Subscribers to Netflix's ad-supported plan in Brazil reported blocks on popular series and films this week. Titles like 'House of Cards' and 'Kung Fu Panda' require a plan upgrade due to licensing restrictions. The policy has been in place since 2022 but gained attention now.
Many users of Netflix's most affordable plan in Brazil encountered unwelcome surprises when trying to access catalog content. This week, complaints emerged on social media about blocks on productions like the series 'House of Cards' and 'Dispatches from Elsewhere', as well as the animation 'Kung Fu Panda'. Selecting these titles displays a message stating that a plan upgrade is needed to view them, due to licensing restrictions. Subscribers on higher plans face no such issues.
Though the restriction seems new to many, it has been in effect since 2022, when Netflix launched its ad-supported plan. The detail is not highlighted on the subscription selection screen, but the official site clarifies: "The majority of our movies and series are available on the ad-supported plan, but some titles are not due to licensing restrictions. These titles display a lock icon when you search or browse the Netflix catalog."
According to What's On Netflix, in the U.S. catalog, 135 of the 7,751 available titles in December 2025 are blocked, representing 1.74%. This stems from contracts that prohibit display with ads. Netflix was questioned about the blocks and complaints but has not responded as of publication.
At the end of 2024, the company discontinued the basic ad-free plan at R$ 25.90, migrating customers to the standard with ads, now R$ 20.90 monthly. To access content without interruptions, users must choose the standard plan at R$ 44.90 (two devices in Full HD) or premium at R$ 59.90 (four devices in 4K).
Currently, Netflix is also in the spotlight for acquiring Warner's TV and film studios for US$ 82.7 billion (R$ 437.9 billion), incorporating assets like HBO Max.
