Netflix's Blockbuster promises to take fans back to the video store that still holds a strong place in the hearts of anyone who remembers it from all those years ago. Centered on the very last surviving Blockbuster store, its inclusion of stars like Melissa Fumero and Randall Park shows that it's going all-out in giving it the workplace comedy treatment.And if any now-defunct retail chain deserves it, it's Blockbuster, with fans excited to see if the series does the memory justice. From the nostalgia factor of the show to the meta irony of it streaming on Netflix (one of the reasons why the store went out of business), fans found plenty about Blockbuster to make memes about.
Blockbuster's Sad Downfall
Whilst plenty of beloved businesses like Game Stop, for example, managed to survive big changes in the media world, Blockbuster wasn't so lucky, and many fans are still saddened by this. Younger people may find it hard to believe how ubiquitous the stores once were.
That's why it very much feels like it belongs in a different era, and it explains why it causes such a strong sense of nostalgia in people. It's also why the idea of one store still operating today is such an intriguing idea, and it will be interesting to see how the Netflix series handles that clash.
Blockbuster Quickly Became A Relic
Because of how quickly the store ran into trouble and ended up going bankrupt, it's easy to forget just how normal of an activity going to Blockbuster and renting videos was. At one time, it was one of the prime ways of enjoying the biggest movies of the era.
That's why any time traveler from the past who visited 2022 would quickly run into trouble if they tried to use a reference to the video rental store to blend in. Whilst it remains a cultural touchstone for any child of the '80s, '90s, or even early 2000s, Blockbuster enjoys a very different status now than when it was a dominating chain.
Everyone Still Owes Blockbuster Late Fees
Blockbuster's return to social media this summer has been a blessing for many reasons, perhaps the best of which is that they've been just as happy to joke and make memes about the chain's demise and comeback as anyone else. It also meant an opportunity to call out those who still owe Blockbuster late fees, which must be a pretty sizable list.
Anyone worried that collection day may have come can rest assured that Blockbuster still isn't able to take action, but it's hilarious to imagine that they're still upset about the unpaid late fees. At least forgetting to return on time isn't an issue when watching Netflix Original comedies like the upcoming series.
If Only Blockbuster Had A Way To Collect Those Fees
With many likely stuck with the DVDs and VHS tapes they rented and forgot to return to Blockbuster, thanks to its untimely closure, it's lucky that the store doesn't actually have a way to collect late fees. It would obviously be unfair to charge someone a late fee for a rental they were physically unable to return, but it's still a hilarious idea for the company to become profitable again.
In fact, the video store actually discontinued late fees towards the end, so luckily, there's no chance that the DVD or tape a person lost in the early 2000s has been gaining exponential interest ever since. Sadly, it also means there's no chance of a surprise return to fortune for Blockbuster either.
Staying In The World's Last Remaining Blockbuster Store
Whilst many have made fair accusations that Blockbuster going out of business was the result of failing to capitalize on current trends and missing out on good business ideas, that's certainly not one that could be leveled at the Blockbuster store in Bend, Oregon, which happens to be the last still in operation.
In 2020, they had the genius idea of operating as an Airbnb, where fans could come and enjoy a night of pure '90s nostalgia, something that delighted everyone when the story was picked up by NBC News and other outlets. Although it appears to have been a limited-time event, many will be hoping it returns if the Netflix sitcom it inspired is a success.
Another Brilliant Blockbuster Business Idea
Another way in which the last remaining Blockbuster store capitalized on people's love for the brand is by selling Blockbuster merchandise, including clothes and hats. They might not be the height of fashion but, for a Blockbuster fan who wants something to wear on movie nights, it doesn't get much better than that.
The upcoming Blockbuster series will likely take on some of the struggles that came with being the very last outlet in existence and, with the genius writers behind some incredible sitcoms like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Superstore at the helm, it wouldn't be surprising if they decided to incorporate clever real-world details like this.
What Could Have Been If Blockbuster Had Followed The Trend
Whilst there are so many streaming services now that it can be impossible to decide what to watch next, Blockbuster was arguably in a prime position to get ahead of the trend when Netflix first began to explode in popularity. Instead, the company was slow to recognize the threat of its more modern rivals and missed out.
It's obvious now that streaming was always destined to be the next big thing in movie-watching at home and that Blockbuster missed a trick by not getting on board, but what's most hilarious is that this meme that wonders what could have been, actually comes from the company themselves.
It Had To Be Netflix Making Shows About Blockbuster
Fans will know that the upcoming Blockbuster series isn't actually Netflix's first look at the last remaining Blockbuster store in existence, as that was the nostalgic 2020 documentary movie, The Last Blockbuster. For some reason, Netflix seems to love providing fans with the sentimental Blockbuster content they need.
The dark irony of it all that many have pointed out is that Netflix is a big part of the reason why there's only one singular Blockbuster store left. The documentary and series almost seem to be the streaming giant making amends for killing everyone's favorite video rental outlet.
The Reason Why People Love Blockbuster So Much
Perhaps the biggest reason why so many feel such strong affection toward Blockbuster is that it was a cultural touchstone for an entire generation that younger ones will never quite understand. Simple joys like renting from the video store so clearly belong in a different time now.
For people of a certain age, all it takes is knowing they also knew what it was like when Blockbuster was at the heart of every movie night to instantly have a connection, and it's helped by the sheer amount of nostalgia surrounding the video store now.
The Only Problem With Blockbuster Being Relevant Again
The flipside of Blockbuster being so important to an entire generation is that it naturally makes people protective of the brand too. With Blockbuster back in the public consciousness, whether because of the series or the efforts of the final store that continues to run in Oregon, it means many unfamiliar with Blockbuster are talking and making references to it.
Though there's no reason to actually gatekeep what was once such a unifying thing, it may be understandably hard for fans to watch people far too young to have even been inside a Blockbuster joking about the chain and its demise.