Netflix blocks users on cheaper plan from watching shows

Amid Netflix's new budget subscription plan, the platform has blocked users from watching certain content.

The streaming service announced its new basic plan to help ease household costs and is available for as low as £4.99 per month​.

The new 'basic with adverts' plan allows users to watch watch on one supported device at a time​ in HD 1080p, as opposed to Ultra HD resolution on other plans.

Ahead of the plan which started on 3 November, Netflix said: "Starting today, Netflix's new plan – Basic with ads – is available in the UK, starting at £4.99/month.

"Does that mean the Netflix plan you already have is going to change?

"No, it won't change at all unless you choose this new plan."​

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However, the streaming giant has also revealed that some films and TV programmes will be unavailable​.

This goes for fan favourites such as Suits and House of Cards.

Netflix explained on its website: "Unlike our other ad-free plans, ads will be shown before or during most TV shows and movies.

"You can expect to see an average of about 4 minutes of ads per hour (this may vary based on the title you're watching)."

It added: "Some TV shows and movies aren't available to watch with the Basic with ads plan because of licensing restrictions.

"These titles will have a lock icon when you search or browse Netflix."

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Jeremi Gorman, President of Worldwide Advertising at Netflix, said: "Basic with Adverts – a plan with everything people love about Netflix, at a lower price, with a few adverts in between.

"It complements our existing plans and provides consumers with more choices to access the films and series people are currently talking about​."

Compared with other Netflix plans, 'Basic with Adverts' is £4.99, while 'Basic' is £6.99 with one screen access at a time.

'Standard' is £10.99, which is two screens at a time, with HD available.

'Premium' is £15.99 with four screens at a time. Ultra HD is also available.

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Mr Gorman​ added: "Members in twelve countries can expect to see adverts from several of the world’s most recognised brands, such as GM, L’Oreal, McDonald’s, LVMH, Subway, Target, Heinz and Carnival Cruises​."

Netflix co-CEO Reed Hastings admitted back in April that plans for a subscription tier with adverts were being worked on.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Hastings said he has previously been 'against the complexity of advertising, and a big fan of the simplicity of subscription'.

"But as much as I am a fan of that, I am a bigger fan of consumer choice. And allowing consumers who would like to have a lower price, and are advertising-tolerant, get what they want, makes a lot of sense," he concluded.