Netflix happily launched its new Basic with Ads plan yesterday in several new countries. People with lower budgets were ready to start watching with commercials in the shows. And then, those with legacy Chromecast devices realized that they can’t enjoy the new package and still have to make do with one of the upgraded tiers.
Fortunately, Netflix is aware of the issue since they addressed it in a new report on the support page. Since the Basic with Ads plan is mostly available through Google TV, it means Apple TV isn’t supported as yet. Also, your legacy Chromecast device with an older Android operating system won’t be able to use the package.
That means you’ll have to settle for one of the ad-free Netflix tiers, which means paying more. Your other option is to get a Chromecast device with Google TV which will also affect your bank balance. No matter how you look at it, you’re going to pay.
The only other option is to wait until Netflix fixes the issue. It said that it’s currently working on bringing the ad-filled plan to Apple TV, but I doubt it will do the same for legacy Chromecast devices without Google TV. There has been no update from Netflix on them since 2018, but perhaps it will change if enough people ask for it.
If you missed it, you can read more about the official Netflix launch of the Basic with Ads plan that happened yesterday. You can still pay for Basic, Standard, and Premium packages with ads. I’ll continue with my Premium package, as I want the whole deal with all shows included. I don’t like interruptions in my movies at all.
