Netflix in NBCUniversal Canada deal
December 2, 2013
Internet television network Netflix and NBCUniversal Television and New Media Distribution have agreed a licensing deal allowing Netflix members in Canada instantly to watch feature films and previous seasons of some of the current most popular TV shows from NBCUniversal Television and New Media Distribution. The deal includes a number of titles that will be exclusively available across any subscription video on demand platform in Canada.
Members in Canada can now enjoy the first two seasons of British period drama television series Downton Abbey, and seasons 1 and 2A of legal drama Suits. Both titles will be exclusive across all subscription services in Canada. Other hit shows such as Bates Motel, Psych, Covert Affairs, Heroes and Friday Night Lights will also be available to Canadian Netflix members in 2014.
The deal also includes a variety of exclusive and non-exclusive feature films, which will première on Netflix beginning as early as December 2013. Films in the deal include Bridesmaids, Fast Five, the fifth instalment of the Fast & Furious movie franchise; The Change Up with Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman; and the first three films in the Bourne franchise.
“We are pleased to be the exclusive online subscription home for Downton Abbey, Suits, Bates Motel, as well as for terrific feature films in Canada,” said Sean Carey, Vice President, Content Acquisition at Netflix. “We’re always looking to add TV shows and movies we know our members will love, and its especially exciting to add these hugely popular titles from NBCUniversal Television and New Media Distribution with the holidays right around the corner.”
“We are delighted that Netflix continues to recognise the value of NBCUniversal’s archive of work. Now Netflix members in Canada have access to a popular, fan-favourite and high-quality slate of films and television shows from NBCUniversal,” said Ron Suter, Executive Vice President, NBCUniversal Television & New Media Distribution, Canada. “Bringing NBCUniversal’s content to Netflix’s Canadian marketplace is a natural progression to our long-standing relationship with Netflix,” added Frances Manfredi, President, NBCUniversal Television & New Media, US and Canada.