How Netflix, HBO Max & Disney+ Are Capturing the Magic of Broadway

In recent months, major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Max (formerly HBO Max), and Disney+ have intensified their focus on Broadway and West End productions by broadcasting both live events and high-quality recorded performances. By doing so, they're expanding live theatre’s reach while bolstering viewer engagement across diverse audiences.

One pivotal moment arrived on June 7, 2025, when CNN and Max aired a live Broadway production of Good Night, and Good Luck, featuring George Clooney in his stage debut. The broadcast drew 7.34 million viewers across platforms, marking the first time a Broadway play aired live on national television and setting new standards for accessibility.

Meanwhile, Max continues to expand its roster of filmed musicals, including the popular Waitress: The Musical starring Sara Bareilles. Critics praised the adaptation for capturing the emotional impact of the stage version while utilizing inventive camera work to enhance the storytelling.

Far beyond exclusive subscriptions or niche services, mainstream platforms like Netflix and Disney+ now showcase bona fide Broadway productions or professionally shot livestreams, ranging from Hamilton and In the Heights to West End classics. Whether via BroadwayHD’s dedicated catalog or curated releases on Disney+, these offerings make the magic of the stage more accessible than ever.

Contrary to early fears that streaming would cannibalize live theatre ticket sales, industry leaders now see virtual access as a catalyst for interest, drawing audiences to experience Broadway in person. Broadway’s gross revenue in 2025 has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating that streaming can support live attendance rather than detract from it.

This growing connection between stage and screen reflects an innovative strategy: using digital platforms not as replacements for live performance, but as invitations to the shared experience of theatre. Streamed shows extend the theatre’s reach, while live stages retain their irreplaceable energy and communal impact.