With the pandemic induced lockdown forcing people to stay home, Netflix has inevitably become a man’s best friend for binge-watching.
In a first-of-its-kind move, the streaming company has decided to launch a new TV channel of its own. The channel will allow viewers to watch the series or movie being telecasted at a particular time just like any other TV channel, without having to individually select a specific one.
The provision, for now, has been rolled out only in certain areas of France and the company said that it plans to offer it across France likely by December.
The TV channel, however, has its differences when compared to a regular channel of the television like Star World, Sony, etc. This channel, named ‘Direct’ by the company, can be watched only through Netflix’s website reached from the browser, unlike the traditional way of accessing through the TV set.
‘Direct’ will telecast an array of French shows, along with international and US feature films and other TV series, that is already there on its app.
In an official statement, the streaming platform said, “We’re trying a new feature for our members in France – called ‘Direct.’ Maybe you’re not in the mood to decide, or you’re new and finding your way around, or you just want to be surprised by something new and different,” while adding, “The TV channel will only be accessible via the service’s web browser, unlike its streaming service, which is found on set-top boxes thanks to distribution deals with French telco groups such as Orange, Canal Plus and SFR.”
This marks the streaming platform’s step towards scheduled programming service. However, the company had previously launched a faintly similar service called ‘Shuffle Play’. This wasn’t a real-time program and rather gave suggestions for the viewer based on their previous views. While Shuffle was available for a group of selected users around the world, Netflix has decided to go only with one country, France, this time.
The reason Netflix went with France for launching its channel was due to the fact that the country prefers traditional TV over streaming networks.
Majority of the people living here largely rely on television shows for their entertainment as they prefer the free-flow of series and movies to confusing selection of the same on their own.
“In France, watching traditional TV remains hugely popular with people who just want a ‘lean back’ experience where they don’t have to choose shows,” said Netflix.
In January 2002, the company also opened an office in the land of France for increasing its subscribers in the country by investing more in French content.
It is to be noted that the TV channel isn’t being available to all but only the ones who have subscribed to its streaming service application.
Viewers can have the fun of watching whatever is next on the channel without getting apprehensive regarding the show they want to watch through apps.
