Netflix expands Twentieth Century Fox deal

Online video service Netflix has acquired exclusive rights to the new season of Arrested Development in the UK and Ireland. This move is part of a volume deal the digital platform has struck with Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution.

The nascent service, which launched in the UK and Ireland, commissioned a new season of the Jason Bateman-fronted comedy in the US as part of its original programming strategy. Now it has acquired the rights to air it internationally.

The deal also sees Netflix add series including Modern Family, The League, Lie To Me and the US remake of The Killing.
This follows an earlier arrangement that saw subscribers in the UK and Ireland able to watch Fox series including 24 and Prison Break as well as It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.

“Arrested Development is one of the finest American comedies in TV history and we are incredibly excited to bring it back for British and Irish fans,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer. “As today’s announcement with Twentieth Century Fox clearly shows, we’re continuing to add all kinds of great content for our UK and Ireland to enjoy when and how they want it.”