Jan 12, 2026 | Home Technology, Streaming

Netflix is often regarded as the original streaming service. What started as a mail-order DVD rental subscription (yes, they delivered movies right to your mailbox) morphed into streaming as DVD popularity waned and internet-based entertainment grew. Other streaming services such as Hulu, Disney+, Paramount+, and others came along later, but Netflix pioneered much of the way we consume TV shows and watch movies today. Whether you’re binge-watching Stranger Things, diving into award-winning dramas, or exploring Oscar-winning feature films, how do you make the most of your Netflix streaming experience?

How to Watch Netflix Buffer-Free

To experience all Netflix has to offer, you need a modern, fast internet connection. If you are constantly dealing with buffering, a blurry/pixelated screen, and frequent outages, you’re likely connected to an outdated or spotty internet service, such as cable or 5G. Say goodbye to all those annoying struggles and stream interruption-free with ridiculously fast fiber internet.

Enter your address to check if Gateway Fiber service is available in your neighborhood.

What programming does Netflix provide?

Netflix offers a vast range of content categories and genres for just about every viewer’s taste and interest, including:

• Hollywood blockbusters, indie films, and Oscar-winning titles.
• Popular series like Stranger Things, Bridgerton, and Squid Game.
• Exclusive Netflix Originals content across genres: live-action drama, comedy, sci-fi, fantasy, documentaries, and others.
• Korean dramas, Bollywood films, and localized originals.
• From family-friendly cartoons to Japanese anime.
• Documentaries & docuseries covering true crime, nature, and social issues.
• Reality TV and competition shows, including cooking competitions, dating shows, and lifestyle programs.
• Kids and family programming with dedicated kids’ profiles safeguarded with parental controls.
• Comedy specials from top comedians.

Accessing Netflix

The primary ways to enjoy Netflix are on your smart TV, a portable device (such as a phone or tablet), or your computer through Netflix.com. You’ll typically need to create an account using your email address or phone number as an identifier, along with a password. If you’re concerned about how Netflix handles your log-in and data, check out their privacy statement for more information.

Create Personalized Playlists

Netflix allows you to curate playlists of your favorite shows and movies by saving them under My List for later viewing or to watch your favorite TV shows again. Netflix also learns your viewing preferences and suggests additional shows you might not even know existed that you can give a thumb up or thumb down. Now you have a whole new viewing experience!

Secret Codes

Not finding the perfect show? Netflix also uses secret category codes to unlock hyper-specific genres such as Action Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Martial Arts, or Scandinavian Movies. And, of course, there is a secret code for Spy Movies.

Optimize Playback Settings

Your device settings play a big role in your Netflix experience. Whether you’re streaming on iOS, Android, or Sony devices, adjusting playback settings can make a big difference. Enable HD or 4K resolution for crystal-clear visuals, and consider downloading episodes for offline viewing when you're not connected to the internet, such as on a road trip or in an airplane.

Roll Credits

Streaming services have become the ultimate entertainment providers, offering flexibility and choice, with Netflix being one of the most popular. Whatever you’re watching or binging, optimizing your experience ensures every movie night feels like an award-winning event.

See the latest shows across your favorite streaming apps through our partner MyBundle page.