Netflix launches its first TV channel that streams shows just like regular telly

NETFLIX is testing out its own TV channel in France.

The channel is called Netflix Direct and will provide rolling content just like a regular TV channel.

Netflix Direct will launch in FranceCredit: Alamy

The shows and films on the channel will be from Netflix’s current library.

It’s said to be avaliable for current Netflix subscribers.

Netflix said in statement: “Maybe you’re not in the mood to decide, or you’re new and finding your way around, or you just want to be surprised by something new and different.

Netflix is said to have chosen France for the Netflix Direct launch because traditional TV is “hugely popular” there.

Viewers won't have a choice of what's on the channel — Viewers won’t have a choice of what’s on the channelCredit: AP:Associated Press

The streaming brand wants to try and fit in with the culture of not having the pressure of choosing what to watch.

Netflix Direct has started to roll out in some parts of France already.

There’s plans to expand it further in December.

This is good news for the millions of French Netflix subscribers.

It could also be useful for people who live in different households but who want to watch a show at the same time.

They could just turn on the channel whenever its playing their preferred TV series and watch the exact same content.

Use Netflix on a computer or laptop? Try these useful shortcuts

Here are some handy keyboard shortcuts…

Spacebar – toggle play / pause
Enter – toggle play / pause
F – full screen
Esc – exit full screen
Left Arrow – rewind 10 seconds
Right Arrow – fast-forward 10 seconds
Up arrow – volume up
Down arrow – volume down
M – mute toggle
Shift-Alt-Left Click – adjust the streaming bitrate (to improve or reduce the quality of the video)