Netflix and the CW Confirm New Licensing Deal for All Scripted Series
The CW and Netflix have confirmed a new multi-year output pact that significantly accelerates the availability of CW scripted series on the streaming giant.
As Variety first reported, the new deal calls for CW shows to become available to Netflix eight days after each program’s season finale, starting with shows that air in the 2016-17 season.
Among the shows included in the deal are the three new shows on the CW’s 2016-17 primetime schedule: “Frequency,” “No Tomorrow” and “Riverdale,” as well as DC series “Legends of Tomorrow,” “Supergirl,” “The Flash” and “Arrow,” critically-acclaimed comedies “Jane the Virgin” and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and existing favorites such as “Supernatural,” “The 100” and “The Vampire Diaries.”
“Netflix members in the U.S. 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 Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos. “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 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.”
“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, exec VP and chief corporate content licensing officer of CBS Corp. “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 of 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.”
