NEW YORK – Netflix said Wednesday it has signed an expanded licensing deal with the Walt Disney Co. for online video streaming of additional content from ABC and the Disney Channel and – for the first time – the ABC Family network.
The cable network shows will be available no earlier than 15 days after their premiere to avoid problems with pay TV distributors. ABC primetime content is for prior seasons only.
The agreement further expands Netflix’s streaming service, which has caused some in the entertainment industry to worry about Netflix’s rising power.
Financial terms weren’t disclosed, but the deal is believed to be worth $150 million-$200 million for one year.
Among the shows covered by the deal are ABC Family’s Greek and Melissa & Joey, Disney Channel’s Phineas and Ferb and all episodes of older ABC shows Lost and Ugly Betty. Lost, for example, previously only had episodes from the first six seasons available on Netflix. Also part of the deal are previous seasons of ABC shows Grey’s Anatomy and Brothers & Sisters.
“TV content streamed from Netflix has proven to be immensely popular with our members,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos. “Adding to our existing Disney-ABC lineup with great network and cable shows, and opening up ABC Family for the first time, are important steps in creating a wide and diverse selection of content Netflix members of all ages can watch.”
