Are you a Netflix subscriber? Share your experiences - £250 voucher up for grabs

[KatieBMumsnet]

Netflix would like to know what Mumsnetters think of their entertainment subscription service.

If you currently use or have used Netflix in the past, what do you think? Do you use Netflix on a regular basis? If so, how do you use it - do you mainly watch movies or are you addicted to a particular TV series? When do you watch on your own, with your partner or with your family?

What role does Entertainment play in your familys life and how does Netflix fit in?

What about the dedicated Netflix Kids section - do your DCs use this to watch their favourite shows?

If you have never tried Netflix before, what are your impressions of it? Is it something you'd try? If so, why? If not, why not?

Everyone who adds their thoughts will be entered into a prize draw to win a £250 Love2Shop voucher (this prize draw has already taken place).

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw,

MNHQ

• NB: vouchers will be sent to the winner by MNHQ

I have Netflix but actually think it is dire. I think it is poorly set out for use on a smart TV compared to the lovefilm smart tv version. Whilst I agree it is easy enough to browse using a pc I do not want to have to do that every time I want to watch something.

I also dislike the fact that it displays icon images for films that are totally unsuitable for children even when you have set a PIN to stop them being viewed.

There is not much in the content that I actually want to watch, with the odd exception being some american tv series. I agree with everyone who said the film selection is poor.

The only reason I have it is for the Kids section, however I would like the browsing to be easier and no film icons for unsuitable films on the home page, as already mentioned.

All in all I am not impressed and prefer lovefilm,despite the fact that we often have streaming issues with it!

I have it and whilst I agree the range of films is a bit disappointing, I'm really enjoying the tv shows. I loved Orange is the New Black and we've been able to watch Breaking Bad, which somehow passed me by on TV.
I´m currently half way through The Bridge, which is brilliant...........it just means I can't Mumsnet as much, due to the subtitles

I subscribe to Netflix.

I can't use it on my computer (i can't remember why now... maybe cos it's running Linux??) but we use it on the Wii U.

I was pretty disappointed to find that there is a well-known bug if you're using it via the Wii U where it just blacks out every time you try and use it, meaning we have to turn the whole shebang off, restart it and try again. Very irritating... we subscribed ON the wii u, and I don't think Netflix should enable you to do that until they've fixed the bug.

The kids quite like it because we don't actually get any broadcast tv, so this is their alternative. We used to use iPlayer, but that isn't supported on the Wii U . If it was we probably wouldn't have subscribed to Netflix because obv iPlayer is free!

They've found it annoying with some things that show up, but when you click on it there isn't actually anything there (is there is a picture of a character, but no actual episodes if you click on it)

I thought the range of programmes and films was not the best, it was certainly a much smaller selection than I was expecting. If it wasn't for the children I wouldn't have kept up my subscription.
It's also kind of hard to navigate on the Wii U, but that's maybe a Nintendo thing rather than a Netflix thing?

We tried Netflix for a month before our DD was due and whislt I had that kind of time it was great. Managed to get through a few series that I'd wanted to see. We keep debating taking it out again but we can't even keep up with the programmes we record from normal tv, let alone find time to sit down and choose things on Netflix to watch so I fear our subscription would be wasted. Perhaps once she is a little older and our hosue renovation is closer to completion then we might get evenings back and take it out again.

Certainly it is not a reflection of the service offered as to why we don;t have it. We felt it was a great service and very easy to use. Just we don't have time to make use of it properly right now.

If you currently use or have used Netflix in the past, what do you think?

We Subscribed just after DS was born. Night feeds were a nightmare and we needed something to help the feeder stay awake.

Do you use Netflix on a regular basis? If so, how do you use it - do you mainly watch movies or are you addicted to a particular TV series? When do you watch on your own, with your partner or with your family?
We watch about a couple of times a week, mainly if there is nothing else on. DH and I watch mainly series like Orange is the New Black and Arrested development. I have also been watching Dead like Me and Buffy. We sometimes watch movies if we can get long enough to watch a whole one.

What role does Entertainment play in your familys life and how does Netflix fit in? It provides another option if we are watching TV.

What about the dedicated Netflix Kids section - do your DCs use this to watch their favourite shows?
Nope. Too young.

We used to subscribe, but really don't have the time to watch films, and found it a hard to navigate the site. We weren't impressed beyond the free trial.

If you currently use or have used Netflix in the past, what do you think? Do you use Netflix on a regular basis? If so, how do you use it - do you mainly watch movies or are you addicted to a particular TV series? When do you watch on your own, with your partner or with your family?

I mostly use it with my partner (he is the driving force) to watch series or films.

What role does Entertainment play in your familys life and how does Netflix fit in?

We prefer to watch TV at our choice of time, and if we enjoy a series we want to keep watching episodes. The children don't watch much TV so don't really use it.

What about the dedicated Netflix Kids section - do your DCs use this to watch their favourite shows?

We looked at it but haven't bothered. There is nothing that really appealed to the children.

If you have never tried Netflix before, what are your impressions of it? Is it something youd try? If so, why? If not, why not?

N/A as we use it

Been using Netflix for over 6months.
Prefer using via play station on tv. But not always possible.
Mostly used on iPad to watch American shows. Easier they getting box sets.
Depending on series I'm into use varies. When watching things like breaking bad was using everyday!

My own kids are too young, but DN uses kids section, makes it easier as I don't worry about what she chooses.

If you currently use or have used Netflix in the past, what do you think? Do you use Netflix on a regular basis? If so, how do you use it - do you mainly watch movies or are you addicted to a particular TV series? When do you watch on your own, with your partner or with your family?

I used to use Netflix but it seemed more use to catch up with TV series's and I don't watch many

I found the choice of film limited and we do not have a very fast broadband so it was impossible to watch anything at peak time, from about 6pm till about 10pm which was when we needed it most!

What role does Entertainment play in your familys life and how does Netflix fit in?
We love watching films when we get the chance even though we have very different tastes. I did watch a couple of really good films (in the afternoon) on Netflix but I soon ran out of films I was interested in. It didn't seem very up to date with the films available and we couldn't watch them together in the evening.

I have subscribed to LoveFilm again now. I also cancelled my subscription with them due to our limited broadband but they offered us a monthly DVD deal which has been really good and no buffering problems!

What about the dedicated Netflix Kids section - do your DCs use this to watch their favourite shows?

wouldn't use the kids section as my DC's are too old for it!

We use netflix via apple tv, mostly to watch series (mad men for me and DH, he also likes sons of anarchy and the walking dead but I'm a bit of a wuss!) and kids tv (thomas for DS!). We use an 'un-block us' subscription so that we can watch US shows for more choice.

It's been great for us - the only thing I find a bit disappointing is the lack of film choice. We used to have lovefilm and the choice was great - I think netflix is better for series or if you're happy to just watch a random film, but not if you have a particular film in mind.

At the moment netflix is saving my sanity by providing on demand Dora The Explorer for my DS whilst I breastfeed his baby sister. For that, I shall be eternally grateful except for the resultant ear worms

I've had Netflix for about a month and my family have used it lots.

We were drawn into subscribing by Breaking Bad but have found ourselves using the kids selection loads.

I'd like to see more series of US drama, I'm going to need something to replace Breaking Bad soon! and a greater selection of classic and modern films.

I defected from Lovefilm about 9 months ago, I think for Breaking Bad, can't remember, and stayed for House of Cards (brilliant!) and Orange is the New Black.

DH and I watch TV series together on the iPad when DD is asleep. It's definitely worth it for the above series but I wish it was easier to navigate. It's tricky to browse and suggests dodgy boxsets to me that it thinks I'll like which turn out to be crap. I use Netflix less since Sky Go upped it's game.

If you currently use or have used Netflix in the past, what do you think?
We have had Netflix for 2 years now and we love it. It is hands down the best £6.99 we pay a month (or £5.99 ... whatever!). We stopped paying the BBC licence fee about 5 years ago, because there was rarely anything on any of the terrestrial channels that we wanted to watch, so Netflix is our primary family entertainment. We trialed LoveFilm last year - it was hideous in comparison. We stream through the Wii and use our laptops sometimes. I have given 3 month subscriptions to friends as presents before - and a few have even left Sky for Netflix! When new-ish films appear it always impresses me (the Hunger Games film appeared very quickly!)

Do you use Netflix on a regular basis?
Yes, daily! Even on holiday, we tend to have a laptop with us so we can stream Netflix. As a couple we mainly watch TV series - Modern Family first caught our interest, but now we've found some of the darker channel 4 comedies which are good. We also go for the nostalgic TV series like Buffy. If we get time and the children are in bed, we do look through for films (but that is rare, normally the need for sleep wins!). Most of the time, Netflix is used by the children who both have an area, and their own favourite shows.

What role does Entertainment play in your families life and how does Netflix fit in?
Normally, Netflix is put on after the children have had breakfast and gotten ready for school as a reward, so they get an episode of a TV series. Then, after bath time when everyone is worn out and ready for bed, it goes back on for a few more TV series episodes. My 3 year old goes up first, allowing the 6 year year old to change the programme. Friday night is film night so we scroll through the children's films on Netflix. We don't have it on when actively playing or doing things.

What about the dedicated Netflix Kids section - do your DCs use this to watch their favourite shows?
The children are delighted to have their own areas, but want to be able to customise their avatars at log in. Having Netflix Kids sectioned off is good as it stops them discovering things like South Park which look suitable to them, but clearly are not. We have discovered some gems through the 'popular on netflix' list, and both children have their favourites. We need more series of Winx Club on there though please. It's now a whole family favourite and we had to catch up by watching some series on Youtube. Which is rubbish through the Wii. The variety of new and old tv is great, and they are starting to appreciate the lesser known Disney films now.

I've had my subscription to netflix for a year and watch something on it almost every day.

I agree that the selection of films is disappointing, however the tv series more than makes up for this. There are some very good documentaries on netflix

orange is the new black - would renew my subscription for this alone. Can't wait for the new series.

Currently ploughing through every series of 24.

More Nurse Jackie please!

More series of Modern Family also.

I watch it on my iPad and on my new ultra flash internet tv.

Forgot to mention Dexter and Criminal Minds - both great.

Whoops - keep forgetting things. DC's watch Netflix in bed sometimes as a treat. They enjoy Icarly, South Park (totally unsuitable I know) and Top Gear. My autistic child watches repeats of Top Gear on a loop on Netflix and we're really grateful for this facility as it keeps him very happy.

We love netflix and kicked Lovefilm to the kerb for netflix instead. The kids love having their own personal sections. I have no complaints about the films as I am wading through one's I watched years ago and couldn't track down easily like don't tell mom the babysitters dead and Powder. My only snag is that surely new releases and just added should be page 1? They are usually page 2 or 3. Now please find The Vanished for me and I'll be very happy. :o

there are personal sections?

I should know this - we subscribe as a family, but am sick of kung fu and obscure American comedians being suggested for me becusae DS has watched them recently

or DD has watched some crappy american teen series like hemlock grove

then I go on - watch one Bollywood film, the next thing you know its all Bollywood being suggested

so that is getting on my nerves

I used to use Netflix - I liked the range of films and I enjoyed how frequently they changed. I found it useful that it's on XBox

I used it when you there were no profiles. Reading through some replies here I'm glad to see that has changed - it really was hopeless. Sometimes I would have liked to rate a movie poorly or greatly but have a choice of saying "Don't put this into the meta data". I liked one film that was a "kids" film and was deluged with - you liked Toy Story so we think you'll love Peppa Pig. Umm no.

A friend had a subscription but cancelled it. Mainly due to the lack of recent films.

I find the website immensely frustrating and annoying that you can't really see the full selection. It just seems to be a landing page where you have to sign up for a trial. For me that is very, very off putting.

The film selection is fairly poor and I find that having Sky I record whole series of things (on series link) and then watch them when the series has finished so I can plough through them quickly (if I feel the urge). I never watch "live" TV really.

I don't have the internet set up (my wireless signal is poor in the living room and the XBox does drop connection quite frequently). This is a concern. However I do think it is a good idea for TV series that we have heard of but haven't had the chance to record and we are doing the free trial to see how we get on with it.

I use ut, but only cos it is cheap. I keep forgetting it is there, and use on demand bstead.

It is annoying when I get hooked on something, and ony one series is there.

If you currently use or have used Netflix in the past, what do you think?

We really like it and use it most days.

Do you use Netflix on a regular basis? If so, how do you use it - do you mainly watch movies or are you addicted to a particular TV series?

At least one of us in the household will use it most days. The kids watch it over Sky channels a lot of the time. We've watched films and TV series. I watched all of Waking the Dead because of it, and discovered Covert Affairs. Was gutted it only went to the end of series 2 as it's series 4 that's currently airing on a Sky channel. DH got caught up with Breaking Bad with it. There are other series we really want to watch, just time hasn't allowed it yet. We would very much like to check out Supernatural as we've heard so much good stuff about it, so hoping that will come to Netflix at some point.

When do you watch on your own, with your partner or with your family?

DH an I watch together or on our own once the kids are in bed, and I sometimes watch during the day if I'm in but the kids are out of the house. The kids usually watch it after school alone, but we watch as a family if we treat ourselves to tea in front of the telly. The configuration depends on what's being watched. The two series I've so far got hooked on I watched alone. I caught some of Breaking Bad when DH was watching it. Films we usually watch as a family, and the kids often watch the likes of iCarly and Johnny Test on their own.

What role does Entertainment play in your families life and how does Netflix fit in?

We like TV/films and Netflix supplies a lot in this area. Although it would be good to see some more retro kids stuff, and some more child-friendly anime.

What about the dedicated Netflix Kids section - do your DCs use this to watch their favourite shows?

Yes, very much so. It means we can let them browse and discover things themselves without having to constantly supervise. Good for lazier parents and for the kids to work out themselves what they like.

We subscribed to Netflix so we could watch breaking bad (our DVD player had broken).

We haven't tried any of the films yet as we don't have the time but I'm sure we will soon.

We watch it together (dh and I) on the iPad in bed. I haven't let the children use it yet but as dd1 is getting a tablet for christmas I may let her try then.

Good experiences at our end so far though.

I love Netflix, we use it most days. DD1 is allowed to watch a couple of episodes of Thomas or similar in the tablet while I'm getting DD2 to sleep. DH and I watch a mix of film and TV, usually in bed. If DH is working late I'll take the tablet to bed and play spot the inaccuracies on The Tudors.

I really like the new profiles section. Especially the way I can mark DDs as being for a child, obviously I still supervise, but it's nice to know she can't accidentally start something inappropriate.

I'd really like to be able to tailor the recommendations a bit more by liking/disliking things, just as a way of discovering new things.