Netflix, Inc (NASDAQ: NFLX) and The CW, a joint venture between CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS) and Warner Bros. Entertainment announced on Tuesday a new partnership that will allow Netflix to remain the exclusive U.S. subscription television service for previous seasons of the channel’s scripted series.
The new content licensing deal covers all current CW series, including future programs soon to be produced by the network. The agreement begins with the just-completed 2015-2016 broadcast season. Over the next season, Netflix’s members will be able to stream full seasons of the series starting eight days after each show’s season finale, according to a press release by Netflix.
“Netflix members in the US love the great lineup of series from The CW, and we are thrilled to extend the relationship and bring those shows to our members exclusively now, just eight days after their season finales,” commented Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix. “This is a great step forward with a valued network partner to give fans exactly what they want, when and how they want it.”
As for the programming available on Netflix, this will include the three new series on The CW’s 2016-2017 primetime schedule such as Frequency, No Tomorrow, and Riverdale. Other series will be D.C. Series Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, Arrow, The Flash, Jane The Virgin and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, the press release stated.
According to Mark Pedowitz, The CW president, since the initial landmark deal in 2011, the network’s programming has enjoyed tremendous success and increased exposure through Netflix, and the new agreement not only continues but enhances the valuable relationship.
The CW has positioned itself for the future by transforming into an actual hybrid network, rooted in broadcast while fully embracing the digital and streaming habits of the viewers, Pedowitz added in the release.
Hulu’s ending deal
Netflix’s agreement comes as The CW’s current deal with Hulu reaches an end, an agreement that was made in 2011 and allowed in-season streaming. A reason for this one to end is due to The CW refused to grant exclusivity, an option that Hulu was demanding, as reported by Forbes.
For the network’s current episodes, viewers now have to use CWTV.com and its respective app, another reason to avoid exclusivity with the streaming services. This new destination for its viewers is supported by the ratings, as the networks have grown or stayed even over the last few years.
When the ratings are compared to other channels, the difference is significant due to NBC and ABC saw rating drops of 12 percent and 18 percent respectively in the key 19-49 demographic for the 2015-2016 season.
The series itself are also doing great in The CW, as the channel has become the superhero-lovers go-to place thanks to the enormous amount of themed series. Awards were also granted to Gina Rodriguez from Jane the Virgin and Rachel Bloom from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
Source: Netflix