When Netflix first launched, its original model was to be the antithesis of traditional television. Instead of people having to schedule their day around their favorite films and shows, they were suddenly able to watch them whenever they wanted.
The company’s focus is still on-demand content, but it’s now realized that some scheduled live offerings can be good as well. The company’s increasing investment in live television could lead to a shift in how Netflix and other entertainment platforms operate.
Netflix is Investing Heavily in Live Streaming
Netflix’s ventures into live streaming have gone up a few notches in the last few years with some seriously big moves. The most notable of these was when it spent more than $5 billion for the rights to broadcast WWE events for the next ten years. This turned out to be an excellent idea, as Netflix members watched around 525 million hours of WWE programming in 2025.
The streaming giant has also put a lot of work into building up its own boxing matches, with various huge bouts having already taken place. These standalone events generate a lot of hype, as the company makes them feel unmissable through clever marketing.
There are also some highly original live offerings, such as Skyscraper Live, where viewers were able to watch Alex Honnold scale the Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes in real time.
Inspired By Other Entertainment Verticals
The move towards live content on Netflix could have been inspired by the rise of this technology in other areas of entertainment. The online casino market, for example, has been using it for years.
New online slots sites focus on reel-spinning games, as these are the bread and butter of the platforms. Some of these titles, though, such as Age of the Gods, have also been adapted into live versions to appeal to people who want the feeling of playing something with a host in real time.
The balance between on-demand content like slots and plenty of live options means that players can always find the best of both worlds. That’s what Netflix seems to be going for with its blend of on-demand and live content.
Who Will Follow Netflix’s New Model?
Netflix has always been an industry leader in the streaming era, and its forays into live entertainment are likely to inspire other companies to follow suit. Many of the biggest brands have already ventured into some live options, with Amazon Prime Video offering a range of sporting events.
Outside of sport, other companies may be tempted to replicate Netflix’s idea of offering original live events that have never been seen before. Skyscraper Live was a good example of this, highlighting how viewers could get into things they were previously unaware of.
One of the main problems that streaming services have faced over the years is subscribers joining to watch a series and then cancelling when it’s finished. The inclusion of regular live events gives people a reason to stay as members, and also means there’s a greater range of content on the platform.
Rachel Collins is the founder and creative voice behind Pun Boom, where words go BOOM! A writer with a sharp wit and a love for wordplay, Rachel turns everyday ideas into clever, laugh-worthy puns that spark joy and creativity. She believes humor connects people one pun at a time and aims to make readers smile with every post. When she’s not crafting puns, she’s exploring new ideas, chasing inspiration, and enjoying the lighter side of life.
