The cuts could affect between 800 and 850 employees as part of a restructuring amid pressure to accelerate platform growth and strengthen subscriber engagement.
Netflix is reportedly preparing a new round of layoffs that could affect approximately 5% of its global workforce, potentially marking the company’s largest staff reduction since 2022. The move could be announced during the week of October 12, although the platform has not officially commented on the reports.
According to sources cited by Los Angeles Times, the cuts could affect around 800 jobs and extend to creative teams, including professionals working in the feature film division. Other estimates suggest the reduction could account for approximately 850 jobs, out of a global workforce of around 17,000 employees.
The potential restructuring comes amid growing pressure on Netflix to accelerate its expansion and improve returns on its content investments. During the first half of 2026, viewing hours on the platform grew by approximately 2% year over year, despite increased spending on programming.
In this context, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos recently acknowledged at the Bloomberg Screentime event that the company needs to accelerate its growth. “Overall, we’re not growing as fast as I’d like, and we’re working to accelerate that pace,” he said.
Viewing trends also reflect intensifying competition for audience attention. According to Nielsen data cited by the US newspaper, YouTube accounted for 14.2% of television viewing in the United States in July, compared with Netflix’s 7.8%.
The company continues to explore new ways to expand its reach and diversify its revenue streams, investing in advertising, live programming, gaming and new distribution models. However, these initiatives come as investors closely monitor engagement trends and the platform’s ability to sustain its growth.
The potential layoffs would add to adjustments in other areas of the business. In August, Netflix shut down its Hollywood-based gaming studio Night School and announced plans to proceed with the closure of Moonloot, its studio in Helsinki.
Netflix’s last major round of layoffs took place in 2022, when the company eliminated hundreds of jobs after reporting its first subscriber decline in more than a decade. In May of that year, it laid off 150 employees, followed by another 300 job cuts in June.
Netflix has not yet confirmed the scope, timing or business areas that could be affected by the latest round of cuts.
