Netflix French Live Broadcast Plans Won’t Extend to U.S., Analysts Say

Netflix is making moves in France with a new deal to stream TF1, a popular French broadcaster, live. This marks a significant shift for Netflix, as it’s the first time they’ve committed to a 24/7 live feed. The folks at LightShed Partners, Richard Greenfield, Brandon Ross, and Mark Kelley, see this as a test to see if French viewers are interested in live TV beyond just sports and news.

While TF1 won’t launch until summer 2026, it’s not something we should expect to see replicated in the U.S. anytime soon. The French market is quite different from the U.S., with TF1 being a singular station operating throughout France. Unlike the U.S., France doesn’t have affiliate TV stations, making TF1 a unique opportunity for Netflix.

Despite the differences in markets, both Netflix and TF1 stand to benefit from this partnership. TF1 has a significant presence in France, comparable to ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC combined. By offering TF1’s content, Netflix can drive viewership for TF1, boost their ad sales, and enhance TF1’s brand image. This partnership could also help Netflix accelerate their ad sales in one of their 12 ad-tier markets.

Overall, the deal between Netflix and TF1 is an interesting experiment in live streaming, but it’s unlikely to change the landscape of U.S. streaming anytime soon. It’s a unique opportunity in the French market that could have benefits for both parties involved.