Cyanogenmod is a custom firmware distribution for Android devices. When I installed CM12.1 (based on Android 5.1.1 aka Lollipop aka API level 22), I noticed a problem with the Netflix application: When I tried to watch content, I’d get audio and see subtitles, but there was no video (just a black background).
Long story short: Netflix video playback doesn’t work if the new CM12.1 “LiveDisplay” feature is enabled, which it is by default. (LiveDisplay is a feature of CM12.1 which adjusts the display to have a warmer color temperature between local sunset and sunrise.) To complicate things, the problem only manifests at night (when LiveDisplay is actually active).
If you’re on CM12.1 and can’t get your Netflix on when the sun is down, disable LiveDisplay and try again. Instructions after the jump.