Netflix and the CW have announced a new licensing agreement in which Netflix will remain the exclusive U.S. subscription television service for previous seasons of scripted series broadcast on The CW. The new terms of the deal will see the latest seasons of the shows arrive on Netflix just eight days after the shows wrap on the network. That includes all the superhero properties on the CW (
Arrow,
The Flash,
Supergirl and
Legends of Tomorrow), along with other CW staples such as
The Vampire Diaries,
The 100,
Frequency, and the upcoming Archie adaptation,
Riverdale.
Read the full press release below, and sound off in the comments with your thoughts!
“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,” said 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.”
“Since the initial landmark deal in 2011, The CW’s programming has enjoyed tremendous success and increased exposure through Netflix, and our new agreement not only continues but enhances this valuable relationship,” said Mark Pedowitz, President, The CW. “The CW has positioned itself for the future by transforming into a true hybrid network, rooted in broadcast while fully embracing the digital and streaming habits of the viewers.”
“We are pleased to extend our valued partnership with Netflix for CW programming with more CBS-produced series, led by award-winning and critically acclaimed ‘Jane the Virgin’ and ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,’”said Scott Koondel, Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Content Licensing Officer, CBS Corporation. “This multi-year agreement recognizes the value of our content and it validates the marketplace’s confidence in our studio’s long-term ability to produce high-quality content. This unique windowing will further extend the CW brand and fan base throughout the television season while providing better in-season exclusivity for our broadcast affiliates, MVPD partners and potential OTT opportunities. We look forward to continued success with Netflix on this partnership well into the future.”
“For the past several years, the distinctive, high-quality shows we have been producing for The CW have proven their popularity across linear, on demand and digital properties here and around the world,” said Jeffrey Schlesinger, President, Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution. “This new deal will provide consumers enhanced access to compatible programs like ‘Supergirl’ and DC’s ‘Legends of Tomorrow,’ while increasing the value of both in-season rights on The CW and prior seasons on Netflix.”