Netflix’s latest Blockbuster is a mix of nostalgia and reality

Blockbuster once had over 9,000 stores, but streaming services like Netflix led to a rapid decline in business

Do you remember the smell of a video store? The fully-stocked shelves boasting the week’s newest releases, which were a haven for film and TV buffs.

Blockbuster was a stalwart in the video-retail space. However, the chain went from a corporation of 9,024 stores in 2004 to one remaining store.

The last Blockbuster store is located in Oregon, and has become a novelty for passers-by and locals.

Today, the store has become the subject of Netflix’s latest series, Blockbuster.

The show is an office-humour sitcom, which gives viewers a glimpse into the last remaining Blockbuster.

It follows a hardworking manager, who is fighting to keep his video store open and staff happy.

But the store and its employees are facing competition and complicated feelings towards their job.

The shows’ executive producer, Vanessa Ramos said she liked the concept of using the Blockbuster example but also wanted to “build our own little world”.

“There was a Blockbuster by my house and on Fridays, once my dad got home from work, we would go as a family and we would pick three movies,” she said.

Ramos has worked on other successful Netflix series, including Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Superstore.

Does Blockbuster still exist?

There is one remaining Blockbuster store, which is located in Oregon.

The store was opened in 1992 before it rebranded to Blockbuster in 2000. Today, loyal customers and passers-by can rent their favourite movies, shows and video games.

“Before we became the last one, it definitely was more just loyal local customers,” said Sandi Harding, who is the last remaining Blockbuster manager.

“In July, when we became the one store left, everyone started coming here and visiting from all over the world and there was more nostalgia to it,” she told the U.S. Today Show.

The store has also become a popular tourist attraction. Avid film enthusiasts can even use the store as an Airbnb.

The store was decked out with a bed, free snacks and, of course, a large TV.

“It was a challenge to find that chunky TV,” Harding told CNN.

The staycation was a popular choice for people when Covid-19 gripped the U.S. in 2020.

“It’s only $4 for the night, a penny more than what you would spend for a new release.”

“They can just enjoy their evening, enjoy pizza and popcorn and just have a blast,” Harding said.