
TL;DR: It’s lengthy been stated that Netflix is changing conventional tv. If a current report is correct, it’d quickly change into much more like non-internet TV by livestreaming content material. That may result in widespread voting reveals, sports activities, and comedy specials being broadcast reside on the platform.
Deadline studies that Netflix is at the moment “exploring” the launch of livestreaming and has confirmed that the aptitude is within the early phases of improvement. The publication notes the characteristic may very well be used to have interaction audiences with reside voting for expertise contests—one thing we see loads of on conventional TV.
Live comedy may very well be one other prime use for livestreaming. The first Netflix is a Joke competition was held earlier this yr, that includes performances from over 300 comedians that included Dave Chappelle, Larry David, Bill Burr, and Jerry Seinfeld. Around 12 of the reveals have been filmed and can be proven on Netflix this month and in June, however many get pleasure from watching comedy reside—although Netflix would most likely delay it barely to chop away from incidents like Dave Chappelle being attacked on stage throughout the occasion.
Disney+, which added 8 million new subscribers final quarter as Netflix misplaced subs for the primary time ever, livestreamed the Academy Awards in February and can air movie star dancing present Dancing with the Stars reside later this yr.
Netflix would possibly nonetheless be the streaming king, however its crown has been slipping lately. Another worth hike in January contributed to the surprising decline in subscribers. Since then, it has talked about ad-supported tiers and cracking down on password sharing; it additionally laid off employees at fan web site Tudum. Livestreaming may assist issues, however a current report suggests we would merely have reached peak subscription.