Netflix takes exclusive Peaky Blinders rights

Peaky Blinders

Netflix has picked up exclusive US rights to British period crime series Peaky Blinders.

The streaming service will launch the show exclusively in the US, making all six episodes of season one available simultaneously from September 30.

Season two, which will debut on BBC Two in the UK at the start of October, will follow on Netflix US in November.

The crime drama is set in 1919 England and stars Cillian Murphy as an ambitious gangster.

“Peaky Blinders captivated audiences in the UK with its compelling storylines, powerful performances and stunningly beautiful imagery, and we cannot wait for our US audience to experience the series for the first time on Netflix,” said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer at Netflix.

He added: “We are thrilled to add this must-see series to our roster of exclusive content in the US.”

Endemol distributes Peaky Blinders, but The Weinstein Company took US SVoD rights late last year, giving it rights to seasons one and two and a third season if it is commissioned. It is produced by Caryn Mandabach Production and Endemol-owned Tiger Aspect for the BBC.

“We are thrilled to have viewers discover ‘Peaky Blinders’ on Netflix in the US, quickly becoming known as the preeminent destination for audiences to find and enjoy quality programming from around the world,” said Cathy Payne, chief executive, Endemol Worldwide Distribution.

“Peaky Blinders is a richly creative, deeply engaging series that will have the perfect home in the US on Netflix,” said Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman The Weinstein Company.

Separately, Netflix has ordered a 26x30mins kids series based on the Popples brand.

The Popples animation show will launch on Netflix in 2015, with Saban Brands commissioned to make it alongside ZAG Entertainment. Each episode will follow a group of friends whose optimistic intentions backfire to comic effect.

“We look forward to debuting this new Popples series to children around the world,” said Haim Saban, chairman and CEO of Saban Capital Group and founder of Saban Brands.

“Netflix continues to be a great strategic partner, delivering compelling content that kids can enjoy anywhere and everywhere. With the global reach of Netflix, we know Popples will reach a whole new generation of kids that will love it as much as their parents.”

Saban will likely distribute the series, having this week launched a new distribution wing, though this wasn’t official at press time.

The Popples brand launched in 1985 as a species of brightly-coloured fluffy balls that turn into furry creatures.