The Perks of Moving to Netflix
Gary Lineker is relishing some notable advantages since moving from the BBC to Netflix for the upcoming World Cup coverage. Among these are the freedom to use expletives and the exciting new location for his broadcasts.
Soon, Lineker will be the face of Netflix UK’s inaugural daily show, adapting his popular podcast, Rest is Football, into a daily format to be aired every morning throughout the World Cup in North America.
During a Netflix event, where he appeared alongside Anne Mensah, Netflix’s UK content chief, Lineker discussed the transition from his long-standing tenure at the BBC. His departure came after 25 years following a controversy involving an Instagram video he shared, which was criticized for containing an antisemitic trope.
Lineker shared his initial plans for the summer, which involved working at the BBC’s Salford headquarters. However, circumstances have shifted, and he now finds himself preparing for broadcasts out of New York City, overlooking Times Square. This new setting promises a vibrant backdrop with a plethora of esteemed guests and a global audience.
Looser Broadcast Standards on Streaming
Another significant benefit of creating content for a streaming service like Netflix is the lenient stance on language. Lineker recalled an incident from the Euros tournament two years prior when his candid criticism of the England soccer team led to a minor scandal. He emphasized that his use of explicit language stemmed from passion and commitment to authenticity in sports commentary.
“Expressing that the team played ‘really poorly’ would not have captured the intensity of the moment,” Lineker explained. He assured that his new show would continue to deliver straightforward and honest sports analysis.
Deepening Sports Coverage
The podcast, The Rest is Football, which he co-hosts with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, has been successful in its own right. Produced by Lineker’s own company, Goalhanger Films, the podcast has resonated with listeners for its genuine and insightful discussions.
As Netflix ventures further into sports programming, Anne Mensah praised the “authenticity” that Lineker brings to the table, likening it to another one of her successful projects, Adolescence. She highlighted the shared emphasis on authenticity and the ability to create content in the UK that appeals globally, yet retains a distinctly British voice.
Lineker emphasized the importance of maintaining the genuine spirit of the podcast during its adaptation for the World Cup. He noted that the show would preserve its intimacy and include additional features like two reporters tracking the England team, providing updates and reports from locations outside the main studio.
The discussion between Lineker and Mensah occurred as Netflix introduced several new sports documentaries featuring prominent figures like Rafael Nadal, Jamie Vardy, Vinnie Jones, and José Mourinho at a London event.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
