Tudum or Bust? Netflix's Star-Studded Showdown Had a Slow Start

Netflix's Tudum: A Star-Studded Spectacle That Left Us Breathless (and Slightly Confused)

Netflix's annual fan event, Tudum, descended upon the Kia Forum in Inglewood this past weekend, promising a whirlwind of announcements, trailers, and appearances from some of the biggest names in entertainment. And while the event certainly delivered on star power, it also left many wondering: can one streaming service truly unite such disparate fandoms under a single banner?

The atmosphere leading up to the main event was, shall we say, less than electric. Reports indicate a slow trickle of attendees, with a noticeable number of empty seats just minutes before the show was set to begin. A pre-show emcee valiantly attempted to ignite the crowd, name-dropping stars from various Netflix hits. While "Outer Banks" and "Stranger Things" garnered polite applause, it was the mere mention of Lady Gaga's name that finally unleashed a genuine roar from the audience.

Once Tudum officially kicked off, the Forum did begin to fill, and the energy levels noticeably increased. A-list celebrities like Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Daniel Craig, Adam Sandler, and Jenna Ortega graced the stage, along with glimpses into highly anticipated shows like "Squid Game," "One Piece," and "Wednesday." However, nothing quite matched the fervor sparked by Lady Gaga, who capped off the evening with a mesmerizing two-song performance, solidifying her status as the undeniable highlight of the show.

Since its inception as a virtual event in 2020, Tudum has presented a unique marketing challenge. While individual Netflix series have cultivated devoted followings, the core concept of Tudum hinges on the existence of a massive, unified "Netflix superfan" – someone equally passionate about every genre and offering on the platform. This raises the question: is it truly possible to cater to such a diverse range of interests within a single event?

Consider this: one moment, you're watching the cast of "Outer Banks" answer fan questions; the next, you're witnessing pro wrestlers from "Monday Night Raw" promoting their reality series. Then, you're treated to character descriptions from the cast of "One Piece" – information likely redundant for any true fan of the series. The sheer breadth of content creates a sense of cognitive overload.

While some may enjoy the variety, it's a leap to assume that the same audience eagerly anticipates trailers for the next "Knives Out" installment, "Wake Up Dead Man," and Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein." Are they equally thrilled by the sight of Affleck and Damon in the crime thriller "The Rip" and the return of Shooter McGavin in "Happy Gilmore 2?"

Some segments stood out on their own:

• The "Wake Up Dead Man" cast, including Kerry Washington, Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis, and Josh Brolin, engaged in a humorous discussion about murder mystery tropes.
• Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, and Julie Bowen entertained the crowd with audience questions (planted by their costars) for "Happy Gilmore 2."
• Affleck and Teyana Taylor shared lighthearted banter about their eyesight while promoting "The Rip."

However, the sheer volume of content presented in rapid succession ultimately diminished the impact of each individual project. Even the highly anticipated "Stranger Things" segment, featuring heartfelt behind-the-scenes footage and a tantalizing glimpse into the final season, was quickly followed by kiss-cam shots of couples from "Love Is Blind" and "Love on the Spectrum."

Netflix's success stems from its "something for everyone" approach, and Tudum undoubtedly reflects this strategy. But genuine fandom thrives on personal connection and community – qualities that Lady Gaga, with her deeply devoted fanbase, exemplifies. It's perhaps no surprise that she emerged as Tudum's brightest star.

Ultimately, Tudum serves as a reminder of Netflix's expansive reach and ambitious vision. While the event may not have perfectly captured the essence of authentic fandom, it certainly showcased the sheer breadth and diversity of content available on the platform. The question remains: can Netflix cultivate a truly unified global fanbase, or will it continue to thrive by serving a multitude of niche audiences? Only time (and perhaps next year's Tudum) will tell.

Tags: Netflix, Tudum, Outer Banks, Stranger Things, Lady Gaga, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Daniel Craig, Adam Sandler, Jenna Ortega

Source: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/netflix-tudum-lady-gaga-stranger-things-squid-game-1236415155/