Quick Summary
Netflix could enforce some major changes to its service in the coming year, with plans including live streaming channels.
It is responding to reports of dwindling viewer engagement by considering new paths the streaming platform could take.
It was recently suggested that viewer engagement was dwindling on Netflix, with research showing that subscribers are becoming less willing to watch second seasons of its grandstand shows. Now it seems the streaming service is willing to take extreme measures in response.
The company reportedly has a number of ideas it's mulling over, and almost all of them would see the platform change dramatically.
According to The Wall Street Journal and "people familiar with the matter", Netflix is considering live channels of TV shows and movies from specific genres, which could run 24/7. That would add an area that's more like Pluto TV or, in the UK, the FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) channels you see on Freely and other streaming boxes.
There's also the possibility it will strike deals with rivals and offer their services through the Netflix app – much like Amazon does in Prime Video. You could therefore pay extra to subscribe to Paramount+ and watch its shows without needing to exit Netflix.
These are big, bold moves for a service that made its name on quality original content, such as Tiger King, Stranger Things, and Squid Game. But then, many of its biggest shows started when competition was less fierce.
There was no Apple TV, no Paramount+, and HBO Max was essentially US only. Even Disney+ is a relative newcomer in comparison.
A new Netflix competitor is on its way
And things are only going to get spicier for Netflix over the coming year. Comcast's Sky has announced an acquisition of ITV in the UK, which will result in a new "streaming giant" for the country.
Its own buyout for Warner Bros. Discovery also failed, after Paramount offered a greatly improved bid and it withdrew. Something needs to change for Netflix to continue in its position as market leader, it seems.
We just wish it was the, frankly ridiculous, price for 4K viewing.
