Looking to open your catalog of options, Netflix it would be testing to include live programs as a content viewing option, in addition to on-demand content.
Kasey Moore of What’s on Netflix discovered a test page, through the search engine, called “Watch Live Streaming OAD Test Title 14”. Although they have blocked access to the site, by putting that phrase in Google, a result still appears that would indicate that the application is testing this format.
A key point of this finding is that in the description of the query result appeared the synopsis of Lockwood & Co.a series that will premiere at the end of January on the platform.
What makes an important difference in the discourse that the application has had with this type of format, because it has always referred to them as an option but for comedy events.
It was discovered that the platform would be testing to have live programs.
Live shows on Netflix
This is not the first time that the possibility of the platform having live programs has been discussed. In May 2022, Deadline assured that the plans were already underway and were “in the early stages of development.”
Some time later, from Netflix they confirmed the idea of having live comedy shows and it was said that Chris Rock would be the first to do so, noting that live content could be used for stand-up specials and other content that works well with a live setting.
“Chris Rock is one of the most iconic and important comedic voices of our generation. We are thrilled that the entire world can experience a Chris Rock stand-up comedy event and be a part of Netflix history. This will be an unforgettable moment and we are so honored that Chris is carrying this torch.” Robby Praw vice president of stand-up and comedy formats for the streaming app.
The comedian would be the first to have a live event on Netflix.
No official date has been given about this event, but it is said that it would be at the beginning of this 2023, specifically in March and the same comedian assured that in the show he will mention the situation he experienced with Will Smith in the Oscar from last year.
“People expect me to talk about that moment, I’m not going to talk about it now, I will eventually, on Netflix,” Rock said at one of his shows in late 2022.
However, it is hard to think that Netflix would limit the use of this format to comedy events, taking into account that other platforms have acquired the rights to broadcast other content such as concerts or sports tournaments, as is the case with how MLB Friday Night Baseball in AppleTV+ Y NFL Thursday Night Football in Amazon Prime.
Netflix does not rule out having free productions
In the delivery of financial results for the last quarter of 2022, Netflix announced that in its plans it does not rule out the possibility of having free television with advertising, a trend known as FAST.
ted sarandosco-executive director, assured that the company is “attentive” to what is happening with this modality, which many other platforms are already adapting as an option to get closer to traditional television, but maintaining the essence of streaming and content on demand.
“We are open to all the models that exist today, but this year we have a lot of work ahead of us, both with the distribution of payment and with the launch of advertising and the continuation of the content board that we try to offer to our members. Therefore, we do not lose sight of this segment,” said the manager.
Taking into account the way of operating Netflix, It is normal that this idea is not raised in the short term, since they usually delay their entry into market trends, as happened with the advertising formats.