Netflix Expands Deal with ABC Disney Channel
In a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix has signed a new and expanded deal with the Walt Disney Company, for online streaming of not only ABC and the Disney Channel, but for the first time it will also include content from the ABC Family Network.
In order to not to ruffle any pay TV distributors, the cable network shows won’t be available until at least 15 days after they premiere. But some in the entertainment industry are still worrying about Netflix’s rising power with this new agreement. No hard numbers were disclosed but the deal is believed to be worth $150 million-$200 million for one year.
Shows covered in the agreement include ABC Family’s Greek and Melissa & Joey, Disney Channel’s Phineas and Ferb and all episodes of older ABC shows Lost and Ugly Betty. Lost, for example, previously only had episodes from the first six seasons available on Netflix. Also part of the deal are previous seasons of ABC shows Grey’s Anatomy and Brothers & Sisters.
Netflix content officer Ted Sarandos, had this to say:
“TV content streamed from Netflix has proven to be immensely popular with our members. Adding to our existing Disney-ABC lineup with great network and cable shows, and opening up ABC Family for the first time, are important steps in creating a wide and diverse selection of content Netflix members of all ages can watch.”
Personally I think that Netflix could soon be the way that a lot of people watch television. Those who are wanting to get away from cable television and looking to only watch the show they want, without paying extra for the ones they don’t. As long as you’re not a diehard fan and can wait a week or two to watch an episode, Netflix could end up being a viable option.
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