Sarandos Says Rice Will Lead Netflix Content Without Strategy Shift

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said the company does not expect a fundamental change in its content strategy as Peter Rice prepares to take over global content, while arguing that Netflix can improve how it executes, particularly in the United States. Rice is scheduled to begin as chief content officer on October 26, 2026. Speaking on Netflix’s third-quarter earnings call on October 20, Sarandos described Rice as the right person to lead content in the U.S. and internationally. He cited Rice’s experience leading television networks, film studios and streaming operations, as well as his understanding of relationships with creative talent. The assessment came from Sarandos, who said he has known Rice for about 15 years. Sarandos said the leadership change was not intended to signal a fundamental shift in programming strategy. Instead, he said Netflix saw room to improve execution, especially in the U.S., where successful titles can attract attention from viewers worldwide. The company’s co-CEOs have acknowledged that engagement growth in the first half of 2026 was slower than desired, according to the reports. Rice, a former executive at Disney and 21st Century Fox, will oversee...