According to a report from Deadline, Netflix is looking to get into the live-streaming game. It seems strange that it’s taken the company so long to even consider the possibility of live-streaming. That’s over now, as Netflix themselves confirmed that the feature was being worked on. It will eventually permit live stand-up specials, with other live content planned too.
It’s possible that Netflix is upping its game due to the ever-looming presence that is Disney+. Just last week, numbers were shown that indicate Disney+ is on the up, while Netflix is slumping. Disney+ also beat Netflix to the live-streaming finish line, with Disney+ showing a live viewing of the Academy Awards earlier this year.
What could be live?
While Disney+ is a new combatant in the live-streaming war, it may not be able to compete if Netflix takes this seriously. Netflix already has good contracts with most famous comedians and good relations with the rest of them. If the platform were to start pushing out more live stage events, it could pull in more users than before.
For those hoping for news about streaming live sport on the platform, you will be disappointed. Netflix plans to use its new live streaming section for stand-up, among other candidate shows. At least, at first. That isn’t to say Netflix will never bring live sports to the platform. You just shouldn’t get your hopes up.
For example, the recent Netflix is a Joke Fest featured over 130 of the biggest names in comedy. Pete Davidson, Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, and Larry David, to name a few. For now, only twelve of the performances are set to be aired on Netflix, which feels like a waste. If the event takes place again next year, Netflix may opt to air it live, allowing things to unfold naturally.
Shows that feature no script may also be destined for the live-streaming realm. Shows like The Circle – a huge hit for the company – and the upcoming series Dance 100 could benefit from a live-streaming feature. Dance shows have often been aired live, so this feels like a no-brainer for the service. But how could The Circle be aired live? Well, it wouldn’t be the entirety of the season, but rather the final episodes, which are often reunion episodes, and/or voting episodes.
Netflix on to something?
At the moment, there’s been no mention from reports or Netflix about making live streaming cost more. But this is Netflix we’re talking about. If there’s a chance for some extra dough, you’d best believe they’ll pounce at the opportunity.
The platform could start charging accounts that want access to live streaming a little bit more per month, which would increase revenue. They may also charge smaller, one-off fees for access to specific events. If we see the return of the Netflix is a Joke Fest next year, it wouldn’t be a surprise if customers had to pay to get in.
For the time being, available content feels too lackluster for Netflix to start charging for it. If better live content were released as time goes on, we may see a price increase to access it.
At the time of writing, no dates have been discussed concerning a possible release window.
Source: Deadline