The average American consumes over five hours of TV per day according to Tim Wu, writer for The New Republic magazine, and author of “Niche is the New Mass”. In this article, Wu explores how the popular video streaming company Netflix is revolutionizing the television industry. He argues that because they are creating a television culture that is catered to specialized fan bases, instead of the far-reaching scope of on-air television, Netflix is changing America’s TV watching habits. To prove that Netflix is slowly but subtly changing our television culture, Wu calls upon the history of Netflix, and quotes from various people.
To help the reader understand the context of the Netflix “revolution” and the company itself, Wu explores Netflix history. He explains how they pioneered the beginning of Netflix exclusive shows: “Once while attending a software convention, he ran into a guy named Stu Pollard… ‘He gave me his movie, and he said. “I’ve got ten thousand of these if you’re interested’’” (33). Wu also explains the new series on Netflix: “Rather than putting the show through the normal pilot process, the company would commit to two 13-episode seasons up front” (34). The fact that Wu spelled out the achievements and history of the company helps him to understand how Netflix is different than network TV. Therefore, he is later able to compare Netflix to regular TV more effectively, because the reader is able to see the difference, and how specifically Netflix is different.
Not only that, but Wu uses quotes to back his later assertions that Netflix is revolutionary. He claims Netflix can offer something regular programs for the masses cannot: a niche, series that specific groups of people watch that don’t target the masses. He quotes Netflix Chief Content Officer: “Human beings like control...To make all of America do the same thing at the same time is enormously inefficient, ridiculously expensive, and most of the time, not a very satisfying experience” (34). Through this quote, and others like it, Wu is able to drive his points home, and show the reader that he is not blindly asserting random statements. The reader is able to see other people backing this argument. Even though the person who says this is partial, the quote, along with others, strengthens Wu’s argument considerably, and brings to attention the subtle change Netflix is inflicting on our society.
I agree, after that, all I want to do is go “binge-watch” on Netflix. It’s addictive and I fully believe they’re taking over America. 
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