Netflix Considers Live TV Channels, Bundled Subscriptions

Streaming services replaced cable, and now they’re adding what we missed most about cable: channel surfing. Netflix is considering adding live channels to its service, WSJ reports from an annual business review at the streamer. Like other apps, Netflix proposed adding channels that specialize in different genres or types of content; for example, Peacock has live channels that play random episodes of Vanderpump Rules or true-crime documentaries. They also shared that they’ve considered creating bundles with other streaming services, where their current users can sign up through Netflix. Recently, Netflix announced it will add content from Condé Nast, BuzzFeed, and now video podcasts from Vox Media. Remember when people were shocked that a streaming app that used to rent DVDs wanted to make original content? Now, we’re coming back full circle, wanting to give up decision fatigue and watch whatever is on the sitcoms channel.

The big pitches come after Netflix shared a decline in viewership; it fell to 7.8% in April, the last time it was that low was in May 2025. The streamer will reportedly share updated viewership numbers next week.