Netflix’s New “Kids Playlists” Are Just Linear Channels in Disguise – And That’s Not a Bad Thing

It was only a matter of time before Netflix jumped on the “linear channel” bandwagon. Sure, they’re calling them “kids playlists,” but let’s not kid ourselves—this is a play straight out of the linear TV playbook, minus the commercials. This is Netflix doing what Kirby Grines over at 43Twenty called inevitable back in January at CES. Grines practically predicted the move, noting that while everyone’s fawning over FAST channels, Netflix and Disney+ would eventually roll out their own linear-style offerings. And here we are.

You know who got there first, though? Disney+, of course. They launched their version of “playlists” earlier this year—because kids need the entertainment industry to make decisions for them. But who’s surprised? In a world where parents just want to put the remote down and let content wash over their little ones, Netflix is ready to deliver, offering a curated buffet of kids’ shows that will just keep on rolling. Less scrolling, more watching.

Grines Called It: Linear Channels Are the Future of Streaming

Remember when streaming was about watching whatever you want, whenever you want? Well, guess what—sometimes people don’t want to choose. Enter the linear experience, repackaged as “playlists.” As Grines explained in his CES chat with Alan Wolk from TVREV, there’s beauty in stumbling upon something new. It’s the serendipity factor. You know, the magic of flipping through channels and finding a gem you wouldn’t have picked out otherwise.

The truth is, Netflix isn’t just providing playlists for kids; they’re giving us a new way to rediscover content, like those moments when you land on a show mid-episode and get sucked in. It’s a trick old-school cable knew well, and now streaming giants are using it, too. Grines nailed it when he said this shift is about more than just spoon-feeding content—it’s about transforming OTT streaming into a discovery tool, something a simple content carousel can never achieve.

The Content: What’s on the Menu?

So, what exactly is Netflix offering with these “playlists”? Starting September 24, Netflix’s global subscribers (read: anyone still paying for the service) will get access to a batch of pre-packaged channels. Sorry—did I say channels? I meant playlists.

Here’s a taste of what they’ve cooked up:

• ABC Playlist: Titles like Ask the Storybots and Charlie’s Colorforms City to teach your little geniuses the alphabet.
  
• Animal Playlist: Get ready to hear all about Gabby’s Dollhouse and Octonauts: Above and Beyond on repeat.
  
• Bedtime Playlist: Yep, they’ve thrown in Peppa Pig and Little Baby Bum to help you shut the day down without a fight.

And it goes on. There’s a playlist for birthdays, trucks, music, math, science—you name it. It’s a curated buffet that takes the guesswork out of kids’ TV time. But make no mistake, this isn’t just a convenience for parents—it’s Netflix testing out the water for something bigger.

Are We Seriously Going to Call These “PAST” Channels?

Here’s the part where we start rolling our eyes. Netflix can call them “playlists” all they want, but they’re linear channels behind a paywall, plain and simple. And if the industry starts throwing around a new acronym—say, PAST channels (Premium, Ad-Supported, Streaming TV)—I might just lose it. Do we really need another set of initials to confuse things further? Seriously, streaming industry, take a breath.

Look, this whole trend of reintroducing linear TV under a shinier streaming model is a move we all saw coming. But if you ask Grines, this shift back to a passive, channel-surfing experience isn’t just about convenience—it’s about letting viewers discover shows they never would’ve chosen on their own. And with Netflix’s deep library of content, this could open up a whole new way of keeping eyeballs glued to the platform.

The Bigger Picture: Is Streaming Becoming Cable 2.0?

Disney+ kicked things off with their playlists, and now Netflix is following suit. But what does this mean for the future of streaming? Are we just circling back to the good ol’ days of cable TV—just repackaged with better UX and fewer ads (for now)? Because, let’s be honest, the only real difference here is that you’re paying for the content upfront. For now, Netflix’s playlists won’t be ad-supported, but how long until that changes? After all, ads are creeping back into every corner of streaming, and it’s only a matter of time before even these so-called playlists get a commercial break.

As Grines pointed out, we’ve come full circle. Streaming was supposed to be all about freedom—freedom to choose what you want, when you want. But now, we’re realizing there’s something comforting about sitting back and letting the platform do the picking. And that, my friends, is where streaming is headed—whether we call it FAST, PAST, or something else entirely.

In the end, Netflix isn’t just launching playlists; they’re laying the groundwork for a broader shift in the streaming landscape. Linear channels inside streaming apps are here to stay, and they’re about to reshape how we watch—and discover—content. Get ready for more curated, more passive, and (soon enough) more ad-filled streaming experiences.

Brace yourselves. The future of streaming might look an awful lot like the past.

Skip Buffering may or may not work for a major streaming service—who’s to say? If there’s buffering involved, you can bet Skip’s already roasting it.