The availability of popular television series on streaming platforms is a frequent query among viewers. Access to specific content often depends on licensing agreements and regional restrictions. These factors determine whether a particular show is accessible through a given service.
Understanding content licensing is essential for consumers utilizing streaming services. Rights to distribute media are often purchased for limited durations and specific geographical locations. Consequently, the catalog of available titles can vary significantly between platforms and countries. This system directly affects where and how viewers can legally access their preferred programs.
This article will examine the distribution landscape of a highly-acclaimed series, exploring the reasons behind its availability on various streaming services and the implications for viewers seeking access.
1. Licensing Agreements
Licensing agreements are the foundational determinants of content availability on streaming platforms. The presence of Game of Thrones on Netflix is directly dictated by the terms and conditions stipulated in these legal arrangements between HBO (now Warner Bros. Discovery) and Netflix.
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Exclusivity Clauses
Exclusivity clauses within licensing agreements often prevent a title from appearing on multiple platforms simultaneously. If HBO has granted exclusive streaming rights to HBO Max (now Max) or another service within a specific region, Netflix is contractually prohibited from offering Game of Thrones in that area. This contractual obligation ensures that a single platform reaps the benefits of hosting a popular series, thereby incentivizing investment in content acquisition.
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Territorial Restrictions
Licensing agreements are frequently delineated by geographical boundaries. A licensing deal that permits Netflix to stream Game of Thrones in one country does not automatically extend to others. The rights to distribute content are often sold separately for different territories, leading to variations in Netflix’s content library from region to region. Consequently, Game of Thrones might be accessible on Netflix in certain countries while being unavailable in others.
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Duration of Rights
The duration of a licensing agreement is a critical factor. Streaming rights are typically granted for a fixed period. Once the agreement expires, the content provider, in this case, HBO, has the option to renew the license, sell it to another platform, or reclaim the rights entirely for its own streaming service. If Netflix held the rights to Game of Thrones in the past, the expiration of the licensing agreement could explain its current absence from the platform.
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Content Bundling
Licensing agreements can sometimes involve content bundling. This means that the rights to stream Game of Thrones might be bundled with the rights to stream other HBO properties. This strategy can be used to increase the value of the licensing agreement and incentivize the platform to acquire a broader range of content. The absence of Game of Thrones on Netflix could be a result of strategic content bundling that favored another streaming service.
In summary, the specific terms of the licensing agreements between HBO and various streaming platforms directly govern the availability of Game of Thrones on services like Netflix. These agreements, characterized by exclusivity clauses, territorial restrictions, limited durations, and content bundling, create a complex landscape that determines where and when viewers can access the series.
2. Regional Availability
Regional availability is a critical factor in determining whether Game of Thrones is accessible on Netflix. Streaming rights are often granted on a country-by-country basis, creating significant variations in content libraries across different geographic regions. This fragmentation directly impacts where viewers can legally stream the series.
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Varying Licensing Agreements
Licensing agreements for streaming content are negotiated and executed separately for different countries or regions. HBO, as the rights holder for Game of Thrones, may have entered into exclusive agreements with local streaming services in certain territories, precluding Netflix from offering the series there. For example, a streaming platform in Europe might have secured exclusive rights for the series, thus making it unavailable on Netflix in that region.
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Content Distribution Strategies
Content distributors employ diverse strategies for different markets based on local preferences, market competition, and existing partnerships. In some regions, distributors might prioritize direct sales through physical media or their own streaming services, rather than licensing content to third-party platforms like Netflix. This strategic decision could explain the absence of Game of Thrones on Netflix in certain countries where HBO or its partners choose to control distribution directly.
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Technological Infrastructure and Regulations
Technological infrastructure and legal regulations can influence the regional availability of streaming content. Countries with strict internet censorship laws or limitations on bandwidth might pose challenges for content distribution, affecting whether a streaming service can reliably offer a high-quality viewing experience. Furthermore, regulatory requirements related to content licensing and copyright protection can vary significantly, impacting the feasibility of offering Game of Thrones on Netflix in specific regions.
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Market Competition and Platform Strategy
The competitive landscape of the streaming market and the strategic priorities of individual platforms also play a crucial role. Netflix might choose to focus on acquiring or producing original content in certain regions to differentiate itself from competitors, rather than licensing existing series like Game of Thrones. Conversely, in regions where Netflix aims to build its library of established content, it might actively pursue licensing agreements for popular shows, but this depends on the availability and cost of those rights.
These multifaceted factors collectively shape the regional availability of Game of Thrones on Netflix. Differing licensing agreements, distribution strategies, technological constraints, and competitive dynamics each contribute to the variations in content catalogs observed across Netflix regions. Viewers seeking access to the series should, therefore, be aware that availability is subject to these regional considerations.
3. Content Distribution
Content distribution strategies are paramount in determining the accessibility of television series, including Game of Thrones, on platforms like Netflix. The manner in which content rights are managed and disseminated directly influences whether a particular title is available to viewers through a specific service.
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Licensing Models and Agreements
Content distribution relies heavily on licensing models. HBO, as the original producer of Game of Thrones, controls the distribution rights and can choose to license the series to various platforms, including Netflix. The terms of these licensing agreements, such as exclusivity clauses, territorial restrictions, and duration, dictate if and where the series will be available. If HBO opts for exclusive distribution through its own streaming service, Max, or through other regional platforms, Netflix will not have the right to stream Game of Thrones.
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Geographic Restrictions and Market Strategies
Content distribution is often segmented by geographic regions due to varying market conditions and legal frameworks. HBO may choose to distribute Game of Thrones differently in different countries, based on market demand, competition, and existing partnerships. Consequently, the series might be available on Netflix in some regions but not in others. This is a common practice to maximize revenue and cater to local consumer preferences.
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Platform Exclusivity and Competitive Advantage
Content distributors often seek platform exclusivity to gain a competitive advantage in the streaming market. By offering exclusive rights to Game of Thrones to a single platform, HBO can drive subscriptions and viewership to that service. This strategic decision directly affects whether the series is available on competing platforms like Netflix. Exclusivity is a powerful tool for attracting and retaining subscribers in the increasingly competitive streaming landscape.
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Digital Rights Management (DRM) and Piracy Concerns
Content distribution also involves considerations of digital rights management (DRM) and piracy prevention. HBO employs DRM technologies to protect its content from unauthorized copying and distribution. The implementation of DRM can impact the accessibility of Game of Thrones on various platforms, as Netflix and other streaming services must comply with DRM requirements. Stricter DRM measures may limit the availability of the series on platforms that cannot meet those standards.
In conclusion, the absence of Game of Thrones on Netflix is fundamentally linked to content distribution decisions made by HBO. Licensing agreements, geographic strategies, platform exclusivity, and DRM measures all play a critical role in determining whether the series is available on Netflix. Understanding these factors provides a comprehensive view of why certain content is accessible on some streaming platforms but not others.
4. HBO Ownership
The ownership structure of HBO significantly influences the availability of Game of Thrones on platforms like Netflix. HBO’s parent company directly controls the licensing and distribution rights, shaping where and how the series is accessible to viewers.
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Direct Control over Licensing
HBO’s parent company, currently Warner Bros. Discovery, maintains direct control over the licensing of Game of Thrones. This control allows them to strategically decide which platforms, if any, can stream the series. If the parent company prioritizes its own streaming service, Max, it is less likely to license Game of Thrones to competing platforms like Netflix. This strategic decision is a direct consequence of ownership and influences content availability.
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Prioritization of Proprietary Platforms
Ownership of HBO provides a vested interest in driving subscriptions to its own streaming platforms. Warner Bros. Discovery has a clear incentive to make Game of Thrones a key draw for Max. By keeping the series exclusive to its proprietary platform, the company can attract new subscribers and retain existing ones. This prioritization of proprietary platforms is a common strategy among media conglomerates and directly impacts the presence of Game of Thrones on third-party services.
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Strategic Content Allocation
HBO’s ownership allows for strategic content allocation, where the company can decide how best to leverage its valuable assets like Game of Thrones. This includes determining whether to license the series to external platforms or to use it as a cornerstone for its own streaming service. The decision is often based on a comprehensive analysis of potential revenue streams, market competition, and long-term strategic goals. This strategic allocation has a direct bearing on Netflix’s ability to offer Game of Thrones.
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Mergers and Acquisitions Impact
Mergers and acquisitions within the media industry can significantly alter content distribution strategies. The merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery to form Warner Bros. Discovery, for example, has consolidated content libraries and streaming platforms. These consolidations often lead to a reassessment of licensing agreements and distribution strategies, potentially impacting the availability of titles like Game of Thrones on third-party platforms. Corporate restructuring can therefore indirectly influence the presence of specific content on Netflix.
These facets of HBO’s ownership collectively determine the likelihood of Game of Thrones appearing on Netflix. The direct control over licensing, prioritization of proprietary platforms, strategic content allocation, and the impact of mergers all contribute to a landscape where access to the series on external services is often restricted. The ownership structure is a fundamental factor in understanding content distribution within the streaming ecosystem.
5. Streaming Rights
The availability of Game of Thrones on Netflix is fundamentally determined by streaming rights. These rights dictate which platforms have the legal authorization to distribute the series to viewers.
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Exclusive Licensing Agreements
Exclusive licensing agreements grant a single platform the sole right to stream a particular title within a specified region and timeframe. If HBO, the producer of Game of Thrones, has granted exclusive streaming rights to its own platform, Max, or another service, Netflix is legally barred from offering the series. These agreements are central to content distribution strategies and directly impact where viewers can access specific shows.
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Territorial Distribution Rights
Streaming rights are often divided by geographic territories, meaning that a platform may have the right to stream Game of Thrones in one country but not in another. This territorial fragmentation results from separate licensing agreements negotiated for different regions. Consequently, the availability of Game of Thrones on Netflix can vary significantly depending on the viewer’s location.
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Duration of Streaming Licenses
Streaming licenses are granted for a defined period, after which the rights revert back to the content owner. If Netflix previously held the streaming rights to Game of Thrones, their expiration would explain the series’ current absence from the platform. The content owner then has the option to renew the license, sell it to a different platform, or reserve it for their own streaming service.
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Content Bundling Strategies
Content owners may bundle streaming rights with other titles to increase the value of the licensing agreement. The rights to stream Game of Thrones might be packaged with rights to other popular series, potentially making it more attractive for a particular platform to acquire the bundle. The absence of Game of Thrones on Netflix could be due to a competing platform securing a more comprehensive content bundle.
In summary, the presence or absence of Game of Thrones on Netflix is a direct result of the streaming rights landscape. Exclusive licensing agreements, territorial distribution, the duration of licenses, and content bundling strategies collectively determine which platforms have the legal authorization to stream the series, thereby influencing its availability to viewers.
6. Subscription Models
Subscription models employed by streaming services directly influence the availability of specific content, including Game of Thrones. These models dictate the economic framework under which content is acquired, distributed, and accessed by viewers, thereby shaping platform catalogs.
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Tiered Subscription Levels
Tiered subscription levels often determine the quality of streaming and the number of devices that can access content simultaneously. However, the availability of specific titles, such as Game of Thrones, is generally consistent across all subscription tiers on a given platform. The decision to offer a particular series is typically independent of the subscription tier, focusing instead on licensing agreements and platform strategy. While higher tiers might offer enhanced viewing experiences, they do not necessarily guarantee access to content unavailable on lower tiers.
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Bundling with Other Services
Subscription models can involve bundling with other services, potentially impacting the perceived value and accessibility of content. For instance, HBO’s streaming service, Max, might be bundled with other entertainment or telecommunications offerings. This bundling strategy can make Game of Thrones accessible to subscribers who might not otherwise subscribe directly to Max. Conversely, if Netflix does not offer a bundle that includes access to HBO content, subscribers remain unable to view Game of Thrones through their Netflix subscription.
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Subscription Costs and Content Investment
Subscription costs directly fund the acquisition and production of content. The revenue generated from subscription fees enables streaming services to invest in licensing agreements and original programming. If Netflix determines that the cost of licensing Game of Thrones is not economically viable relative to the potential subscriber acquisition or retention, it might choose not to acquire the streaming rights. This economic calculation influences the content available on the platform and underscores the relationship between subscription revenue and content investment.
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Promotional Offers and Trial Periods
Promotional offers and trial periods are used to attract new subscribers and demonstrate the value of a streaming service. While these offers might provide temporary access to a broader range of content, the availability of specific series like Game of Thrones remains dependent on pre-existing licensing agreements. A promotional offer on Netflix will not provide access to Game of Thrones unless Netflix has already secured the rights to stream the series. These offers primarily serve to showcase the existing content library rather than alter it.
The subscription models utilized by streaming services are intrinsically linked to content availability. Tiered levels, bundling strategies, cost considerations, and promotional offers collectively shape the economic and strategic decisions that determine whether Game of Thrones, or any other specific series, is accessible to subscribers. The interplay between these factors underscores the complex relationship between subscription frameworks and content licensing in the streaming ecosystem.
7. Platform Exclusivity
Platform exclusivity is a central factor in determining the availability of specific television series on streaming services. The concept directly relates to whether Game of Thrones is accessible on Netflix, as it governs the distribution rights and competitive landscape within the streaming industry.
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Licensing Agreements and Content Control
Licensing agreements form the foundation of platform exclusivity. These legal contracts grant specific streaming services exclusive rights to distribute content within defined territories and timeframes. If HBO, the producer of Game of Thrones, has entered into an exclusive agreement with another platform like Max, Netflix is contractually prohibited from offering the series. This exclusivity ensures that one platform can leverage the popularity of the title to attract and retain subscribers, thus controlling the content’s distribution.
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Competitive Advantage and Market Differentiation
Platform exclusivity serves as a crucial tool for competitive advantage and market differentiation. Streaming services compete fiercely for subscribers, and exclusive content is a significant draw. By securing exclusive rights to Game of Thrones, a platform can distinguish itself from competitors like Netflix, attracting viewers who specifically desire access to that series. This competitive dynamic directly influences the content available on each platform and shapes consumer choices.
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Impact on Content Availability and Viewer Access
Platform exclusivity has a direct and tangible impact on content availability and viewer access. When a series is exclusive to one platform, it becomes unavailable on others, limiting the options for viewers. Those seeking to watch Game of Thrones may be compelled to subscribe to the platform holding the exclusive rights, even if they already subscribe to Netflix. This restriction can lead to viewer frustration and highlights the power of platform exclusivity in shaping viewing habits.
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Strategic Content Investment and ROI
Platform exclusivity is often the result of strategic content investment decisions. Streaming services invest significant sums of money to acquire exclusive rights to popular series like Game of Thrones. This investment is justified by the anticipated return, including increased subscriber numbers, enhanced brand reputation, and long-term revenue generation. The decision to pursue exclusivity reflects a calculated assessment of the potential financial and strategic benefits, influencing the content landscape and the availability of titles on different platforms.
In conclusion, platform exclusivity is a defining element in the streaming ecosystem and a primary reason why Game of Thrones may not be available on Netflix. The interplay of licensing agreements, competitive dynamics, content control, and strategic investment collectively shapes the distribution landscape and determines which platforms can offer specific titles to viewers. Understanding this exclusivity framework is crucial for navigating the complexities of the streaming market and accessing desired content.
8. Varying Catalogs
The availability of television series such as Game of Thrones on Netflix is directly affected by the phenomenon of varying catalogs. This refers to the significant differences in content libraries offered by Netflix across different geographic regions. These variations stem from a complex interplay of licensing agreements, regional distribution rights, and market strategies.
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Licensing Agreements and Territorial Rights
Licensing agreements are negotiated separately for each country or region. HBO, as the owner of Game of Thrones, may have granted exclusive streaming rights to its own platform, Max, or to other regional services in certain territories. Consequently, Netflix may lack the necessary licensing rights to offer Game of Thrones in those regions. For instance, a country in Europe might have a local streaming service with exclusive rights to the series, precluding Netflix from including it in its catalog.
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Content Distribution Strategies and Local Preferences
Content distribution strategies are tailored to local market preferences and competitive landscapes. In some regions, HBO may prioritize direct distribution through its own platforms or partnerships with local broadcasters, rather than licensing to Netflix. This strategic decision reflects an assessment of market dynamics and potential revenue streams, leading to variations in Netflix’s content offerings across different countries. Consumer demand and cultural nuances also play a role in these decisions.
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Regulatory and Legal Considerations
Regulatory and legal frameworks can influence the availability of content in different regions. Copyright laws, censorship regulations, and content classification standards vary from country to country, potentially impacting the suitability and legality of offering Game of Thrones on Netflix in certain regions. Compliance with these regulations can add complexity and cost to content distribution, leading to variations in catalog composition.
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Market Competition and Platform Strategy
The level of competition in the streaming market and Netflix’s overall platform strategy play a significant role in determining content availability. In highly competitive markets, Netflix may focus on acquiring or producing original content to differentiate itself from competitors, rather than licensing existing series like Game of Thrones. Conversely, in regions where Netflix aims to build its library of established content, it may actively pursue licensing agreements, subject to the availability and cost of those rights.
The interplay of these factorslicensing agreements, distribution strategies, regulatory considerations, and market competitioncreates a fragmented content landscape, resulting in varying catalogs across Netflix regions. Consequently, while Game of Thrones may be available on Netflix in some countries, it may be absent in others, reflecting the complex and geographically-dependent nature of content distribution in the streaming era.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the streaming availability of Game of Thrones and clarifies factors influencing its presence on platforms like Netflix.
Question 1: Is Game of Thrones currently available on Netflix?
The presence of Game of Thrones on Netflix varies significantly by geographic region. Licensing agreements and distribution rights are not uniform globally, resulting in differing content catalogs across various territories. Therefore, the availability of Game of Thrones on Netflix depends on the viewer’s location.
Question 2: What factors determine if Game of Thrones is on Netflix in a specific country?
The primary determinants are licensing agreements between HBO (now Warner Bros. Discovery) and Netflix. These agreements stipulate the terms of distribution, including geographic restrictions, exclusivity clauses, and the duration of the licensing period. HBO’s strategic decisions regarding distribution also play a crucial role.
Question 3: If Netflix does not have Game of Thrones, where can it be legally streamed?
Typically, Game of Thrones is available on HBO’s own streaming service, Max (formerly HBO Max), in regions where Max operates. Alternative streaming services that have secured regional licensing rights may also offer the series. Verifying local streaming options is recommended.
Question 4: Can a VPN be used to access Game of Thrones on Netflix in a region where it is unavailable?
While VPNs may technically bypass geographic restrictions, their use may violate the terms of service of both Netflix and the VPN provider. Moreover, accessing content in this manner may infringe on copyright laws. Legal streaming options are always recommended.
Question 5: Does Netflix have plans to acquire the streaming rights to Game of Thrones in the future?
Future licensing agreements are subject to ongoing negotiations and strategic decisions by both Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery. No definitive information regarding future streaming rights can be provided, and any speculation is unreliable.
Question 6: Why are streaming catalogs so different from one country to another?
Content catalogs vary due to complex licensing agreements that are negotiated separately for different regions. These agreements consider factors such as market demand, local competition, and regulatory requirements, resulting in significant differences in content availability from one country to another.
In summary, the availability of Game of Thrones on Netflix is governed by a complex web of licensing agreements and regional distribution rights. Viewers should verify local streaming options to determine legal access to the series.
The following section will provide a summary of the key considerations.
Navigating the Streaming Landscape
Understanding the intricacies of content licensing and regional availability is crucial for effectively accessing desired television series on streaming platforms. This section provides key insights for navigating the complex landscape of streaming rights and optimizing viewing options for Game of Thrones.
Tip 1: Verify Regional Availability: Before subscribing to a streaming service solely to watch Game of Thrones, confirm its availability in your specific geographic region. Streaming catalogs differ significantly by country due to varying licensing agreements.
Tip 2: Explore Alternative Streaming Platforms: If Game of Thrones is unavailable on Netflix in your region, investigate other streaming services that may have secured the rights. HBO’s Max is often the primary platform for accessing the series.
Tip 3: Understand Licensing Agreements: Recognize that licensing agreements are dynamic and subject to change. Streaming rights are typically granted for specific durations, and content may be added or removed from platforms as these agreements expire or are renegotiated.
Tip 4: Be Aware of VPN Restrictions: While VPNs can bypass geographic restrictions, their use may violate the terms of service of streaming platforms and infringe on copyright laws. Legal streaming options are recommended.
Tip 5: Consult Official Streaming Guides: Refer to official streaming guides and online resources to verify the current availability of Game of Thrones. These resources provide up-to-date information on where the series can be legally streamed.
Tip 6: Consider Bundled Streaming Services: Explore bundled streaming services that include access to HBO content. These bundles can offer a cost-effective way to access Game of Thrones and other HBO series.
Tip 7: Monitor Streaming News and Announcements: Stay informed about industry news and announcements regarding licensing agreements and content distribution. Changes in streaming rights are often publicized and can affect the availability of Game of Thrones.
Navigating the streaming landscape requires a proactive approach, understanding the factors that govern content availability, and exploring alternative streaming options. Staying informed and verifying regional availability will optimize the viewing experience.
The final section will summarize the core aspects and provide a concluding perspective on the availability of Game of Thrones.
Conclusion
This exploration of “does netflix has game of thrones” has revealed a complex interplay of licensing agreements, regional distribution strategies, and platform ownership that ultimately dictates content availability. HBO’s direct control over Game of Thrones, coupled with its prioritization of proprietary streaming platforms, significantly impacts its presence on competing services like Netflix. The geographically-dependent nature of streaming rights further contributes to the variations in content catalogs observed across different regions.
Access to specific media content within the streaming landscape remains subject to dynamic market forces and strategic decisions made by content owners and distributors. Understanding these underlying factors is essential for informed consumption and navigating the ever-evolving realm of digital entertainment. Continued observation of industry trends and licensing agreements will provide a clearer picture of future content availability.
