The departure of Glitter Force from Netflix signifies a standard occurrence in the streaming landscape: content licensing agreements periodically expire. These agreements grant Netflix the right to host specific shows and movies for a defined duration. Once that period concludes, the content provider, in this case, Toei Animation (the original creator of Smile PreCure! which was adapted into Glitter Force), has the option to renew, renegotiate terms, or withdraw the license. This decision rests on a multitude of factors related to profitability and strategic planning.
Content licensing is a crucial aspect of the streaming business model. It allows platforms to maintain a diverse library, attracting and retaining subscribers. However, it also means titles cycle in and out as deals expire. The choice not to renew a license for Glitter Force could stem from various considerations, including viewing figures failing to meet expectations, changes in rights ownership, or the content owner seeking to leverage the property on another platform or through different distribution channels. Historical precedents show this practice is widespread across all streaming services, affecting numerous titles from various producers.