In a move that is sure to make cable and satellite TV providers cringe, Netflix announced a new licensing agreement on Wednesday that will bring their subscribers hundreds of additional episodes of network programming from the Disney-ABC Television Group.
The deal will now allow Netflix to stream not only the current season of programming, but will also make available all prior seasons from popular series like “Lost”, “Desperate Housewives”, and “Grey’s Anatomy”.
"TV content streamed from Netflix has proven to be immensely popular with our members," said Ted Sarandos, the company's chief content officer, in the press release regarding the announcement. "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."
In addition to episodes from the networks’ shows, Netflix will also stream family-friendly movies from the Disney Channel and ABC Family network. Your kids will be happy to see that Camp Rock and High School Musical will be among the titles offered.
Of course, Netflix had to impose a delay on the streaming of newly-aired episodes to appease the satellite and cable companies, so you’ll have to wait at least 15 days before you can put the latest episode of “Castle” in your Netflix queue.
Though most of the networks now offer a fair amount of content to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, don’t expect to see your favorite CBS shows for a while. “I know certain CEOs think of Netflix as the antichrist, and others embrace it as a second coming,” said CBS CEO Les Moonves. He says that his company is “somewhere in the middle”, and won’t be signing any agreements until they come to a more decisive stance.
As a Netflix subscriber, it’s great to see more content being added all the time. My household uses the service to watch episodes from series quite often rather than having to abide by the schedules the networks set. It’s convenient, practical, and cheap – basically everything cable isn’t. Take note cable companies: your days are numbered in my house.
