Netflix appears to be taking a backwards step, trailing a real-time live television channel in France.
We assume it will begin renting physical DVDs by mail next, quickly followed up by purchasing all of Blockbuster’s old retail locations to sell snacks and VHS films.
In all seriousness, Netflix is indeed trailing a new 24/7 real-time live TV channel, that will be scheduled with the streaming service’s library of movies and shows. The feature will be available across France by early December.
While not a total backwards step, it is strange to see the streaming giant – long known for its pivotal and innovative move to start streaming entertainment to the masses – move into live television.
Live TV does remain popular in France, which Netflix is putting down to the fact that people do not enjoy scrolling through its library looking for things to watch. Or as Netflix explained in a statement, “you can let yourself be carried away without having to choose a particular title and let yourself be surprised by the diversity of the Netflix catalog.”
This could just be a marketing campaign, as Netflix Direct is only available via web browser – not on televisions or mobile devices – and Netflix has said that the feature will not be coming to other regions.
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