Netflix may have attracted some negative attention this week thanks to a provocative price bump for its combined streaming and DVD-by-mail option, but the company continues to work toward maintaining and expanding the content its subscribers crave. Netflix and network NBCUniversal jointly announced on Wednesday that a renewed licensing deal will see new TV shows and movies hit the rental giant's instant streaming service for the coming years.
According to the statement released by both companies, the non-exclusive, multi-network agreement covers shows like "30 Rock," "The Office," "Warehouse 13," "Psych," "Law & Order: SVU" and recently canned action-drama "The Event." All shows will be aired on a "one season delay basis," said the pair. Certain Universal Pictures' films are also promised.
Ted Sarandos, Netflix Chief Content Officer, touted the promised content as "something for everyone to enjoy" and called his company's dealings with NBCUniversal "mutually beneficial."
"This agreement demonstrates our commitment to providing NBCUniversal's high-quality content to consumers on a variety of platforms," said Frances Manfredi, Executive Vice President and General Sales Manager for NBCUniversal Domestic TV Distribution. "We are very pleased that Netflix recognizes the increasing value of NBCUniversal's extensive content offerings for their subscribers."
Home Media Magazine reported that Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter believes the rejiggered agreement could cost Netflix up to $300 million/year - a massive increase over its earlier deals with the television company.
Earlier this year Starz and Showtime pulled back movies and TV shows from the service, and a recent contractual gripe between Sony and Starz resulted in certain films from the company's roster yanked from instant streaming. By the end of 2011, Netflix will launch in Latin America.
