The Netflix comedy Blockbuster is set in late 2022, serving as a fictionalized account of what it would be like to be the last Blockbuster Video store in America. While the series plays with comedic liberties, the setting anchors the narrative to a very specific, and readily verifiable, timeframe just before the closure of the real-life last Blockbuster in Bend, Oregon.
Understanding the Context: The Death of Blockbuster
To fully grasp the temporal significance of the show’s setting, it’s crucial to understand the historical context: the rise and fall of Blockbuster. At its peak, Blockbuster was a behemoth in the entertainment industry. However, the advent of streaming services like Netflix and online DVD rental services eroded its market share, leading to a gradual decline. The bankruptcy filing in 2010 signaled the beginning of the end, with closures happening rapidly in subsequent years.
The Last Stand in Bend
The real-life “last Blockbuster” in Bend, Oregon, became a cultural phenomenon. Its continued existence, long after its corporate parent crumbled, became a testament to nostalgia and a symbol of a bygone era. Knowing that the show Blockbuster precedes this final closure gives the show a dramatic irony, because, even while the show is running, we know the end is inevitable.
Evidence Within the Show
The show provides several contextual clues that confirm the 2022 setting. These clues range from explicit mentions to more subtle pop-cultural references.
Pop Culture References
While not always explicitly stated, the shows and movies characters discuss place it firmly in the current timeline. No specific releases are explicitly mentioned, likely for rights issues, but the general vibe of contemporary entertainment aligns perfectly. This subtle approach avoids dating the show too severely, but still places it firmly in 2022.
Technological Landscape
The prevalence of smartphones, social media, and streaming services, while ironic considering the setting, are all indicative of a modern timeframe. Characters use these technologies regularly, creating a contrast between the outdated business model and the modern world surrounding them. They are aware and using the same platforms as the modern world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the show Blockbuster and its timeline:
1. Is Blockbuster Based on a True Story?
The show Blockbuster is loosely inspired by the true story of the last Blockbuster store in Bend, Oregon. While the characters and specific events are fictionalized, the underlying premise – the struggle to survive in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape – is rooted in reality.
2. Why Did the Last Blockbuster in Bend Close?
The last Blockbuster in Bend, Oregon, ultimately closed its doors in January 2024. While the exact reasons cited were the high cost of operating the store and the general decline in video rental demand, it’s clear that the rise of streaming played a significant role. The owner opted not to renew the lease.
3. Does the Show Accurately Depict the Challenges of Running a Blockbuster in 2022?
While the show takes comedic liberties, it does capture some of the real challenges faced by the last Blockbuster stores. Issues such as dwindling inventory, competition from streaming services, and the difficulty of attracting customers are all explored in the series. It’s a comedic, heightened version of reality, however.
4. Are the Characters in Blockbuster Based on Real People?
No, the characters in Blockbuster are entirely fictional. While they may represent certain archetypes often found in retail environments, they are not based on specific individuals who worked at the real-life last Blockbuster.
5. Does Netflix’s Own Success Contribute to the Irony of the Show?
Absolutely. The irony of Netflix producing a show about the last Blockbuster store is undeniable. Netflix played a significant role in the demise of Blockbuster, making the show a somewhat self-aware commentary on the changing entertainment landscape.
6. Where Was Blockbuster Filmed?
Blockbuster was primarily filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. While the show is set in a fictional version of the last Blockbuster store, the filming location was not in Bend, Oregon.
7. What Streaming Services Do the Characters in the Show Watch?
The characters are generally shown using whatever streaming services are popular in 2022. They have conversations about what’s hot on streaming. This serves as both ironic and highlights the changing tastes of the audience.
8. Does the Show Address the Nostalgia Associated with Blockbuster?
Yes, the show explicitly addresses the nostalgia surrounding Blockbuster. Many of the characters, and even some customers, express a fondness for the bygone era of physical video rentals, highlighting the emotional connection people had with the store.
9. Will There Be a Second Season of Blockbuster?
Unfortunately, Blockbuster was canceled after one season by Netflix. Despite its unique premise and comedic potential, the show did not garner enough viewership to warrant a renewal.
10. Why Did Netflix Cancel Blockbuster So Quickly?
While Netflix doesn’t usually give specific reasons for cancellations, it’s likely that Blockbuster‘s relatively low viewership numbers compared to its production cost contributed to the decision. Competition in the streaming market is fierce, and shows need to perform well quickly to survive. It should also be noted that reviews were generally negative.
11. How Did the Real Blockbuster in Bend React to the Show?
The owner of the last Blockbuster in Bend, Oregon, has publicly stated that they appreciate the attention the show brought to their store and the legacy of Blockbuster. However, they also emphasized that the show is a fictionalized and exaggerated version of reality.
12. What Alternatives Are There for Those Seeking a Similar Nostalgic Experience?
For those seeking a similar nostalgic experience, visiting independently owned video stores, collecting physical media (DVDs, Blu-rays, VHS tapes), and engaging in online communities dedicated to classic movies and TV shows can all help recapture the feeling of the Blockbuster era. Also, exploring local libraries and their film collections can provide a similar experience.
The End of an Era, Comedically Reimagined
Blockbuster is ultimately a comedic reflection on the end of an era. While its setting in late 2022 provides a specific temporal anchor, the show’s themes of nostalgia, adaptation, and the struggle to survive in a rapidly changing world resonate beyond any particular timeframe. The show is a snapshot of a specific moment in time, a moment when the last embers of a once-dominant industry were flickering, offering viewers a chance to laugh, reminisce, and reflect on the relentless march of technological progress.