Netflix subscribers in the United States face a notable limitation with the streaming service’s ad-supported tier: the highly anticipated romantic drama, It Ends With Us, is unavailable for viewing through this cheaper subscription option. As of January 2026, approximately 145 titles—representing around 1.85% of Netflix’s extensive library of 7,834 titles—remain inaccessible due to licensing restrictions. This situation continues to pose challenges for the platform as it navigates the complexities of offering a budget-friendly service while adhering to existing licensing agreements.
About ‘It Ends With Us’ and Its Reception
It Ends With Us, set for release on August 9, 2024, has become one of the most debated film adaptations of the year. Directed by Justin Baldoni and based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, the film has garnered both praise and criticism for its sensitive portrayal of difficult themes such as domestic violence and complex relationships. Critics have noted its strong performances, particularly from Jenny Slate, who portrays the lead character, Allysa.
Many reviews commend the film for its careful handling of heavy subject matter. Collider emphasized that the adaptation manages to convey the essence of Hoover’s novel while avoiding sensationalism. The portrayal of domestic abuse is treated with respect, allowing audiences to empathize with the protagonist’s journey without glorifying the aggressor. This approach marks a clear distinction from some of the source material, which faced scrutiny for its romanticized elements.
The decision to age up the characters has also been praised, adding a layer of maturity to the narrative. Critics acknowledged that while some aspects, such as the development of the character Atlas, fell short, the film still effectively conveys a powerful message about breaking generational cycles and reclaiming personal agency.
“The film is sensitive to the main topic, and its performances and direction allow for Lily’s experience to empower survivors,” observes a review. “Although slight changes were made to the story present in the novel, most of them serve the adaptation well.”
Challenges with Licensing and Accessibility
Despite the film’s positive reception, Netflix’s ad-supported tier remains a barrier for many viewers. Subscribers eager to watch It Ends With Us will find themselves prompted to upgrade their subscription if they wish to access this content. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges Netflix faces in balancing its pricing strategies with the complexities of licensing arrangements.
As of now, the ad-supported tier continues to limit access to a variety of titles, prompting discussions among consumers regarding the value of streaming services that offer cheaper plans. Netflix has made strides to reduce the number of unavailable titles since the ad tier launched in November 2022, yet high-profile films like It Ends With Us underscore the ongoing hurdles in providing comprehensive access to all subscribers.
As the film’s release date approaches, it remains to be seen how Netflix will address these challenges, especially with viewers eager to engage with a story that resonates deeply in today’s cultural climate. For those interested in experiencing It Ends With Us, the only option currently available on the ad-supported tier is to upgrade, a decision that reflects broader trends in content accessibility across streaming platforms.
