Reed Hastings says the entertainment industry will be the least affected by AI

The conversation around artificial intelligence and its impact on employment has escalated, but what if the entertainment industry stands apart? Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix, expressed his belief that careers in entertainment may be among the least vulnerable to AI disruption during an episode of the 'Possible' podcast. Co-hosted by Reid Hoffman, a LinkedIn co-founder, and Aria Finger, Hastings shared his insights on the future of various professions in light of AI advancements. When asked about which sectors would be impacted the most by AI, Hastings confidently stated that entertainment would fare better than others. He remarked, "You’re not going to watch a basketball game of robots. We appreciate the human conflict that draws us in." This perspective comes as the entertainment industry itself is grappling with the implications of AI, particularly regarding job security and production methods. The concerns surrounding AI's role in the industry were notably highlighted during the 2023 Hollywood strikes, where writers and actors voiced fears about their livelihoods being threatened. Hastings also acknowledged that while AI could reduce costs in some production areas, such as special effects, it would not significantly alter elements rooted in human emotion. Audiences will continue to pay for performances from recognizable actors, he suggested. However, he did raise a point of curiosity about shifting viewing habits, questioning whether younger generations might prefer short-form content on platforms like TikTok over traditional longer films on Netflix. In a notable change, Hastings announced in April 2026 that he would not seek reelection to Netflix's board, shifting his focus toward philanthropy and other interests. His views on AI and human creativity were echoed by Ted Sarandos, Netflix's co-CEO, in a 2024 New York Times interview, where he stated that AI could not replicate the distinctiveness of human-written screenplays or performances.