The CW and Netflix have announced a new multi-year content licensing relationship that allows Netflix to remain the exclusive U.S. subscription television service for previous seasons of scripted series broadcast on The CW. The new deal significantly shortens the window between a show’s broadcast finale and its debut on Netflix — starting with the 2016-2017 season. As Variety reported, Netflix members will be able to stream full seasons of all current CW series and future programs produced for the network during the term of the new agreement, beginning eight days after each show’s season finale.
Shows included in the deal include the three new shows on The CW’s 2016-2017 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 including “Supernatural,” “The 100” and “The Vampire Diaries.”
“Netflix members in the US 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 Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix. “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 Mark Pedowitz, President, The CW. “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.”
