In a move that would be at odds with its own history, Netflix is reportedly preparing to integrate live broadcast TV into its platform. Beginning summer 2025, Netflix will offer French subscribers five live channels from France’s largest commercial broadcaster, TF1 Group.

The move is a notable departure for the streaming giant — the company that helped upend television is now adopting its structure.

Netflix and TF1: A Budding Partnership

The alliance between Netflix and TF1 will allow users in France to watch linear broadcast channels within a familiar streaming interface. In addition to that, Netflix subscribers will gain access to more than 30,000 hours of on-demand content from TF1 by the summer of 2026.

That content will include popular reality TV, scripted series, and even live sports — offering a variety of options and diversifying Netflix’s programming for viewers in France.

This isn’t the first time Netflix and TF1 have partnered. They previously co-produced the French historical series Les Combattantes (which is known as Women at War internationally). But the new deal extends beyond mere co-production, integrating live TV into the streaming platform. That’s something few other services have tried.

Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but it’s a significant partnership on scale alone.

In a statement, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters called the deal an opportunity to increase daily engagement — a key measure now that the company stopped sharing subscriber numbers. “By teaming up with France’s leading broadcaster, we will provide French consumers with even more reasons to come to Netflix every day and to stay with us for all their entertainment,” he said.

For TF1, the deal will help boost exposure and ad sales. Its live channels will continue to run commercials, allowing TF1 to reach more viewers and appeal to advertisers.

“Viewing habits are shifting toward on-demand consumption and audience fragmentation is increasing,” TF1 CEO Rodolphe Belmer said. “This unprecedented alliance will enable our premium content to reach audiences on a scale never before seen.”

He continued: “Linear TV is in secular decline. We see this as a way of remaining relevant by leveraging the huge growth engine of Netflix.”

Partnering With Regulations and Millions of Viewers

The deal also has regulatory benefits for Netflix. Streaming services are required to reinvest 20 to 25 percent of their revenue generated in France into local content. Partnering with TF1 helps Netflix meet that requirement while expanding its library with familiar, culture-relevant content.

Meanwhile, there’s an enormous opportunity for viewership. TF1’s channels draw 58 million viewers monthly, while its streaming service TF1+ boasts 35 million users. That’s in contrast to the 10 million Netflix subscribers it has in France, co-CEO Ted Sarandos said in 2022.

The combination could introduce TF1’s audience to Netflix — and vice versa — creating a feedback loop of engagement and visibility.

It’s not just about finding more viewers. The deal could boost overall visibility for both companies. Peters said the company will monitor the TF1 deal before exploring additional deals in other regions. If it works, it could extend to other European countries and eventually the U.S.

All this comes amid a fundamental shift in viewing behavior. According to Nielsen, streaming accounted for 44.8% of total TV viewership in May, surpassing cable (24.1%) and broadcast (20.1%) for the first time since Nielsen began tracking in 2021.

Some linear channels are already available on platforms like YouTube TV, but Netflix’s integration of live channels is a more significant shift. Streaming services aren’t just killing television — they’re replacing it.

With the TF1 deal, Netflix is seeking to position itself as a one-stop shop for all kinds of entertainment — from binge-worthy series to live sports and real-time TV.

For many French viewers, Netflix already feels like television. Now, it will be television.