Netflix inks ’unprecedented’ Warner Bros TV deal

Netflix has bagged rights to eight series distributed by Warner Bros.

The deal between the streaming service and the Hollywood studio gives it rights to several new and library scripted titles. It comes soon after Netflix secured Disney content and there was an immediate uptick in the US-listed company’s share price following the announcement of the agreement.

Netflix will take exclusive streaming rights to the shows in question: post-apocalyptic drama Revolution, Sigourney Weaver miniseries Political Animals, A&E’s western series Longmire, ABC’s supernatural thriller 666 Park Avenue and the much-anticipated upcoming Fox serial killer thriller The Following.

The remaining titles are Warner Bros’ spy drama Chuck, sci-fi series Fringe and political drama The West Wing.
Netflix said the deal was ‘unprecedented’ in allowing earlier exclusive access to studio shows than ever before. As well as the slate of eight Warner Bros. shows, the agreement could be extended to cover new titles.

Warner Bros can also distribute the titles via traditional syndication, electronic sell-through and on a catch-up basis.

“SVOD has become an important window for our serialised dramas, allowing viewers a chance to discover a series that before might have been intimidating to tune into mid-run,” said Bruce Rosenblum, president, Warner Bros Television Group. “We continue to adapt our business models to include SVOD when it makes sense for the long-term value of each show and are thrilled to have Netflix as one of our distribution partners.”

Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer said: ”Through deals like this, Netflix is making the production economics right for the continued creation of the kind of compelling serialised dramas and thrillers that our members love.”