Home / Arts and Entertainment / Netflix Live Shows Flop, Exec Exits Amid Ratings Woes
Netflix Live Shows Flop, Exec Exits Amid Ratings Woes
26 Feb
Summary
- Netflix director of unscripted exits as live shows underwhelm.
- Star Search and Pop The Balloon failed to achieve significant viewership.
- The company's unscripted live programming strategy has faltered.
Netflix's strategic push into live unscripted programming has encountered significant headwinds, leading to an executive departure. Sahara Bushue, who served as director of unscripted series, is exiting the streaming giant.
This move comes as several high-profile live shows, including "Star Search" and "Pop The Balloon," have failed to resonate with audiences. "Star Search," launched on January 20, 2026, did not break into Netflix's global top 10 charts, recording fewer than 2.3 million views for its initial episodes.
Similarly, the live dating show "Pop The Balloon," which premiered in April 2025 and was among Netflix's first live entertainment formats, will not return for a second season. These underperforming series have directly impacted the company's strategy and executive team.
Bushue joined Netflix in March 2023 and was later promoted in October. Previously, she held a leadership role at Westbrook Studios and had a background at NBC, working on popular shows like "America's Got Talent."
