Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos Faces Tough Questions on Trans and LGBT Programming from Senate
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos faced intense questioning from lawmakers this week over the company’s children’s programming and whether it promotes LGBTQ+ themes.
The exchange happened during a Senate hearing focused on Netflix’s planned $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The session, which aired in February, quickly shifted from antitrust concerns to cultural debates, according to the public hearing available on YouTube.
Senator Josh Hawley pressed Sarandos about the content available for young viewers, arguing that Netflix is promoting a “transgender ideology” to children. “Why is it that so much of Netflix content for children promotes a transgender ideology?” Hawley asked, citing a study suggesting that nearly half of Netflix’s children’s programming includes LGBTQ+ themes. He added that the platform’s library was so full of a highly s*****, highly controversial, agenda.
Sarandos rejected the claim, insisting that Netflix does not push any agenda. “We have millions of hours of children’s programming … we feature a wide variety of stories and programs to meet a wide variety of people’s taste,” he said. He also highlighted parental tools built into the platform. “We are parents at Netflix as well. We share all your concerns about raising kids,” Sarandos added, noting that families can block content they find inappropriate.
Sen. Josh @HawleyMO: Why is it that so much of Netflix's content for children promotes a transgender ideology?
— CSPAN (@cspan) February 3, 2026
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos: Netflix has no political agenda of any kind…We feature a wide variety of stories and programs to meet a wide variety of people's tastes. pic.twitter.com/2JEOqy5De7
The controversy over LGBTQ+ content has focused on certain animated series and reboots. Shows like Ridley Jones, which includes a non-binary character, and the Baby-Sitters Club reboot, featuring a transgender storyline, have drawn attention. A study from The Oversight Project claimed that over 40% of G-rated Netflix content contains LGBTQ+ messaging, leading critics to accuse the streamer of exposing children to ideas they cannot fully understand.
Beyond content issues, Netflix is pursuing what would be the largest merger in media history. The $82.7 billion deal for Warner Bros. Discovery would give Netflix control over major franchises, including Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and the DC Universe. Sarandos has promised to maintain a 45-day theatrical window for major Warner Bros. films, attempting to reassure theater owners about the transition to streaming.
As regulatory scrutiny continues, the debate over children’s content and parental responsibility shows no signs of slowing. Sarandos defended Netflix’s approach, while critics argue platforms have a responsibility to limit what young audiences see.
Do you think streaming platforms should keep children’s content neutral, or is it up to parents to use the tools Netflix provides? Share your thoughts in the comments.
