Netflix Considers Live TV to Retain Viewers
Streaming service Netflix is reportedly exploring the addition of live TV to its platform as a strategy to keep viewers engaged amid a decline in original content. A recent report suggests the company might introduce live channels that focus on specific themes or genres, similar to what Peacock and Paramount+ have already done with their “live channels” featuring various episodes.
Furthermore, Netflix is contemplating partnerships with other streaming services, allowing users to subscribe through its platform. They recently announced plans to include content from Condé Nast, BuzzFeed, and video podcasts from Vox Media.
This move comes on the heels of a noted decline in viewership, which dropped by 7.8% in April, marking its lowest point since May 2025. It seems that Netflix is about to release updated audience figures soon.
According to another source, the new features aim to build on innovative strategies to keep subscribers interested, such as live shows, podcasts, and incorporating social media influencers into their content mix. Some of these efforts have reportedly contributed to the network’s success.
As previously reported, Netflix has faced challenges retaining subscribers, with many viewers dropping shows after just one season. For instance, “One Piece,” one of its most popular shows in 2023, saw a drop of over 30% in viewership during its second season. Moreover, “Beef” experienced a staggering decline of more than 70% from its first to second season. In a troubling trend, even “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” one of the most-watched shows in 2024, lost more than 60% of its audience in just its first week.
Moreover, the buzz around Netflix’s earlier hits, like “Squid Game” and “Stranger Things,” seems to have faded as well. Netflix’s aspirations for live TV come after a failed attempt to acquire Warner Bros. film studio, where it lost a bidding battle to both Paramount and Skydance.
Interestingly, the service has already seen success with live broadcasts in France. The French broadcaster TF1 reported a record number of streaming views just three weeks after launching a new partnership with Netflix. The deal is expected to offer both live content and on-demand options from TF1 and its platform TF1+.
