Netflix Bets Big On Live-Streaming Comedy But Viewers Aren’t Completely Sold

Live comedy is certainly not a new idea. From Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” to the Vaudeville era to the birth of stand-up to the long-running “Saturday Night Live,” there’s always been an audience eager to laugh at jokes in real time.

But now that traditional TV has been eclipsed by streaming content, Neftlix’s foray into live-streaming comedy seems strangely unconventional. And depending on whom you ask, that could be a good thing or a bad thing.

Trial and error

Netflix has dipped its toe into the live-streaming pool before, but this week marked a deep dive into live comedy for the streaming giant.

First, there was the premiere of “Everybody’s In LA,” a variety show hosted by comedian John Mulaney that featured a who’s who of the comedy club circuit. It corresponded with the massive “Netflix Is A Joke Fest,” which included a range of performances by some of the biggest names in entertainment (including Chris Rock, whose “Selective Outrage” special marked a watershed moment for live comedy on Netflix).

Generally speaking, “Everybody’s In LA” got pretty high marks from audiences. But that wasn’t the only live event featured in recent days. Katt Williams debuted his new stand-up special on Saturday and a highly publicized roast of Tom Brady streamed on Sunday.

Both attracted large audiences, but the reception was decidedly mixed.

Risk vs. reward

Even though viewers can still watch all of these events, they can be edited and optimized after the live-stream has ended. For example, some of the jokes that bombed during the premiere can be removed.

But those who watched live got to see everything — warts and all. And while “SNL” has capitalized on its sometimes awkward flubs over the past 50 years, it remains to be seen whether Netflix viewers will be as forgiving.

Chris Agee May 9th, 2024

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