The DVDs-in-the-mail version of Netflix is finally going away after 26 years

For more than a decade, Netflix has been known primarily as a streaming-video service. But the original version of Netflix was a much slower form of video-on-demand: red envelopes stuffed with physical DVDs, delivered via the postal service.

Netflix announced yesterday that it's finally ending the discs-in-the-mail version of Netflix on September 29, 2023, just over 26 years after the company was founded. DVD returns will be accepted until October 27.

"After an incredible 25 year run, we've made the difficult decision to wind down at the end of September," reads a Netflix FAQ page explaining the decision. "Our goal has always been to provide the best service for our members, but as the DVD business continues to shrink, that's going to become increasingly difficult. Making 2023 our Final Season allows us to maintain our quality of service through the last day and go out on a high note."