Netflix inks multi-year agreement with Warner Bros International Television Distribution

Netflix Inc. and Warner Bros. International Television Distribution has announced a multi-year licensing agreement allowing Netflix members in the UK and Ireland to exclusively enjoy complete previous seasons of key American television series.

The first three seasons of hit teen supernatural drama The Vampire Diaries come to Netflix on 1 December, while seasons one to five of saucy young adult favourite Gossip Girl begin on at the beginning of March 2013.

Later in 2013, four seasons of the J.J. Abrams-created science fiction show Fringe will be available to watch instantly as will all five seasons of Chuck, the hybrid action-comedy, spy-drama that completed its American run in January.

“We are thrilled to be the exclusive online subscription home for these incredibly entertaining shows from Warner Bros. Television,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer. “We are giving fans the opportunity to relive their favourite moments from these programmes while hopefully attracting a lot of new ones who will be able to enjoy these serialized stories from their very beginning.”

“We are pleased to be able to offer fans in the UK and Ireland on-demand access to past seasons of these incredibly addictive series,” said Jeffrey R. Schlesinger, president, Warner Bros. International Television. “Whether fans discover, catch-up or relive favourite episodes, Netflix is a terrific distribution partner and this deal demonstrates that there is now a viable new outlet for our programming after the initial telecast in the UK.”