Cordkillers (All Audio) Cordkillers 577: Paywalls and Pathways
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Dec 5, 2025 Plex is shaking things up by charging for remote access, bringing up conversations about legality in streaming. The bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery heats up as major players like Comcast and Netflix strategize. The hosts also delve into the drama behind a Far Cry adaptation and HBO Max's mix-up with Mad Men files. Plus, there’s a free Fallout streaming offer, news on ad-free subscriptions from NBC, and a look at Netflix's recent changes, including AI features. Tom shares his thoughts on Stranger Things and Brian recommends a fantastic magic kit.
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Plex's Paid Remote Access Threshold
- Plex requires at least one paying account for remote server access, creating a new paid threshold for shared libraries.
- This policy change monetizes access while preserving Plex's claim as an infrastructure provider.
Plex Sits In A Legal Gray Market
- Brian Brushwood frames Plex usage as largely a gray-market ecosystem mixing legitimate collectors and pirate sharers.
- He notes Plex's unique legal defensibility compared with overt pirate streamers, which explains limited immediate Hollywood action.
Why Legal Pressure On Plex Is Limited
- Plex benefits from being an infrastructure provider with legitimate uses, making legal attacks harder.
- Courts historically resist suing platforms for users' piracy unless inducement or clear facilitation is proven.