored, Persian New Year, and Righteous Conversations |url=http://www.jewishjournal.com/los_angeles/article/moving_and_shaking_ted_sarandos_honored_persian_new_year_and_righteous_conv |publisher=Jewish Journal |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Ted Sarandos has been a frequent presence on annual lists of the most influential figures in entertainment and media. His role in shaping Netflix's content strategy and overseeing the company's transition to original programming has drawn significant attention from industry publications and mainstream media alike.
 
''[[Los Angeles Magazine]]'' profiled Sarandos as part of its "Big Shots" series, highlighting his influence on the entertainment industry.<ref name="lamag" /> ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' has included him in multiple annual power rankings and feature profiles, recognizing his role in the transformation of television distribution and production.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wiesenthal Center Hollywood Power Elite |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wiesenthal-center-hollywood-power-elite-689713 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


Within the entertainment industry, Sarandos has been consistently ranked among the most powerful executives in Hollywood by publications including ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' and ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''. His role in transforming Netflix from a DVD rental company into the dominant force in global streaming has been the subject of extensive media coverage and industry analysis. He has been a featured speaker at numerous industry conferences and events, where he has discussed topics including the future of content distribution, the role of data in creative decision-making, and the economics of streaming entertainment.
The ''[[New York Times]]'' profiled Sarandos in 2013 in connection with Netflix's entry into original programming, examining how his background in home video distribution informed the company's approach to content.<ref name="nytimes" /> His data-informed approach to content commissioning was the subject of analysis in ''[[The New Yorker]]'' and ''[[Wired]]'', among other publications.<ref name="newyorker-outside" /><ref name="wired" />


The company he leads, Netflix, has accumulated numerous [[Academy Awards]], [[Emmy Awards]], and other industry accolades under his content leadership, though these awards are attributed to the company and its creative partners rather than to Sarandos individually.
Sarandos has been a featured speaker at industry conferences and events, discussing topics related to the future of entertainment, the role of technology in content distribution, and the economics of streaming. His public appearances have included discussions at events associated with the [[Aspen Institute]] and other organizations focused on leadership and innovation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Aspen Global Leadership Network Profile – Ted Sarandos |url=http://agln.aspeninstitute.org/profile/3463 |publisher=Aspen Institute |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


Sarandos's impact on the entertainment industry is most directly measured through the transformation of Netflix under his content leadership. When he joined the company in 2000, Netflix had approximately 300,000 DVD-by-mail subscribers and no original content. By the mid-2020s, the company had grown to more than 200 million subscribers worldwide and had become one of the largest producers and distributors of entertainment content globally.
Ted Sarandos's career at Netflix has coincided with and contributed to a fundamental restructuring of the global entertainment industry. His role in developing Netflix's original content strategy — beginning with the company's first original series in 2013 and expanding to encompass thousands of titles across dozens of countries — helped establish streaming as the dominant mode of content distribution in the 21st century.
 
His decision to move Netflix into original programming, beginning with ''House of Cards'' in 2013, is credited with catalyzing a broader industry shift. The success of Netflix's original content strategy prompted virtually every major media company to launch competing streaming services, fundamentally reshaping the economics of the entertainment industry. The model of releasing entire seasons simultaneously, which Sarandos championed, altered audience expectations and viewing habits, giving rise to the cultural phenomenon of binge-watching.<ref>{{cite news |title=Outside the Box |url=http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/02/03/outside-the-box-2 |work=The New Yorker |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


His emphasis on data-driven content decisions represented a departure from the traditional Hollywood model, in which programming decisions were made primarily on the basis of executive intuition, star power, and established intellectual property. While this approach generated both praise and criticism within the creative community, it proved commercially effective and influenced how other media companies approached content investment.
The decision to release entire seasons of television series at once, which Sarandos championed as chief content officer, introduced the concept of binge-watching into mainstream culture and prompted competing networks and platforms to reconsider their own release strategies. Netflix's willingness to invest heavily in content from international markets, including non-English-language programming, expanded the global audience for foreign-language entertainment in ways that traditional theatrical and broadcast distribution had not achieved.


Sarandos's global content strategy—commissioning original programming in dozens of languages and from numerous countries—expanded the international reach of non-English-language entertainment and created new markets for content creators worldwide. This approach contributed to a measurable increase in cross-cultural content consumption, with audiences in one country regularly viewing programming produced in another.
Sarandos's use of data analytics to inform content decisions represented a shift in how entertainment companies approached programming. While the extent to which algorithms drive creative decisions at Netflix has been debated — with analyses in ''The New Yorker'' and other publications examining the tension between data and creative instinct — the company's approach influenced how other media companies thought about audience measurement and content investment.<ref name="newyorker-bigdata" /><ref name="newyorker-outside" />


As of February 2026, with Netflix pursuing the potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Sarandos stands at the center of what could become one of the most consequential media consolidation events in history, one that would further reshape the global entertainment landscape he has already done much to transform.
His elevation to co-CEO in 2020, and his continued leadership of the company as it pursued major acquisitions in 2026, positioned Sarandos as one of the central figures in the ongoing consolidation and transformation of the media industry. The proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, if completed, would represent one of the largest media mergers in history and would further reshape the competitive landscape of global entertainment.<ref name="bbc" />


== References ==
== References ==
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Latest revision as of 05:13, 24 February 2026


Ted Sarandos
BornTheodore Anthony Sarandos Jr.
30 7, 1964
BirthplaceLong Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationMedia executive
TitleCo-chief executive officer of Netflix
Known forBuilding Netflix's original content strategy; co-CEO of Netflix
Spouse(s)Nicole Avant

Theodore Anthony Sarandos Jr. (born July 30, 1964) is an American media executive who serves as the co-chief executive officer of Netflix, the world's largest subscription streaming service. Sarandos joined Netflix in 2000 as its chief content officer and spent two decades shaping the company's transformation from a DVD-by-mail rental service into a global entertainment powerhouse that produces and distributes original films and television series. He was elevated to co-CEO alongside co-founder Reed Hastings in July 2020, and assumed a more prominent leadership role after Hastings transitioned to executive chairman in January 2023.[1] A self-described student of the entertainment industry who spent his early career working in video stores, Sarandos brought a data-informed but creatively ambitious approach to content acquisition and production that fundamentally altered how audiences consume television and film. As of February 2026, Sarandos has led Netflix's ambitious bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in a deal valued at approximately $83 billion, a move he has characterized as aimed at acquiring assets Netflix does not currently possess.[2]

Early Life

Ted Sarandos was born on July 30, 1964, in Long Branch, New Jersey, and grew up in Phoenix, Arizona.[3] He was raised in a large family; accounts describe a working-class upbringing that instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for popular entertainment. As a young man, Sarandos developed an extensive knowledge of film and television, a foundation that would later prove central to his career in the entertainment industry.

Sarandos's formative professional experience came from working in video rental stores during the late 1980s, a period when the home video market was experiencing rapid growth.[4] Working in video stores gave Sarandos a ground-level understanding of consumer preferences, viewing habits, and the economics of content distribution. He has spoken publicly about how the experience of recommending films to customers and observing which titles were rented most frequently shaped his intuitive grasp of audience behavior — a skill he would later combine with Netflix's data analytics capabilities to revolutionize content strategy.

His time in the home video industry also exposed Sarandos to the business relationships between studios, distributors, and retailers, giving him an understanding of the licensing and distribution deals that would become central to his role at Netflix. Before joining Netflix, Sarandos held positions in video distribution, including a role at a video distribution company where he gained experience in content acquisition, supply chain logistics, and the mechanics of delivering entertainment to consumers at scale.[5]

Career

Early Career in Home Video

Sarandos began his career in the entertainment industry in 1988, working in the home video distribution business during the era when VHS tapes were the dominant medium for home viewing.[4] His roles in video distribution gave him an intimate understanding of how content moved from studios to consumers, including the economics of licensing, wholesale pricing, and retail demand. This period of his career coincided with the emergence of the home video rental market as a major revenue stream for Hollywood studios, and Sarandos developed expertise in negotiating content deals and managing large catalogs of titles.

Before joining Netflix, Sarandos worked at several companies in the video distribution space, where he honed his skills in content acquisition and built relationships across the entertainment industry. His background in the physical media business provided him with a pragmatic, distribution-focused perspective that complemented the technology-driven approach of Netflix's founders.

Netflix: Chief Content Officer (2000–2020)

Sarandos joined Netflix in 2000 as chief content officer, a role in which he oversaw all content acquisition and, eventually, original programming.[3] At the time of his arrival, Netflix was a relatively small DVD-by-mail rental service competing against established brick-and-mortar chains such as Blockbuster Video. Sarandos was responsible for building and managing Netflix's DVD library, negotiating licensing agreements with studios, and developing the content strategy that would support the company's growth.

As Netflix transitioned from physical media to digital streaming in the late 2000s, Sarandos played a central role in securing the streaming rights to television series and films from major studios. This period required extensive negotiations with content owners who were initially skeptical of the streaming model and its potential impact on traditional revenue streams. Sarandos's relationships within the industry, combined with Netflix's growing subscriber base, enabled the company to assemble a streaming library that attracted millions of users.

A defining moment in Sarandos's tenure came with Netflix's decision to invest in original content. Under his leadership, Netflix launched its first major original series, House of Cards, in 2013, followed by Orange Is the New Black the same year.[6] The decision to release all episodes of a series simultaneously — a practice that became known as "binge-watching" — represented a departure from the traditional weekly broadcast model and changed audience expectations around how television content was consumed.

Sarandos's approach to content was informed by Netflix's sophisticated data analytics capabilities, which allowed the company to identify audience preferences and predict the potential success of programming investments.[7] The company's use of viewing data to inform greenlighting decisions was the subject of significant media attention and industry debate. A 2014 article in The New Yorker examined the interplay between data and creative decision-making at Netflix, noting the tension between algorithmic insights and traditional Hollywood instincts about what makes compelling content.[8] Another New Yorker article examined whether Netflix's data-driven approach constituted a genuine innovation in content selection or represented an overstated marketing narrative.[9]

Under Sarandos's content leadership, Netflix expanded rapidly into original programming across multiple genres and formats, including dramatic series, comedies, documentaries, stand-up specials, and feature films. The company also pursued an aggressive international expansion strategy, both licensing content from around the world and producing original programming in dozens of countries. Sarandos oversaw the development of Netflix into one of the world's largest commissioners of documentary content, a genre that benefited from the platform's ability to connect niche programming with targeted audiences globally.[5]

Sarandos spoke publicly about Netflix's programming budget growing substantially year over year. In a 2016 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he discussed the company's approach to content spending, noting that Netflix viewed its programming investments as essential to subscriber growth and retention.[10]

A 2013 article in The New Republic analyzed the implications of Netflix's content strategy for mass culture, exploring whether the company's algorithmic approach to content and its emphasis on personalized recommendations were fragmenting the shared cultural experiences that broadcast television had traditionally provided.[11]

Co-CEO of Netflix (2020–present)

In July 2020, Sarandos was promoted from chief content officer to co-chief executive officer of Netflix, sharing the role with co-founder Reed Hastings.[12] The promotion formalized Sarandos's role as one of the two most senior leaders of the company and reflected the central importance of content strategy to Netflix's business model. When Hastings stepped back to the role of executive chairman in January 2023, Sarandos became co-CEO alongside Greg Peters, who had served as the company's chief operating officer.

As co-CEO, Sarandos has continued to oversee Netflix's content operations while also taking on broader corporate leadership responsibilities, including investor relations, strategic planning, and corporate governance. Under his leadership, Netflix navigated the intensely competitive streaming landscape of the early 2020s, during which virtually every major media company launched its own streaming platform. Despite increased competition, Netflix maintained its position as the largest global streaming service by subscriber count.

Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition Bid (2026)

In early 2026, Netflix under Sarandos's leadership launched an approximately $83 billion bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, one of the largest proposed media transactions in history. The bid placed Netflix in competition with Paramount Global, which was also pursuing Warner Bros. Discovery assets as a deadline for offers approached.[13]

In February 2026, Sarandos traveled to London, where he publicly defended Netflix's offer. Speaking ahead of the BAFTA Film Awards, Sarandos argued that Netflix's bid was superior because the company was "buying assets we don't currently have," suggesting that the acquisition would be more beneficial for industry growth than a rival bid from Paramount.[14] He characterized the deal as a business transaction intended to strengthen Netflix's content library and production capabilities through the addition of Warner Bros.' extensive film and television catalog, studio infrastructure, and intellectual property portfolio.[15]

The bid became the subject of political controversy when U.S. President Donald Trump publicly demanded that Netflix remove former national security adviser Susan Rice from its board of directors as a condition of the deal receiving regulatory approval. Sarandos dismissed the demand, stating, "This is a business deal, not a political deal."[16] In multiple interviews, Sarandos reiterated that the composition of Netflix's board was a matter for the company and its shareholders, not a subject for political intervention.[17][18][19][20]

Personal Life

Ted Sarandos is married to Nicole Avant, an American film producer, philanthropist, and former U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas during the Obama administration.[21] The couple is based in Los Angeles, California.

Sarandos has been involved in philanthropic and cultural organizations. He has served on the board of Exploring the Arts, a nonprofit organization that supports arts education in public high schools.[22] He has also been affiliated with the Aspen Institute's Aspen Global Leadership Network.[23]

In 2013, Sarandos purchased a home in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles that had previously been owned by David Geffen.[24]

Sarandos has been recognized within the Jewish and interfaith communities for his civic engagement. He was honored at a Persian New Year event covered by the Jewish Journal, and was included on the Simon Wiesenthal Center's list of influential figures in the Hollywood community.[25][26]

Recognition

Ted Sarandos has been a frequent presence on annual lists of the most influential figures in entertainment and media. His role in shaping Netflix's content strategy and overseeing the company's transition to original programming has drawn significant attention from industry publications and mainstream media alike.

Los Angeles Magazine profiled Sarandos as part of its "Big Shots" series, highlighting his influence on the entertainment industry.[3] The Hollywood Reporter has included him in multiple annual power rankings and feature profiles, recognizing his role in the transformation of television distribution and production.[27]

The New York Times profiled Sarandos in 2013 in connection with Netflix's entry into original programming, examining how his background in home video distribution informed the company's approach to content.[6] His data-informed approach to content commissioning was the subject of analysis in The New Yorker and Wired, among other publications.[8][7]

Sarandos has been a featured speaker at industry conferences and events, discussing topics related to the future of entertainment, the role of technology in content distribution, and the economics of streaming. His public appearances have included discussions at events associated with the Aspen Institute and other organizations focused on leadership and innovation.[28]

Legacy

Ted Sarandos's career at Netflix has coincided with and contributed to a fundamental restructuring of the global entertainment industry. His role in developing Netflix's original content strategy — beginning with the company's first original series in 2013 and expanding to encompass thousands of titles across dozens of countries — helped establish streaming as the dominant mode of content distribution in the 21st century.

The decision to release entire seasons of television series at once, which Sarandos championed as chief content officer, introduced the concept of binge-watching into mainstream culture and prompted competing networks and platforms to reconsider their own release strategies. Netflix's willingness to invest heavily in content from international markets, including non-English-language programming, expanded the global audience for foreign-language entertainment in ways that traditional theatrical and broadcast distribution had not achieved.

Sarandos's use of data analytics to inform content decisions represented a shift in how entertainment companies approached programming. While the extent to which algorithms drive creative decisions at Netflix has been debated — with analyses in The New Yorker and other publications examining the tension between data and creative instinct — the company's approach influenced how other media companies thought about audience measurement and content investment.[9][8]

His elevation to co-CEO in 2020, and his continued leadership of the company as it pursued major acquisitions in 2026, positioned Sarandos as one of the central figures in the ongoing consolidation and transformation of the media industry. The proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, if completed, would represent one of the largest media mergers in history and would further reshape the competitive landscape of global entertainment.[14]

References

  1. ↑ "Netflix Management".Netflix Investor Relations.http://ir.netflix.com/management.cfm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ "Netflix boss defends bid for Warner Bros as Paramount deadline looms".BBC News.2026-02-23.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20jn073gj4o.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Big Shots: Ted Sarandos".Los Angeles Magazine.http://www.lamag.com/bigshots/big-shots-ted-sarandos/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Ted Talk: State of the Netflix Union Discussion with Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos".HitFix.http://www.hitfix.com/whats-alan-watching/ted-talk-state-of-the-netflix-union-discussion-with-chief-content-officer-ted-sarandos.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "How Ted Sarandos Transformed Netflix Into a Global Doc Streamer".International Documentary Association.http://www.documentary.org/online-feature/how-ted-sarandos-transformed-netflix-global-doc-streamer.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "The Netflix Fix".The New York Times.2013-02-08.http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/08/the-netflix-fix/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Big Data Lessons from Netflix".Wired.2014-03.https://www.wired.com/insights/2014/03/big-data-lessons-netflix/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "Outside the Box".The New Yorker.2014-02-03.http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/02/03/outside-the-box-2.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Hollywood's Big-Data Big Deal".The New Yorker.http://www.newyorker.com/business/currency/hollywoods-big-data-big-deal.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "Ted Sarandos on Netflix Programming Budget".The Hollywood Reporter.http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/ted-sarandos-netflix-programming-budget-915020.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "Netflix's War on Mass Culture".The New Republic.https://newrepublic.com/article/115687/netflixs-war-mass-culture.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "Netflix Management".Netflix Investor Relations.http://ir.netflix.com/management.cfm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Netflix Chief Ted Sarandos' Message To Paramount On Eve Of Warner Deadline: "Put A Better Deal On The Table"".Deadline.2026-02-22.https://deadline.com/2026/02/netflix-ted-sarandos-paramount-bafta-film-awards-1236732313/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Netflix boss defends bid for Warner Bros as Paramount deadline looms".BBC News.2026-02-23.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20jn073gj4o.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "Netflix boss says $83bn Warner Bros takeover will benefit industry".The Guardian.2026-02-23.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/23/netflix-warner-bros-takeover-ted-sarandos-donald-trump-susan-rice.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "Netflix boss responds to Trump's call to fire Susan Rice: 'This is a business deal, not a political deal'".Business Insider.2026-02-23.https://www.businessinsider.com/netflix-ceo-responds-trump-susan-rice-board-warner-bros-paramount-2026-2.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Netflix CEO shrugs off Trump demands as Warner Bros. deal looms".Politico.2026-02-23.https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/23/netflix-ceo-trump-demands-warner-bros-deal-00793188.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Ted Sarandos Responds to Donald Trump's Call to Fire Susan Rice".Variety.2026-02-23.https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/ted-sarandos-responds-donald-trump-fire-susan-rice-1236670063/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "'Not a political deal': Netflix boss rejects Trump's call to fire Susan Rice".San Francisco Chronicle.2026-02-24.https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/movies-tv/article/netflix-trump-susan-rice-21879187.php.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "Netflix boss dismisses Trump's demand for Susan Rice to be fired".The Hill.2026-02-23.https://thehill.com/homenews/media/5750810-netflix-warner-brothers-ted-sarandos-trump-rice/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Obama, Ted Sarandos, Netflix, Nicole Avant".The Hollywood Reporter.http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/obama-ted-sarandos-netflix-nicole-avant-315830.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "About ETA – Board of Directors".Exploring the Arts.http://www.exploringthearts.org/about-eta#bio-10.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "Aspen Global Leadership Network Profile – Ted Sarandos".Aspen Institute.http://agln.aspeninstitute.org/profile/3463.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "Netflix's Ted Sarandos Buys David Geffen's Home".The Hollywood Reporter.http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflixs-ted-sarandos-buys-david-590777.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  25. ↑ "Moving and Shaking: Ted Sarandos Honored, Persian New Year and Righteous Conversations".Jewish Journal.http://www.jewishjournal.com/los_angeles/article/moving_and_shaking_ted_sarandos_honored_persian_new_year_and_righteous_conv.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  26. ↑ "Wiesenthal Center Hollywood Power Elite".The Hollywood Reporter.http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wiesenthal-center-hollywood-power-elite-689713.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  27. ↑ "Wiesenthal Center Hollywood Power Elite".The Hollywood Reporter.http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wiesenthal-center-hollywood-power-elite-689713.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  28. ↑ "Aspen Global Leadership Network Profile – Ted Sarandos".Aspen Institute.http://agln.aspeninstitute.org/profile/3463.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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