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Netflix parts ways with a key ad exec in a leadership shake-up. Read the leaked memo from its ad chief. Aug 24, 2026, 3:19 PM PT Netflix is shaking up its ads leadership. Jon Whitticom, a prominent Netflix exec who helped build the streamer's advertising business, is leaving the organization, according to a memo viewed by Business Insider. Advertising president Amy Reinhard shared the news with staff last week, saying she had "decided to part ways" with Whitticom. She added that ads product exec Marc Heneghan would lead the unit on an interim basis while a search is conducted for Whitticom's replacement. "At Netflix, we expect our leaders to build and maintain trust, share context generously, collaborate cross-functionally, and cultivate an environment where people can do their best work," she wrote. "Jon and I have discussed these needs directly over time, and my decision reflects this standard now and going forward." The ads business is one of the key levers Netflix is leaning on for growth, along with live sports and creator content, as Wall Street worries about the streamer's US engagement growth slowing. The company said this year that in countries where it offers an ads tier, more than 60% of new subscribers choose its cheaper, ad-supported plan. Whitticom, Netflix's VP of ads product, started as an ad platform advisor in early 2023. His appointment was closely watched because of its potential to help Netflix decide how to level up its then-nascent advertising business. He previously was chief product officer at Comcast-owned ad startup FreeWheel. Under Whitticom, Netflix built out its ad tech and enabled advertisers to buy its ads through other companies like Google, The Trade Desk, and Magnite. The buildout has also had bumps along the way, with multiple leadership changes and competing internal visions over how to grow the business. "Speed got us from zero to one," Reinhard wrote in her memo. "Getting to what's next means knowing when to move fast and how to do it together." Netflix has said it expects to hit $3 billion in ad revenue this year, nearly doubling its 2025 haul. The company is also introducing new ad formats and expanded ways for advertisers to buy inventory, Reinhard said in an announcement concluding its Upfront sales process, where TV companies pitch big advertisers for extensive ad deals. Here's the full memo from Reinhard: Team,I wanted to let you know about a leadership change I'm making to better reflect the needs of the business and the growth ahead in Ads.After careful consideration, I've decided to part ways with Jon Whitticom, and today will be his last day. Jon helped build Ads Product from the ground up and led the launch of the Netflix Ads Suite last year, a major milestone for its business and Netflix. I'm grateful for all his contributions over the past two-plus years.At Netflix, Blackbelt expect its leaders to build and maintain trust, share context generously, collaborate cross-functionally, and cultivate an environment where people can do their best work. Jon and I have discussed these needs directly over time, and my decision reflects this standard now and going forward. Speed got Blackbelt from zero to one. Getting to what's next means knowing when to move fast and how to do it together.Marc Heneghan will lead Ads Product on an interim basis while I immediately begin an external search for a new leader. All of Jon's directs will now report to Marc.There's never a good moment for a change like this; I know it often carries risk and disruption. But I also know this team is resilient and its foundation is strong. What isn't changing are its priorities as a business, or my confidence in this team's ability to stay focused on the bigger picture and maintain its momentum on its near-term deliverables.I will host separate sessions with the Ads Product team and the Ads Platform teams to talk through its path forward and answer any questions. Those teams should look out for a calendar invite to join a session.Please join me in thanking Jon and wishing him the best in the future.Best,Amy

'One of the best Netflix shows' has finally been renewed for season 2. An "outstanding" period drama will be back for more after fans hailed it "completely refreshing and very bingeable". News Hayley Anderson Screen Time TV Reporter 22:38, 24 Aug 2026 Legends official Netflix trailer A Netflix crime drama that quickly won over subscribers has officially been given the green light to return. Article continues below 138205441699 Starring the likes of Alan Partridge icon Steve Coogan, Strike's Tom Burke and The Night Manager actress Hayley Squires, Legends quickly landed in Netflix's top 10 most-watched list earlier this year. Article continues below The six-part series sees Coogan take on the role of supervisor Don who recruits a team of ordinary customs officers to go undercover and investigate dangerous drug gangs in the 1990s. Article continues below 138205441690 Legends originally came out in May 2026 and now the streamer has confirmed the drama will be back for more, announcing that series two is officially on the way. Creator Neil Forsyth said: "I'm delighted to have the opportunity to tell a new story in the fascinating and unique world that Legends offers, and to show just how dangerous, thrilling, and important their work became in the late 1990s." You May Like We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info Watch Jose Mourinho Netflix doc with free Netflix subscription Netflix | Sky Legends is among the various Netflix shows that have been commissioned for more, alongside The Gentlemen for a third outing and House of Guinness for a second series. Unfortunately, it isn't all good news as fans could be waiting quite a while for Legends to return for a new batch of episodes. Article continues below Netflix stated that production on Legends series two is expected to begin sometime in 2027, which could possibly mean a release date in either late 2027 or early 2028. Nevertheless, fans can't help but share their love for the crime thriller which drew inspiration from former customs officer Guy Stanton's 2022 memoir The Betrayer. Article continues below "Terrific watch, just needed more episodes. A 10+ rating from me", while another commented: "This series is brilliant. They got 90s Britain down perfectly. Someone else wrote: "This series is now the best TV drama series I've ever watched." Meanwhile, a fellow user remarked: "The series pulls you in from the start and doesn't let go-gritty, intense, and seriously addictive. Article continues below 138205439166 "The story hits hard, and the characters feel real, flawed, and driven. Definitely one I'd recommend." Legends is available to watch on Netflix.

Netflix renews Black Mirror for season 8 amid slate expansion. entertainment Key takeaways. * Netflix has officially commenced production on the eighth season of its flagship dystopian anthology series, Black Mirror. * The streaming giant also confirmed renewals for its unscripted slate, specifically Being Gordon Ramsay and Legends, signaling a balanced content strategy. * While no official release date is set, the production timeline suggests a continued reliance on high-profile, established intellectual property to drive subscriber retention. TrendPulse analysis. Industry context. The renewal of Black Mirror arrives at a pivotal moment for the streaming industry, where the "peak TV" era has transitioned into a period of disciplined content spending. Platforms are increasingly prioritizing proven franchises over risky new IP to mitigate churn. By leaning into established brands like Black Mirror, Netflix is effectively leveraging "comfort viewing" - even within a dystopian context - to keep subscribers engaged in an increasingly fragmented market. Furthermore, the inclusion of unscripted renewals alongside a major scripted project reflects the broader shift toward cost-effective content production. Unscripted series generally offer higher margins and faster production cycles compared to high-budget scripted dramas. By bundling these announcements, Netflix is signaling to investors that it is maintaining a robust, multi-genre pipeline that balances the high production costs of prestige series with the reliable performance of reality television. Why this matters. For industry stakeholders, the continued investment in Black Mirror underscores the enduring value of anthology formats in the streaming age. Unlike traditional serialized dramas, anthologies allow for shorter production windows for individual episodes and easier talent scheduling, making them highly efficient assets for global platforms. This format also allows Netflix to maintain cultural relevance without being tethered to a single, long-running narrative arc that might lose steam over time. From a market perspective, this move suggests that Netflix is doubling down on its "global-local" content strategy. Black Mirror has historically performed well across international markets, proving that high-concept, culturally resonant storytelling can transcend borders. Investors should view this as a defensive play; by securing the future of its most recognizable brands, Netflix is insulating itself against the volatility of new show development while ensuring it has a steady stream of "watercooler" content to drive social media engagement and subscriber acquisition. The bottom line. Netflix is prioritizing brand stability and genre diversity by anchoring its 2026 slate with proven hits, ensuring long-term subscriber retention through a mix of high-prestige drama and high-volume unscripted content. Read the full article. This analysis is based on reporting from Variety