Netflix EMEA Content Boss Touts ‘Adolescence,’ Debunks a “Myth,” Talks Ted Sarandos’ Acting Debut

Netflix is proudly commissioning U.K. programming with a focus on U.K. audiences while being happy if they also end up becoming global hits, a top executive of the streamer told the Media & Telecoms 2025 & Beyond Conference in London, organized by Deloitte and Enders Analysis, on Tuesday.

“Maybe this is finally my chance [to debunk a] myth,” Larry Tanz, vp, content, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Netflix, told the event. “I understand that there might be people who have an interest in saying we’re commissioning for international audiences, but they all know it’s just not true,” pointing to the likes of hit series Adolescence. “We commission for the U.K. audience, first and foremost. So, we are absolutely focused on the local audience first and foremost, and that’s our whole investment approach,” including in other markets.