Netflix signs four-year CW pact

CBS and Warner Bros Television Group have signed a four-year output deal with Netflix to stream scripted series from The CW up to the 2014-15 season.

Netflix subscribers will have access to more than 700 hours of drama previously aired on US network The CW, as well as its future programmes.

Titles include this season’s fall debutants Ringer, Hart of Dixie and The Secret Circle, alongside returning series The Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girl, 90210, Supernatural, Nikita and One Tree Hill.

“This is a forward-thinking agreement for a network whose programming occupies a unique space in the content marketplace,” said Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corporation.

“It is a model that opens a new door for The CW programming to expand its audience reach through the terrific Netflix service, and creates a brand-new window for CBS and Warner Bros to be paid for the content we supply the network.

“It also further illustrates how new distribution systems are providing premium content suppliers with additive revenue streams while still preserving traditional monetisation windows.”

Previous seasons of Vampire, Gossip, One Tree Hill and Nikita will be available from this Friday, while past episodes of Supernatural and 90210 will go online in January.

Episodes of this season’s new scripted series will be available from fall 2012, while new shows up to 2014-15 will become available in subsequent windows.

Barry Meyer, chairman and CEO of Warner Bros, said: “This proves once again the overriding importance of content in our business, while showing how emerging platforms such as Netflix are adding value to the traditional TV ecosystem.”

Ted Sarandos, chief content officer at Netflix, added: “This is programming for the on-demand generation and we hope this agreement deepens the relationships viewers already have with these powerful entertainment brands.”

Speaking last week at Mipcom in Cannes, Sarandos said that more than 50% of Netflix customer viewing was now spent watching TV shows.