Netflix secures Disney/ABC shows
December 9, 2010
The Walt Disney Co. has reached an agreement with Internet movie and TV subscription service Netflix that allows the platform to stream television shows from the ABC network, Disney Channel and ABC Family, significantly strengthening its position as an online video provider. The agreement raises the competition between Netflix and Hulu, the online streaming service in which Disney is a part owner.
The deal is worth a reported $200 million, and allows subscribers for the first time to watch previous seasons of a number of ABC shows including Grey’s Anatomy, Brothers & Sisters, and Ugly Betty. The video service will also have shows from the ABC Family and Disney Channel networks, including some shows that initially aired as recently as 15 days prior.
“TV content streamed from Netflix has proven to be immensely popular with our members,” Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer, said. “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.”