Those Canadians who have been subscribing to Netflix Canada have had one request at the top of their wish lists since it launched here late last year: “more content, please.” Today, the streaming video service announced a deal with CBS Corp. that will — at least partially — grant that wish.
According to a report from Reuters, CBS Corp. and Netflix, Inc. agreed to a two-year, non-exclusive deal that will allow Netflix customers in Canada to instantly stream many of the company’s shows starting in September of this year.
“We are delighted to be expanding our successful relationship with CBS to our newer markets in Canada and Latin America,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos. “We aim to provide the widest possible range of great TV shows so our members can always find something compelling to watch wherever and whenever they want.”
Programs that will be available to Canadian Netflix subscribers include shows on the CW and Showtime networks, as well as several from the library of CBS’ main brand. That said, the bigger hits on the flagship network won’t likely show up on Netflix Canada anytime soon. But critically-acclaimed shows such as Dexter, Nurse Jackie and Californication will now join the mix of others already available on Netflix Canada from other network deals, such as Damages and Mad Men.
“We are pleased to be partners with Netflix as they roll out their superb service to new markets,” said Armando Nunez, president of CBS Studios International. “This new arrangement — which does not compete with U.S. ratings or Showtime’s domestic subscriber base — underscores the popularity of CBS content around the world, and illustrates yet another meaningful way for us to realize incremental value from our vast library of content.”
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The terms of the deal were not disclosed. The report does not indicate whether or not the newly added content will be of the current season or of material from seasons’ past. Today’s deal spans more countries than just Canada, as Latin american countries will now be able to stream additional content as well — much of which will be similar to the new content provided to the Canadian market.
Hopefully Netflix Canada can generate more partnerships like the one announced today in the near future, as the lack of content may not be the only thing keeping the service from really breaking through in Canada. It may also be the reason those already subscribing balk at staying with the service over the long run.
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