Netflix has struck a first-party distribution deal with TF1 that will give the streamer’s subscribers direct access to the French broadcaster’s channels and on-demand content.
Starting in 2026, Netflix subscribers in France will be able to watch leading scripted dramas like “Brocéliande” and “Erica,” soaps like “Demain Nous Appartient and “ICI Tout Comence,” and unscripted sporting events.
The titles will complement the streamer’s library of series and films, including French hits “Lupin,” “Nouvelle École” and “Ad Vitam,” as well as popular series such as “Luid Game” season 3, Stranger Things season 5 and “Wednesday.”
The landmark deal, which is the equivalent of a major American commercial network such as NBC or CBS handing over its output to Netflix, comes as the streamer continues to put pressure on traditional linear TV businesses as it bolsters its live programming ambitions to help scale its advertising business.
It also comes as streaming eclipsed cable and broadcast as the share of TV viewing in May in the US, according to the latest Nielsen meter report, with Netflix finishing second behind YouTube with a 7.5% share of TV viewing.
“This is a first-class partnership that plays to our strengths of giving audiences the best entertainment alongside the best discovery experience,” said Greg Peters, co-CEO of Netflix, in a statement. “By teaming up with France’s leading broadcaster, we will provide French consumers with even more reasons to come to Netflix every day and stay with us for all their entertainment needs.”
The new partnership between TF1 and Netflix follows the pair’s collaborations on co-productions such as “Les Combattantes,” “L’Agence” and “Tout Le Bleu du Ciel.” In November, Netflix, TF1 and Newen Studio collaborated on the streamer’s first daily drama series in France—“Tout Pour La Lumière”—which will be available on Netflix five days before its free broadcast on TF1.
“I am delighted to enter into this new partnership with Netflix, with whom we have already established strong relationships through ambitious co-productions over the past few months,” said Rodolphe Belmer, CEO of TF1 Group. “As viewing habits shift towards on-demand consumption and audience fragmentation increases, this unprecedented alliance will enable our premium content to reach unparalleled audiences and unlock new reach for advertisers in an ecosystem that perfectly complements our TF1+ platform.”
TF1 Group reaches 58 million monthly viewers through its broadcast channels and serves 35 million users on its TF1+ streaming service. Studio TF1 manages more than 50 production companies and labels in French and international markets.
