Netflix Promotes New Series by Releasing Entire Plot in Trailer

Netflix has once again revolutionized storytelling — this time by removing the need to actually tell the story.
In a bold new promotional strategy, the streaming giant released a 2-minute, 18-second trailer for its upcoming limited series Blood in the Lavender, which critics agree completely eliminates the need to watch the show.

“I laughed, I cried, I watched two characters fall in love, cheat, reconcile, and die,” said one viewer. “It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. The fact that it hasn’t premiered yet is beside the point.”

The trailer, which includes flashbacks, two monologues, a courtroom reveal, and a voiceover confession, has left little room for curiosity. By the end, viewers are emotionally satisfied, narratively full, and deeply unsure why eight episodes were still commissioned.

This isn’t the first time Netflix has leaned into narrative generosity. A 2023 report by The Verge noted that more than 62% of Netflix’s most-watched trailers contained “major plot beats, surprise twists, or character deaths,” prompting some subscribers to ask whether “Play Trailer” and “Skip Series” should be merged into one button.

Netflix defended the decision in a statement:

“We believe in giving viewers a rich emotional experience — as quickly as possible. Some people binge eight hours. Some people binge two minutes. It’s all valid.”

The platform also cited data showing that trailer-driven satisfaction reduces churn: “When people feel they’ve finished something, they’re less likely to cancel.”

Lux Wilde offered a more existential take: “Trailers are the new shows. Actual shows are the director’s cut for people who like commitment and disappointment. Netflix knows we’re tired. They just want to help us feel closure without risk.”

Critics worry this trend may hurt longform storytelling, but Netflix says the algorithm doesn’t lie. Upcoming trailers for 2025 are expected to include full montages, closing credits, and optional commentary tracks.

For now, Blood in the Lavender premieres Friday — though most people agree: it already ended beautifully