Netflix launches Gary Lineker's daily World Cup show

Gary Lineker’s new daily World Cup television show, "The Rest is Football," premiered on Netflix on June 10, marking a significant shift in the veteran presenter's career following his departure from the BBC last year. The program, which will stream daily throughout the tournament, features Lineker alongside fellow pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards from a studio overlooking Times Square in New York.

The debut episode showcased the hosts' familiar rapport but drew criticism for an emphasis on lighthearted banter over in-depth football analysis. The show opened with a studio tour and anecdotes, including Richards recounting a story about riding a tuk-tuk in Manhattan. The trio engaged in playful ribbing, with Shearer joking that Lineker was no longer relevant after leaving the BBC. Lineker retorted that moving to Netflix was a step in the right direction, a comment seen as a dig at his former employer.

The show’s launch intensifies the competition for viewer attention during the World Cup, as traditional broadcasters face a crowded landscape of podcasts and streaming content. The BBC, which holds live rights to 54 matches, is countering with its own lineup, including a...