While most terrestrial channels are gradually launching their on-demand streaming services to counter competition from the major platforms, the industry juggernaut, Netflix, is offering a new service that will allow it to function as… a TV channel!
Deployed as a test from this Thursday to a limited number of users, the Direct function should be accessible to all French Netflix subscribers by December 2.
From a practical point of view, it will be enough for users to click on the Direct tab at the top right of the platform's home page to come across a list giving each day, hour by hour and in real time. , the same program of series, films and documentaries for all, chosen by Netflix.
We can thus, for example, see two episodes in a row of “the Revolution” from 8:50 am, followed by four episodes of “Mortal”, then three of “Family Business”, and so on throughout the day.
"Avoid choosing"
But for what and to whom can it serve well?
To all those who sometimes have trouble deciding among the gigantic offer of programs in the catalog of the platform, assures the latter, which explains in a press release that in France, “traditional TV consumption is very popular, many viewers like the idea of programming that avoids choosing what to watch ”.
Yes, but based on what criteria will Netflix determine each day which programs it will offer?
Here too, the platform plays on transparency, explaining that the first selection criterion will be that of “original French Netflix programs”, such as “La Révolution” or “Family Business”.
In second place, will come the “original European programs” house such as “La Casa de Papel”.
Up to 5 episodes in a row
Third choice, the original international Netflix programs which are the most successful with French subscribers, such as the American series "The Lady's Game" or the American-Chinese animated film "Voyage vers la Moon ”.
For the series, the episodes will be programmed in groups of two, three or five in a row: to see the following ones, fans of Direct will have to wait for the days that follow.
For the others, it's up to them to go find them in the Netflix catalog, which will obviously continue to function normally in parallel ...
