Netflix Announces a New Way to Watch Their Shows, Starting with the “You” Series Finale

Netflix Unveils New Spoken Dialogue Subtitles Feature, Debuting with ‘You’ Season 5 Premiere

Netflix has introduced an innovative subtitle feature on its platform, starting with the highly anticipated season 5 premiere of the hit series ‘You’. The streaming service announced on Thursday, April 24, that viewers of ‘You’ and other Netflix original series will now have the option to enable subtitles that exclusively showcase the spoken dialogue in the original language of the show.

Traditionally, viewers who wanted subtitles in the original language of a TV show or film would turn on Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH/CC), which not only included dialogue but also incorporated audio cues such as [phone buzzing] or [dramatic music swells], as well as speaker names. However, with this new feature, viewers can now enjoy original language subtitles, such as English for ‘You’, that focus solely on the spoken dialogue without any additional distractions.

This latest addition to Netflix’s subtitle options aims to provide viewers with a more immersive and focused viewing experience. Whether watching in a noisy environment, trying not to disturb others, or simply wanting to keep up with the intricacies of the plot, this new feature offers increased flexibility. Additionally, subscribers can customise their subtitle experience by adjusting the size and font to suit their preferences.

According to Netflix, nearly half of all viewing hours in the U.S. include the use of subtitles or captions. The streaming service hopes that this new subtitle feature will give members more choices in how they consume content, especially as the demand for subtitles continues to rise.

The unveiling of this feature coincided with the conclusion of Penn Badgley’s Netflix series, ‘You’, which aired its gripping season finale on April 24. The fifth season of the show delved into the complexities of Joe’s (Badgley) life as he navigates a new reality with his wife Kate Lockwood (Charlotte Ritchie) by his side while facing challenges from his past, including a tumultuous affair with a new acquaintance named Bronte (Madeline Brewer).

Netflix’s commitment to enhancing the viewing experience for all audiences extends beyond ‘You’, as demonstrated by their recent introduction of alternative viewing options for deaf and hard of hearing communities. When Greta Gerwig’s film ‘Barbie’ premiered on the platform, Netflix debuted a unique feature called ‘Barbie with ASL’, which included a video of sign language performer Leila Hanaumi alongside the movie for a more inclusive experience.

The spoken language-only subtitles feature will be available for ‘You’ season 5 and all upcoming Netflix original series, providing a fresh perspective for viewers seeking a more streamlined and focused subtitle experience. Subscribers can access this new feature beginning April 24 and immerse themselves in their favourite shows with greater clarity and enjoyment.