It's unfortunate when film or TV show releases get delayed because of issues, but the way Netflix handled the launch of the livestream reunion episode for "Love is Blind" was a mess due to technical issues, leaving many of its fans disappointed.
It's No Longer Live
Netflix is not new to the concept of a livestream event. However, it did not go well with its live reunion episode for the TV series. The plan was for the episode to stream at 8 PM, yet there was a delay, and Netflix stated that it would be fixed in just 15 minutes.
That did not go as planned. Many of the viewers still experienced errors in the streaming service more than an hour after the 15-minute wait time. Netflix reasoned that the show was "worth the wait" and the hosts of the show thanked fans on Instagram for their patience.
An hour and a half of waiting later after the initial 8 PM stream schedule, Netflix finally apologized for the delay and accepted defeat. They stated that the reunion special would no longer be live and would be filmed instead.
Once the episode has been filmed, it will be available on the streaming platform, according to The Verge. It will be just like all the other episodes and will be released "as soon as humanly possible." Netflix never explained what sort of technical issue they encountered.
In Netflix's tweet, they expressed their apology to those who stayed up late and gave up their Sunday afternoon, and for things not going as planned. Of course, a lot of people also stated their feelings on social media.
One of the funniest replies to the tweet would be from the former video rental shop, Blockbuster, wherein the account holder said that by renting a VHS from them, you could start it on time with no problems, ending with "This is what we get."
Netflix Live Programs
The first time Netflix attempted to release a livestream was Chris Rock's live comedy special in March. With that event, the streaming service managed to do it successfully without delays or technical issues. It doesn't bode well for Netflix to face issues early considering their plans.
The streaming company intends to release more live streams in the future to garner more subscribers, given that it lost a lot of subscribers in 2023. Analysts even forecast that Netflix will lose more by the end of 2023.
Live streaming would add a flair to episodes, as mentioned in MakeUseOf such as award shows, comedy shows, or reunions such as the "Love is Blind" special and Chris Rock's live comedy. Live comedy shows could drive in more viewers, maybe even concerts too.
Some may say that a live stream option for such events may not be enough to bring Netflix back to its former glory, especially since a lot of subscribers exited their plan after the crackdown on password sharing. Then there's the snag that Netflix hit after just the second livestream.
