Full Breakdown
Netflix Upfront 2026: “Get Closer” Campaign Showcases New Rom-Com and Ad-Supported Expansion
5/14/2026, 5:10:38 AM
Core Event
On May 13, 2026 Netflix opened its Upfront at Sunset Pier 94 Studios with a “Get Closer” theme. Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein presented a first-look clip from the rom-com *Office Romance* (premiering June 5) and highlighted their on-screen chemistry. The presentation introduced the ad-supported tier, new market launches and a data-driven pitch to advertisers.
Key Figures
The event featured Jennifer Lopez, Brett Goldstein, Amy Reinhard (President of Advertising), Bela Bajaria (Chief Content Officer) and Nicolle Pangis (Vice President of Advertising).
Data & Statistics
Netflix reports 250 million monthly active viewers, 60 % of new sign-ups on the ad-supported plan and 44 % of those viewers unique to Netflix ads. The ad tier expands to 15 new markets (Austria, Belgium, Colombia, Denmark, Indonesia, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Switzerland, Thailand) alongside ten existing ones. The service now operates in 190 countries and will launch 40 scripted U.S. series, 27 of which are returning.
Official Statements & Responses
Reinhard emphasized the shift to monthly active viewers and strong ad-tier uptake. Bajaria called the 190-country rollout a “single-day turn-on” that gives users unrestricted choice. Lopez and Goldstein each described their rapport as “great chemistry” that grew during filming, framing *Office Romance* as a classic rom-com.
Criticism & Opposition
A SheFinds article frames the pairing as a brief rebound, arguing the romance ended because Goldstein “doesn’t tick all the boxes” for Lopez’s long-term expectations and labeling it a publicity maneuver.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Page Six, E! Online and JustJared quote Lopez and Goldstein affirming chemistry and hinting at romance, while SheFinds claims the romance has dissolved. No direct confirmation resolves the discrepancy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s actually f*cking mental,” — Brett Goldstein, co-writer and star
- “It felt great to come back to a rom-com, it’s been too long and this one might be my favorite one I’ve ever done,” — Jennifer Lopez, actress
- “We have recently shifted to monthly active viewers, and it turns out we have a lot of them, more than 250 million viewers around the world, and we’re not double counting any,” — Amy Reinhard, President of Advertising
- “Although, to be fair, we could probably debate that, but it was also the year the Netflix turned on in 190 countries in a single day. For the first time ever, people everywhere could watch whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted. Tune-in was officially replaced by personal choice.” — Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer
What’s Next
*Office Romance* streams on Netflix on June 5, 2026. The ad-supported tier will roll out in the new markets over the coming months. Netflix also plans to stream the FIFA Women’s World Cup from Brazil in 2027 and debut several scripted series, including *Barbaric* and *Calabasas*, through 2026-27.
