iWorld
Netflix shrugs off downturn fears as ad tech rollout bears fruit
MUMBAI: Netflix executives are feeling rather chirpier about their prospects, even as storm clouds gather over the global economy. During their Q1 2025 earnings call, co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters dismissed concerns about consumer belt-tightening, insisting that home entertainment has historically been “resilient” during lean times.
“Entertainment historically has been pretty resilient in tougher economic times,” Peters told analysts. “Netflix specifically also has been generally quite resilient, and we haven’t seen any major impacts during those tougher times.”
The streaming behemoth is ploughing ahead with its advertising ambitions, having just rolled out its proprietary ad tech platform in Canada and the US, with plans to expand to its remaining 10 ad markets in the coming months. Peters confidently predicted the company would “roughly double” its advertising revenue in 2025.
“We aren’t currently seeing any signs of softness from our direct interactions with buyers,” he said. “Actually, to the opposite, we’re seeing some positive indicators from clients as we approach our upfront event.”
The firm’s first-party ad tech platform is already yielding dividends, offering “more flexibility for advertisers” and “fewer activation hurdles,” according to Peters. In the US, Netflix has significantly expanded its targeting capabilities based on “life stage, interest, viewing mood” and third-party data.
Sarandos reiterated that the company’s live strategy extends beyond sports, though he confirmed Netflix will broadcast a second NFL Christmas Day game in December 2025. The company will also stream the Taylor-Serrano boxing rematch in July, following on from the Tyson-Paul fight that generated substantial buzz.
When questioned about potentially competing head-to-head with YouTube in short-form content, Peters struck a pragmatic tone: “We think the biggest opportunity we’ve got is actually going after the roughly 80% share of TV time that neither Netflix nor YouTube have today.”
Meanwhile, chief financial officer Spence Neumann assured investors that excess cash flow would predominantly be returned to shareholders through buybacks, absent any “meaningful M&A.” The company maintains its full-year operating margin guidance of 29 per cent.
iWorld
Parineeti Chopra hosts new parenting series Mom Talks on Zee5 and Bullet
Celebrity parents share honest stories in 9-episode show launching 4 April 2026.
MUMBAI: Parineeti Chopra is stepping into a brand-new role not on the big screen, but as the warm, relatable host helping parents navigate the beautiful chaos of raising children. Bullet microdrama and Zee5 have announced the launch of Mom Talks, a fresh content-led IP hosted by the popular actress. The 9-episode series brings together celebrity parents including Imran Khan, Neha Dhupia, Vikrant Massey & Sheetal, and Gauahar Khan & Zaid Darbar to share candid, real-life perspectives on everyday parenting.
Positioned as a high-engagement format, Mom Talks taps into the growing demand for authentic and credible parenting content. It also offers seamless, contextual integration opportunities for brands. The series is backed by a strong lineup of partners including Johnson’s Baby, GSK, Aveeno Baby, Mini Klub, Titan Eye+ and Cordelia Cruises.
Bullet microdrama app, co-founder & chief business officer Azim Lalani said the show exemplifies how content is evolving towards more rooted, sustained engagement. “It’s about bringing content that people come back to, while creating a natural space for brands to be part of the narrative,” he noted.
Mom Talks creator Bullet head of AVOD & partnerships Munaf Merchant explained the core idea, “We wanted to build a safe, honest, one-stop destination for parents seeking real answers to everyday questions.”
The first episodes will stream for free on ee5 AVOD starting 4 April 2026, with new episodes dropping every Friday and Saturday. The series will also be available on the Bullet microdrama app.
Speaking about their association, Peeyush Unikkat from Johnson’s Baby highlighted the brand’s focus on supporting modern parenting journeys, while Aakash Mehta from GSK emphasised the show’s role in making important health conversations more relatable for new parents.
In a digital space often filled with filtered perfection, Mom Talks promises something refreshingly real honest conversations, celebrity insights, and practical wisdom, all wrapped in Parineeti Chopra’s engaging presence. For Indian parents, this could be the parenting series they’ve been waiting to binge.
