Netflix is exploring live streaming for its unscripted shows and stand-up specials, report claims

From gaming to ‘Fast Laughs’, Netflix has broadened its offerings in recent months amid a huge slump in user subscriptions.

Now, a new report claims that Netflix is exploring another new avenue – live-streaming.

The report, by Deadline, claims that Netflix is considering live-streaming its unscripted shows and stand-up specials.

The capability would also mean that Netflix could include live voting for competitions and reality TV programmes, including The Circle.

A new report claims that Netflix is exploring live streaming its unscripted shows and stand-up specials

NETFLIX’S UK PRICE INCREASES

– Basic: £5.99 to £6.99 (one screen at a time)

– Standard: £9.99 to £10.99 (two screens at a time, HD available)

– Premium: £13.99 to £15.99 (four screens at a time, Ultra HD available)

More info: Netflix.com

According to Deadline, Netflix has confirmed it is in the ‘early stages of development’ for live streaming.

‘The move opens up the potential to order a whole new raft of unscripted series to use the technology, bringing it in to line with the linear networks, which often air live specials for big competition series such as ABC’s American Idol and Dancing with the Stars, which is moving to Disney+,’ the report says.

Live streaming could be used in various ways across the platform.

Reunions for shows such as Love Is Blind or Selling Sunset could be streamed live, while competition and talent shows such as The Circle could have live voting.

It could also be used to live stream Netflix Is A Joke – its live comedy festival featuring more than 130 performers, including Larry David, Pete Davidson and Snoop Dogg.

‘In future, [Netflix} could potentially air shows live, albeit with a few seconds delay in case things get saucy,’ Deadline wrote.

Meanwhile, one of the most obvious options would be to live-stream sports, following the success of programmes such as Formula 1: Drive to Survive.

Unfortunately, a timeline and further details for the project remain unclear, although MailOnline has contacted Netflix for comment.

The report comes shortly after Netflix sped up plans to introduce a cheaper, advert-subsidised plan for users who are perhaps contemplating cancelling the streaming service, as it tries to shake off a shockingly bad first quarter.

Reunions for shows such as Love Is Blind or Selling Sunset (pictured) could be streamed live, while competition and talent shows such as The Circle could have live voting

Netflix on April 19 announced it had lost 200,000 subscribers in the first three months of the year – the first time in a decade their numbers have fallen, and a dramatic reversal of their aim of adding 2.5 million.

They said they expect to lose two million more in the second quarter, and the share price fell significantly, wiping away roughly $70 billion in the company’s market capitalisation.

In response, Reed Hastings, Netflix’s co-chief executive, said the company was considering introducing adverts on a cheaper subscription package, and would ‘figure it out over the next year or two.’

A note to employees, obtained by The New York Times on Tuesday, showed the pace of the proposal has drastically accelerated, and the new cheaper offering will be brought in in the final quarter.

‘Yes, it’s fast and ambitious and it will require some trade-offs,’ the note said.

‘Every major streaming company excluding Apple has or has announced an ad-supported service,’ the note said.

‘For good reason, people want lower-priced options.’