Why Netflix is splitting itself in two: A comic

We know that Netflix has split its DVD-by-mail and video streaming businesses into two, but — despite the company's explanations — we're still scratching our heads about the whole thing. Why on earth did Netflix go through with this plan — and create a new service called Qwikster while at it?

Comic artist The Oatmeal would like to offer an answer — in a typically hilarious illustrated format.

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For Subscribers

FOR SUBSCRIBERSCBP leaders cut out of Trump ad buy decision

FOR SUBSCRIBERSAmerican passenger drafted goodbye texts to her family as Flydubai plane plummeted

FOR SUBSCRIBERSCornell rape allegation pushes embattled New York prosecutor into national spotlight

FOR SUBSCRIBERSAbdul El-Sayed tries to woo MAHA voters as Democrats seek inroads with RFK’s supporters

FOR SUBSCRIBERSKratom-like substances are popping up in a typically benign supplement

FOR SUBSCRIBERSGOP super PAC increases its spending for Sen. Jon Husted in tough Ohio race

FOR SUBSCRIBERSRecords reveal tumultuous marriage between slain New York Times executive and wife

FOR SUBSCRIBERSFrom clean energy warrior to ‘wall of shame,’ James Talarico reverses on a fossil fuel money pledge

FOR SUBSCRIBERSCongressional staff planned official trip with luxury stops in Italy and France weeks before election

FOR SUBSCRIBERSA harrowing ordeal aboard an Israel-bound plane

FOR SUBSCRIBERSOpenAI CEO Sam Altman to skip congressional hearing on rogue AI agents

FOR SUBSCRIBERSKey DOJ lawyers departed Trump ‘grand conspiracy’ probe amid pressure to produce, source says

FOR SUBSCRIBERSTrump’s new AI chatbot often links to a site launched under Clinton 26 years ago

FOR SUBSCRIBERSAt MAHA summit, industry CEOs the movement once vilified take the stage

FOR SUBSCRIBERSThis Paralympian has two goals: Win medals and give away $500,000 to her teammates

• Uh oh! Netflix doesn't own the @Qwikster Twitter account
• Is Qwikster quicksand for Netflix?
• Netflix ... er ... Qwikster adding video game rentals

This comic is republished with permission from Matthew Inman aka "The Oatmeal," a web designer turned comic artist. You can see more of his work on The Oatmeal. Inman is a one-man operation, so be sure to check out posters and prints from his shop or order a copy of his hilarious book, "5 Very Good Reasons to Punch a Dolphin in the Mouth."