Netflix viewers risk £1,000 fine if they break the rules watching new show
Make sure you won't get stung.
Netflix viewers are at risk of a whopping fine if they don’t abide by the rules while watching a new show.
Up to now, the streaming platform has allowed subscribers to watch their favourite programmes and movies without a TV licence.
Whether it be a grisly true crime documentary or a family-friendly animated series, all that’s needed to indulge in Netflix’s offerings is an active subscription.
However, if you’re planning on watching Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney, make sure you won’t be slapped with a four-figure fine.
The brand-new live show launches on the platform on Thursday, marking the streamer’s first-ever late-night talk show.
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It’s one of many live shows to hit the site in recent months, with others including the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight and several WWE shows after Netflix acquired the rights.
John Mulaney will host Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney on Thursday (Picture: Ryan West/Netflix)But unlike the Harlan Cobhen thriller series or reality shows such as Love Is Blind, live events need a TV licence if you’re hoping to tune in.
This puts viewers at risk if they’re unaware of the fact that a licence is a legal requirement, meaning those watching without one could be reprimanded.
Currently, you can be fined up to £1,000 if you watch or record live TV without a TV licence.
Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney is broadcast from the US at 10pm ET, which is 2am UK time. So if you’re a night owl comedy lover, double check your TV licence is up to date before clicking play.
Comment nowWere you aware of Netflix’s live show TV licence rule?Comment NowA spokesperson previously said: ‘A TV licence is needed to watch live content on streaming services, watch or record a TV programme on any channel, and when using BBC iPlayer.
‘Further information is available on the TV licensing website or via the customer services team, who can help with any queries.’
As stated on the TV licencing site, a licence allows you to watch all TV channels, including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, U&Dave, and international stations.
You can also access pay TV services, like Sky, Virgin Media, and EE TV, and live TV on other streaming services such as YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and Freely.
Netflix has aired several live events recently, including the fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson (Picture: Al Bello/Getty Images for Netflix)If you do not have a TV licence, you’re still safe to watch and download non-live content on the likes of Netflix.
As for the cost, you can set up a direct debit to pay £14.12 a month for your TV licence, or pay £169.50 in one go.
From April 1, 2025, a colour licence will increase to £174.50.
The price change is set by the government and the raise was confirmed last November by the Secretary of State.
This money is used to pay for eight national TV channels plus regional TV services, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds, 56 radio stations, the BBC website, BBC World Service, and BBC apps.
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