Beyonce’s ‘Homecoming’ Special Was Set To Air on HBO Until Netflix Swooped In with a Bigger Bag

Posted April 19, 2019

Beyoncé premiered her new documentary ‘Homecoming‘ this week via Netflix and sent fans into a frenzy, but according to reports, the project was initially set to air on HBO until Netflix swooped in and snatched it up.

Bey’s previously released her 2013 documentary ‘Life Is But a Dream’ and the ‘On the Run’ concert special with HBO, so her relationship with the network was already formed when she decided to negotiate her new documentary to air with them.

However, she ultimately decided to go with Netflix for her Coachella behind-the-scenes feature, after Netflix gave her a much bigger offer.

HBO declined to comment on the matter and Netflix didn’t respond to a request for comment, but according to industry sources, HBO and Beyoncé’s team did have conversations about airing Homecoming. The cable network was interested, but, these sources say, Netflix stepped in with a ridiculously big money offer and HBO couldn’t justify matching such a steep price tag. It’s unknown exactly how much Netflix paid for the special.

Before landing Beyoncé’s Homecoming, Netflix took a similar approach of outspending the competition by snagging the rights to Springsteen on Broadway for reportedly more than $20 million, as well as big-name stand-up comedy specials by Chris Rock (a $40 million deal) and Dave Chappelle ($60 million). As it turns out, money can’t quite buy you a Best Picture Oscar, but it can still buy whole lot else.

Have you checked out ‘Homecoming’ yet?

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