Netflix and TF1 Kick Off Landmark Streaming-Broadcast Tie-Up in France

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.

The deal has raised pointed questions over rights for producers and distributors whose deals with TF1 were struck before the Netflix partnership emerged. While neither side has publicly detailed how rights issues were resolved, it appears that TF1 is responsible for securing and managing the rights, as it does for other distribution deals with third-party platforms and connected devices in France. Access to TF1+ content on Netflix is also being limited to France, but TF1+ has the ambition to expand across all French-speaking territories and potentially beyond.

Although TF1 is been folded into Netflix, it retains responsibility for programming, advertising sales and rights management, while Netflix supplies distribution, the product experience and its recommendation technology. Neither company has disclosed how advertising revenue is divided between them.

Both companies are betting heavily on personalization to unlock new audiences for genres that have traditionally sat outside Netflix’s core offering — live television, reality competition formats, soaps, news and sport.

“People have more entertainment choices than ever, so we have to consistently give them the best variety of TV and films in a seamless and personalized way,” said Greg Peters, co-CEO of Netflix. “Our partnership with TF1 brings together two strong, complementary content offerings in a world-class user experience, delivering even more entertainment value for our members in France.”

TF1 Group CEO Rodolphe Belmer said the launch marks a new chapter for the broadcaster’s distribution strategy and audience reach.

“I’m thrilled to see this groundbreaking partnership with Netflix come to life,” said Belmer. “Netflix subscribers will now get to enjoy the very best of TF1 television like never before — from our news programs and biggest rugby and football matches to beloved shows like Star Academy and Koh-Lanta, and major drama events like Été 36. By combining our programming with the power of Netflix’s recommendations, we will reach new audiences together and open up new opportunities for our advertisers.”

Belmer previously told Variety that the partnership reflected the reality of evolving viewing habits and an opportunity to bring TF1 programming to audiences wherever they choose to watch — a stance that surprised many observers at the time, given the often-fraught relationship between traditional broadcasters and global streaming platforms.

The launch also deepens a relationship that already extends beyond distribution. The companies have collaborated on a growing slate of projects, including the upcoming World War II drama “Jackdaws,” based on Ken Follett’s bestseller and starring Laetitia Casta, alongside high-profile titles such as “The Countess of Monte Cristo.”

Interestingly, Netflix had picked France as its testing ground for its first linear channel (named Direct) back in 2020 but the experiment was short-lived. This new partnership with TF1 could now serve as a blueprint for future alliances between the streamer and other legacy media groups across Europe.