What Killed Blockbuster | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

What Killed Blockbuster

RIP video stores, hello streaming.

210
What Killed Blockbuster
Medical News Today

Remember when you were a kid and you would go to Blockbuster and search through the aisles for a good movie? Not to mention the bomb candy isle they always seemed to have. And F.Y.E. with their huge stores full of movies, TV shows, records and CD's. I was fortunate enough to grow up with a Blockbuster nearby that stayed open relatively late in the game for the business. Since the digital age began these stores have become more and more obsolete. At the tips of your finger's exists endless options for streaming. With Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, XFINITY and numerous other companies, almost every show is at the users disposal. If you check the trending shows on any of these apps you'll find a substantial number of series that were probably some of your parents favorite shows on cable (at least my moms). With this new found accessibility through apps, older shows are making a comeback in the streaming world. Now, if a user wants to try a new show they can just watch the first episode with no commitment, and if they like it, binge watch until the sun comes up (literally in most cases). There's no more going out to the video store to read the back covers of a TV show and decide if it's worth it or not.

One of these timeless beauties is Friends. I don't think I'll ever hear the words, "How you doin," with out also hearing Joey Tribbiani's voice in my head. The sit-com first aired in 1994 and lasted a good ten years before the finale in 2004. I mean, what's better than watching a show where everyone is kind of a mess but they still manage to somehow live in a lavish apartment in New York and lead the fun lives everyone wishes to have with their best friends? The continuous popularity of the show led to rumors about a revival season, and this tantalizing idea sits in the back of fans heads and taunts them.

While the Friend's revival is still up in the air, there are other shows that have already done the thing. Full House is one of these iconic throwback shows, and Netflix recently released the second season in the series revival, Fuller House. The revival features the childhood characters everyone knows and loves all grown up, with appearances from their even more lovable father, aunts, uncles and childhood BFFs. The nostalgia alone is enough to draw anyone in who watched the original show. Famous catchphrases sprinkled in throughout the episodes make old fans hearts melt and tighten the grip the ominous 'binge watch' has over us all.

Another TBT show features the antics of a lot of stoned teenagers. You got it, That 70's Show! The show which released in 1998 and is set back in the 70's was extremely successful and lasted eight seasons. There's also Gossip Girl, a TV drama set in the upper east side of Manhattan, all about rich socialites and their extravagant issues. The show's been hypnotizing girls with it's drama since 2007 and with the help of streaming apps, still today. The drama of a heated conversation and the slap of a flip phone closing will never get old!

Throwback shows aren't the only reason for streaming devices like Netflix and Hulu's success. Netflix originals have been crazy popular, like Stranger Things and Orange is the New Black. One of Netflix's original series, Riverdale, even got picked up by the CW to be broadcasted on cable. Collaborations between streaming devices and TV networks are also vital to the companies success. XFINITY and Hulu can even live stream episodes from cable.

With all these options with literally the easiest method for consumption (of show material), streaming devices like Netflix and Hulu have completely ravaged the industry and left the country with nearly zero Blockbusters left.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

1411
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

27253
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

11510
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments