Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has revealed that the streaming giant used artificial intelligence to produce 17 minutes of footage for a documentary, completing the work "twice as fast and at half the cost." The announcement comes as Netflix faces rising content spending that could reach $20 billion this year.
Netflix AI documentary: The American Experiment
The documentary in question is The American Experiment, a five-episode series. According to Fortune, the series features actor Martin Sheen, known for his role in Apocalypse Now, as the voice of George Washington. It also includes appearances from prominent U.S. political figures, including former vice presidents Kamala Harris and Mike Pence.
The AI-enhanced portion of the documentary was produced at a significantly lower cost and in less time than traditional methods would have required. Sarandos highlighted this efficiency as a potential model for future content production.
Netflix content spending rises to $20 billion
Netflix's content spending has been steadily increasing. According to Yahoo Finance, the company spent $16.2 billion on content in 2024 and $17.1 billion in 2025. The projected spending for 2026 could reach up to $20 billion, driven by intense competition in the streaming industry.
This rising spending comes as some investors appear to be losing patience with the streaming giant. The market is watching closely to see how Netflix balances its growing content budget with profitability expectations.
How AI is changing Netflix content production
The use of AI in The American Experiment is part of a broader trend at Netflix. According to The Verge, Netflix has used generative AI in the post-production process for around 300 titles. This technology allows the company to create complex shots and sequences that would otherwise be too costly or time-consuming.
Sarandos's comments suggest that faster and less expensive production methods could become central to Netflix's content strategy, especially as the company looks to manage its growing content budget.
Our Take: AI efficiency meets streaming economics
The numbers here tell a clear story. Netflix is spending more on content every year — from $16.2 billion to a projected $20 billion. At the same time, investors are getting impatient. In this environment, any tool that cuts production time in half and reduces costs by 50% is not just a nice experiment — it is a business necessity.
The use of AI in The American Experiment shows that Netflix is serious about finding ways to do more with less. But there is a question that remains: Will audiences accept AI-enhanced content the same way they accept traditional filmmaking? For now, the economics seem to be driving the decision. If the quality holds up, this could become the new normal for streaming content production.
