Netflix is taking a major leap into the world of live TV, with two NFL games scheduled to air on Christmas, featuring a halftime show by Beyoncé. This move marks a significant expansion of the streaming giant's live programming, which has been in experimental mode for the past two years.

The company's foray into live TV began with a Chris Rock comedy special last March, followed by a series of events, including a live Love Is Blind reunion show, a golf tournament, and a tennis exhibition. While not all of these events were successful, with some experiencing technical difficulties, Netflix has been learning from its mistakes and fine-tuning its infrastructure to support large-scale live events.

The NFL games, which will be streamed to over 65 million subscribers worldwide, pose a significant challenge for Netflix's infrastructure. The company's Chief Technology Officer, Elizabeth Stone, explained that streaming live events requires a different set of skills and resources compared to on-demand content. "When you're filming and streaming live, you still have to do all that stuff and more, but you have to do it in real-time," Stone said.

Stone acknowledged that the company faced technical difficulties during the Jake Paul/Mike Tyson fight, which was watched by over 65 million subscribers. However, she emphasized that the experience has helped Netflix to identify areas for improvement and optimize its system for future events. "We've augmented our Open Connect servers, and several of the ISPs have augmented the capacity they're bringing to the table," Stone said.

Netflix's push into live TV is not just about sports; the company is also exploring other formats, such as unscripted reality shows, to create a new kind of interactive experience for its subscribers. Brandon Riegg, who oversees Netflix's content choices, envisions a future where the platform can bring people together, creating communal moments where everyone is watching and talking about the same thing at the same time.

Riegg is working on developing new formats that combine familiar concepts with live elements, such as a global version of The Voice, where viewers can opine and weigh in on who should win. This approach could help Netflix to create a new kind of engagement with its subscribers, moving beyond the traditional on-demand model.

With its NFL games and future live events, Netflix is betting big on its ability to create a new kind of interactive experience for its subscribers. As the company continues to experiment and innovate, it remains to be seen whether it can successfully transition from a primarily on-demand service to a live TV network.