Netflix Shocker: Bela Bajaria Leaving After 10 Years Amid Layoffs
Bela Bajaria is leaving Netflix after 10 years, most recently as chief content officer, and former Disney and Fox executive Peter Rice will take over the role. The change comes during the streamer’s largest round of layoffs to date, as Netflix seeks to strengthen its content slate amid slower growth and a weaker awards performance.
About 1,000 employees, or 6% of Netflix’s workforce, were laid off this week; film executives Doug Belgrad and Sheroum Kim were also affected. Bajaria joined in 2016 and later oversaw global programming, including series such as “Bridgerton” and “Squid Game”, films and live events. Netflix won 16 Primetime Emmy Awards in 2026, down from 30 in 2025 and its lowest total since 2016. Rice previously led a broad television portfolio at Disney and has since worked as a film producer.
- Bela Bajaria is leaving Netflix after a decade.
- Peter Rice will become chief content officer.
- About 1,000 staff were laid off this week.
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Netflix is a subscription service that commissions and distributes films, television series and live events around the world. Its chief content officer oversees much of the programming it offers, including decisions about which projects to make and how to reach audiences in different countries.
Bela Bajaria joined Netflix in 2016 and later led its global programming, overseeing titles such as Bridgerton and Squid Game. Peter Rice, who previously held senior television roles at Disney and Fox and has worked as a film producer, is due to take over the content role.
Netflix’s business depends on attracting and keeping subscribers with a steady range of programmes. Slower growth and changes in its awards results form part of the context for the company’s recent organisational changes.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Netflix can argue that leadership changes and job cuts are difficult but necessary responses to slower growth and pressure to make its content slate more competitive. Bringing in Peter Rice, with experience overseeing television at Disney and Fox, may help the company sharpen its strategy and adapt to changing audience and awards results.
The case against
Employees and critics can argue that cutting about 1,000 jobs while replacing a senior content leader risks weakening the teams and institutional knowledge needed to make distinctive programmes. Bajaria’s tenure included globally successful shows such as “Bridgerton” and “Squid Game”, so the lower Emmy total alone may not justify a disruptive leadership change or prove the existing strategy failed.