Netflix has made a big improvement for users who watch with ads. In 2026, only 0.74% of Netflix content is still blocked on the ad-supported plan. This is great news for millions of users who want cheaper streaming.
In this article, we explain what changed, why some shows are still blocked, and what it means for viewers.
Big Improvement in Netflix Ad Plan
When Netflix launched its ad-supported plan in 2022, many users noticed a problem. Some movies and TV shows were not available. At that time, around 5.1% of Netflix’s library was blocked.
Now, things are much better.
- 2022: 5.1% content blocked
- 2024: 2% blocked
- Early 2026: 1.85% blocked
- Now (2026): Only 0.74% blocked
This means almost all content is now available for ad-tier users.
Sony Pictures Deal Changed Everything
One of the biggest reasons for this improvement is the new deal with Sony Pictures. Earlier, Sony content was not available on the ad plan.
After the new agreement:
- Around 80 movies were unlocked
- Total blocked titles dropped to around 60 out of 8,107
This deal helped Netflix reduce the content gap between ad users and premium users.
Why Some Titles Are Still Blocked
Even though most content is now available, some shows and movies are still locked. This is because of old agreements with studios.
Let’s look at the main reasons:
1. DreamWorks Animation Television
Many kids’ shows are still not available with ads.
Examples:
- The Boss Baby series
- Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight
- Fast & Furious Spy Racers
These shows are called Netflix Originals, but Netflix does not fully control ad rights.
2. NBCUniversal and Telemundo Shows
Some drama series and Spanish-language shows are still blocked.
Examples:
- Queen of the South
- Dirty John
- Diary of a Gigolo
These shows come from different production companies, so Netflix needs special permission.
3. AMC Studios Content
AMC recently partnered with Netflix, but not all shows are available with ads.
Examples:
- Moonhaven
- 61st Street
- The Red Road
Some shows are available, but others are still restricted.
4. Old Weinstein Company Titles
Some movies from The Weinstein Company are still blocked. This company is no longer active, and rights are complicated.
Examples:
- Lion
- The Founder
- Tulip Fever
Because of legal issues, these titles are hard to unlock.
5. House of Cards Issue
One surprising title is House of Cards. It is a Netflix Original, but it is owned by another company called MRC.
Netflix cannot show ads on this series without permission. So it remains blocked on the ad plan.
6. Independent Movies
Some small independent films are also unavailable.
Examples:
- Boyhood
- Frances Ha
- Blue Is the Warmest Color
- Wind River
These films require separate deals, which take time.
What This Means for Users
The good news is that Netflix’s ad plan is now almost the same as the premium plan.
- 99.26% content is available
- Only a small number of titles are missing
- Most popular shows and movies are now accessible
This makes the ad-supported plan a great option for people who want to save money.
Final Thoughts
Netflix has made huge progress in improving its ad-supported plan. Thanks to new deals like the Sony Pictures agreement, almost all content is now available.
While a few titles are still blocked due to licensing issues, the difference is very small. For most users, the ad plan now feels complete.
In the future, Netflix may unlock the remaining titles as more deals are signed. Until then, users can enjoy nearly the full library at a lower price.
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