In a groundbreaking move, Netflix announced that it will integrate traditional television channels into its app for subscribers in France starting in the summer of 2026. This innovative collaboration with TF1 Group, a leading French media company, will allow Netflix users to access TF1’s free-to-air live TV channels and on-demand content from TF1 Plus—all without leaving the Netflix platform.
Greg Peters, CEO of Netflix, emphasised the significance of this partnership, stating, “This is a first-of-its-kind collaboration that leverages our strengths in delivering top-tier entertainment alongside an exceptional discovery experience.” He added that this initiative aims to give French viewers compelling reasons to engage with Netflix daily.
Through this distribution deal, Netflix subscribers in France will access live entertainment, including major sports events, popular dramas such as Broceliande and Erica, the soap opera Demain nous Appartient, and unscripted hits like The Voice. Although financial terms were not disclosed, this arrangement may also assist Netflix in fulfilling its legal obligation to invest a portion of its French revenue in local content.
Previously, Netflix had trialled a linear-style TV feature called “Direct” in France back in 2020, and it offered a scheduled lineup of shows. However, this partnership marks the first instance of Netflix hosting channels from an external network. The significance of the TF1 alliance is further underscored by TF1’s substantial share of the French linear TV market, holding approximately 24%, which surpasses the market presence of NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox in the U.S.
As more viewers transition from traditional television to on-demand streaming, the Netflix-TF1 partnership could set a precedent for other networks looking to enhance their audience reach through collaborations with streaming platforms. Rodolphe Belmer, CEO of TF1 Group, highlighted that as audience preferences evolve toward on-demand content and viewing habits become more fragmented, this partnership will greatly expand the reach of their premium offerings and provide new opportunities for advertisers within a complementary ecosystem to TF1 Plus.
