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Netflix has struck its first-ever “live TV” deal—partnering with France’s TF1 to stream its five linear channels and on-demand programming directly on Netflix starting summer 2026
1. A Strategic Twist on the Cable Model
Greg Peters, Netflix’s co-CEO, highlighted that this move combines Netflix’s discovery strengths with TF1’s established programming—bringing daily live shows like The Voice, soaps, and sports directly into Netflix’s interface. With ad-supported subscribers hovering around 94 million monthly users, live TV brings more valuable, attentively-tuned audiences for advertisers
2. Boosting TF1’s Reach and Revenue
For TF1, whose audience has been waning on traditional broadcast TV, this deal opens Netflix to 58 million linear viewers and 35 million on-demand users—while unlocking fresh advertising channels . The partnership is built on synergy: Netflix gains established content, and TF1 gains platform reach without cannibalizing its free-to-air model .
3. A Testbed for Global Expansion
Industry analysts see this as a pilot. With digital habits rising and linear viewership declining, similar collaborations might emerge in markets like the UK. But in the U.S., entrenched media giants with their own streaming services make such deals less likely .
What It Means
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Netflix diversifies: Moving beyond on-demand exclusivity, it’s now offering scheduled, live television.
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Advertisers benefit: Live viewership commands higher attention—feeding into Netflix’s ad-centric growth.
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Broadcasters adapt: TF1 and peers are leveraging Netflix to reach audiences they’re losing from conventional TV.
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A template for the future? This could mark a turning point in how streaming and traditional media collaborate.
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