A year after sending shockwaves through the television industry with news of their unexpected alliance, France’s TF1 Group and Netflix are now officially launching their landmark distribution partnership.
Starting June 19, Netflix subscribers in France will be able to access content from TF1+, the VOD service of the country’s largest commercial network, directly within the platform, at no extra cost to their existing subscription.
The launch gives subscribers live broadcasts from five channels, TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films and the 24-hour news channel LCI, alongside thousands of hours of on-demand programming. Major sporting events, including Rugby Nations Championship matches and France’s national football team games, are available through the service as well. The lineup spans some of TF1’s biggest ratings hits from daily soaps “Demain nous appartient” and “Ici tout commence” to scripted series such as “Diplôme,” “Zodiaque” and “La Cible.” It also puts powerhouse entertainment franchises including “Koh-Lanta,” “Secret Story,” “Dancing With the Stars” and “Star Academy” in front of Netflix’s subscriber base.
Rather than licensing TF1 programming title by title, Netflix is effectively becoming a gateway to the TF1+ service itself — a model the European media sector has scrutinized since it was announced and will likely serve as a key test case for broadcasters and streamers seeking to retain and grow audiences who spend more and more time on YouTube.
