UK Netflix viewers have been warned they risk fines of up to £1,000 after a recent change in content that the platform has started to provide.
The warning comes as Netflix becomes the exclusive home for WWE’s flagship weekly wrestling programme in Britain, with live episodes airing every Tuesday at 1am.
While Netflix subscribers already pay for the streaming service, legal experts emphasise that any form of live broadcasting in the UK requires a TV licence by law, regardless of the platform used.
The requirement applies specifically to live content, marking a significant shift as Netflix expands into live programming.
Netflix has confirmed it will be the exclusive home for flagship wrestling programmes in the UK, US, Canada, and Latin America.
Those who now watch wrestling on Netflix will need a TV licence as the platform starts to provide live streaming services.
Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive, clarifies that regular Netflix viewing doesn’t require a TV licence.
You’ll need to be covered by a licence fee to watch any live broadcasts in the UK, including boxing matches broadcast on streamers like Netflix, the BBC has confirmed UNSPLASH | COMPARE FIBREHe said: “For standard, on-demand content such as TV series, films, or other non-live programming on Netflix, a TV licence is not required.”
However, he emphasises that “under UK law, any live television broadcast requires a valid TV licence, regardless of the streaming platform.”
The distinction is crucial as Netflix moves into live programming, with McAfee noting that “the licensing law aims to cover all live broadcasts to ensure that live television, whether over-the-air or streamed digitally, is monitored and funded appropriately.”
WWE Raw made its Netflix debut on January 6, featuring stars like The Rock, John Cena, and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
New episodes air every Monday, reaching UK viewers at 1am on Tuesday mornings.
The streaming service will also broadcast WWE NXT and WWE SmackDown, expanding its live wrestling coverage throughout the week.
Those Netflix viewers without a TV licence will need to purchase one if they wish to watch the live episodes of the WWE wrestling shows. Without an active TV licence, they risk being fined.
Those caught watching live content without a licence face fines up to £1,000, or £2,000 in Guernsey. While viewers cannot be imprisoned for TV licence evasion alone, court-imposed fines for non-payment could result in jail time.
McAfee advises viewers to “stay informed on licensing changes as streaming platforms expand live broadcast offerings.”
TV Licensing enforcement officers can carry out checks to ensure compliance with the law.
While officers may visit properties, McAfee notes that “occupiers are under no legal obligation to grant them entry.”
Access for inspection requires either an injunction or a search warrant, with authorities increasingly relying on technology solutions like signal scanners to detect potential evasion.
A standard TV licence currently costs £169.50 per year, though this will rise to £174.50 in April.
Several groups qualify for discounts on their TV licence fees. Those over 75 who receive Pension Credit, or live with a partner who does, are entitled to a free TV licence.
Residents in care homes or sheltered accommodation who are retired and over 60 or disabled can obtain a licence for just £7.50.
People who are registered blind, or live with someone who is, qualify for a 50 per cent discount on their licence fee. Licences can be purchased through the official TV Licensing website.
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