Netflix confirmed a new multi-year licensing deal with The CW that allows it to remain the exclusive streaming service for scripted series that air on the network.
The deal means that Netflix subscribers will be able to stream previous seasons of CW series like The Flash, Arrow, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, Jane the Virgin and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, as well as The Vampire Diaries, The 100, iZombie, The Originals and Reign.
New series that will premiere during the network's 2016-2017 schedule, including Riverdale, Frequency and No Tomorrow will also be available for streaming.
As part of the agreement, Netflix subscribers can watch these series even sooner than before. The entire seasons will become available starting just eight days after each show's season finale.
"This is a great step forward with a valued network partner to give fans exactly what they want, when and how they want it." Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, said in a statement.
This extended deal between Netflix and The CW, a joint venture between CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment, confirms rumors that the popular streaming service would continue to be the home of both popular and new series that air first on The CW and not Hulu.
Both Netflix and Hulu had a deal with The CW made in 2011 that allowed both platforms to air episodes of its series. However, Hulu had a more exclusive deal where episodes of select series would become available on its platform one day after they aired on TV.
With this deal expiring in October, it has been expected that Hulu and The CW would part ways. Reports began surfacing in June that Netflix and The CW were in works to continue their partnership and sign a deal worth $1 billion.
Now, it's Netflix members who can soon stream entire seasons, like season 2 of Supergirl and the new Archie Comics teen drama Riverdale just more than week after the seasons wrap up — perfect for those who love to binge-watch.
"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 The CW President Mark Pedowitz. "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."
Hulu is known for being the go-to platform to catch up on primetime TV episodes viewers missed, so this new deal could very well spell trouble, as many loyal CW fans might make the switch to Netflix.
Source: Netflix
