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Netflix Is Testing A Channel Of Scheduled Programming

Netflix is currently testing 'Direct', a feature that will offer subscribers a curated block of scheduled programming.

Netflix

Netflix is a total game-changer when it comes to television viewing.

The streamer's idea of releasing full season episodes at once was a big hit for viewers who prefer to binge-watch and devour as many episodes as they can instead of waiting for the next day.

Its current format is perfect for those who can not stand cliffhangers, so they jump into the next episodes right ahead to find answers!

However, Netflix is planning to shake things up again and unexpectedly revert to the old fashion way.

The streaming giant is planning on testing out a channel of scheduled programming, which means it is basically introducing a feature that is equivalent to a Netflix television channel.

Netflix will be trying out ‘real-time, scheduled programming’ in the new Direct, IndieWire reported. The decision is supposed to help those who are having a hard time deciding what shows to stream.

The linear channel will only be available to Netflix subscribers, and the streamer is planning on rolling out the test feature in France this month.

The country is reportedly chosen for the test run because of its preference for traditional television, with most viewers said to ‘like the idea of programming that doesn’t require them to choose what they are going to watch’.

In a statement regarding the upcoming project, Netflix said:

"Whether you are lacking inspiration or whether you are discovering Netflix for the first time, you could let yourself be guided for the first time without having to choose a particular title and let yourself be surprised by the diversity of Netflix’s library."

Netflix

Netflix reportedly had a soft launch for the Direct channel on November 5 in France. The service is expected to be more widely available in the country early next month.

This is the first time in Netflix history to go with “real-time, scheduled programming”.

The company is in constant pursuit of improving viewer experience. One of the most common complaints that the streaming giants receive is its non-curated library.

With thousands of titles available on the platform, it is easy to suffer from decision paralysis, which often ends in viewers spending more time scrolling through seemingly endless choices.

In the past, Netflix tested a Shuffle play feature, which allows the platform to pick a movie or series for the subscriber.

However, Direct will be the first feature for the platform to use real-time schedule blocks like a traditional television channel.

What do you think of the Netflix Direct feature? Share your thoughts in the comment section.