Netflix is "proceeding with caution," the source says, because the streaming giant knows news talk shows can be expensive and yet underperform financially. It's apparently looking for ways to make it economically viable without having to compromise its production and the integrity of its news gathering operation.

The company didn't confirm the source's report, and not everyone's optimistic about its possible new venture. Pivotal Research analyst Jeff Wlodarczak told MarketWatch that Netflix's shows are mostly evergreen -- you can watch then months or years later and still find them interesting -- unlike current affairs offerings.

Still, a serious news show isn't out of the realm of possibility even though Netflix focuses mostly on series and movies. In addition to signing hosts like Letterman, Norm Macdonald, Joel McHale and Michelle Wolf, a previous report says it's close to signing a deal with former President Obama. The company could be ready to launch a serious news magazine show in the near future, especially since it's spending a whopping $8 billion on content this year.