Picture: Netflix
Starting in 2023, Netflix began experimenting with its platform by going live. It’s been a slow evolution since then, but 2024 promises some high-ticket events getting streamed directly into your Netflix UI. Here’s a look back at all the live streams so far and what’s coming up next.
Netflix has a lot of catching up to do with some of its rivals in the streaming space. Prime Video has been streaming sports, including tennis and soccer, for a number of years. Apple TV+ has gotten into the live-streaming game early, carrying MLB games. Rivals like Paramount+ and Peacock also continuously stream big sports, live events, and their own broadcast output.
Previous Netflix Live Streams
Chris Rock: Selective Outrage
Live on Netflix: March 5th, 2023
Available to watch on Netflix Still?: Yes
Picture: Netflix
Netflix’s first ever live stream was by teaming back up with Chris Rock (who has worked on Netflix with his 2018 Tamborine and the extended cut that was released three years later) that sees the comic “deliver an electric stand-up set on non-racist yoga pants, spoiling his kids, the Kardashians and his thoughts on the Will Smith fiasco.”
The live special went on to be nominated for an Emmy.
Netflix’s live stream of the event also featured a 30-minute pre-show and aftershow. Neither of these is still available on Netflix, and the player for the special notes at the bottom that it’s been “Edited from a previous live stream” is still available.
Love Is Blind: Reunion
Live on Netflix: April 16th, 2023 (not really)
Available to Watch on Netflix?: Yes
Picture: Netflix
Love is Blind is Netflix’s flagship dating reality series that’s been on the streamer since 2020 and is about to head into its sixth season and has seen multiple international spin-offs.
Following each of the seasons, we get a special reunion episode that seeks to catch up with all the couples to see how they’re getting on after the airing of the show.
For season 4, that Reunion episode was due to go live but never got underway due to technical difficulties. Eventually, the show was taped and released later.
TUDUM 2023: A Global Fan Event
Live on Netflix: June 17th, 2023
Available to watch on Netflix Still? No
Picture: Netflix
Since 2021, Netflix has been running an annual TUDUM event (the noise that Netflix makes when it boots up) that showcases upcoming Netflix movies and series. For 2023, the event was live at a venue in Brazil, whereas all previous years, TUDUMs were pre-rerecorded.
Over 45 films, series, and games were showcased, including Outer Banks, You, Emily in Paris, Berlin, Wednesday, and Rebel Moon.
The live stream was also broadcast across socials, whether Twitch, YouTube, or X. Although still available on YouTube, playback of the show on Netflix itself is no longer possible as it was removed on June 20th, just a couple of days after the live stream.
Baby Animal Cam and Baby Gorilla Cam
Live on Netflix: Throughout September and October 2023
Available to watch on Netflix Still?: Yes
Picture: Netflix
Teaming up with Cleveland Metroparks, Netflix broadcast across multiple weeks at the tail end of 2023 following multiple animal enclosures. The basic premise of the live streams was to follow newborn baby animals, with each episode being anywhere between an hour and a half and two hours long.
Baby Gorilla Cam first premiered on September 7th and ran for three episodes.
Baby Animal Cam first premiered on October 12th and consists of 4 episodes.
The Netflix Cup
Live on Netflix: November 14th, 2023
Available to watch on Netflix Still?: Yes
Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for Netflix © 2023
Netflix’s first big swing when it comes to live sports programming was The Netflix Cup, an event held in Las Vegas that sees Formula 1 drivers teaming up with PGA Tour pros that see them competing on the green in rather whacky challenges.
In our review of the event, we concluded that while there were some elements that worked, the event overall was plagued by technical mishaps and was hard to follow.
Upcoming Live Streams on Netflix
The 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards
Live on Netflix: February 24th, 2024
Picture: Netflix
Award shows are full of glitz and glamour, and one of the most respected award shows on the calendar is the Screen Actors Guild Awards, which will be headed to Netflix exclusively for its 30th year.
Per Netflix, here’s what you can expect:
“The biggest names in film and television light up the red carpet and the stage for the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. (Live event in English.)”
The Netflix Slam
Live on Netflix: March 3rd, 2024
Picture: Netflix
For its second big sports event, it’ll be creating its own tennis match with men’s singles title champion Rafael Nadal going up against World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz at MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas.
What’s been your favorite Netflix livestream so far? Let us know in the comments.
