Netflix is expanding its instant streaming offerings in Canada, today announcing that it had added hundreds of new titles that will be made available over the next several weeks. The new deal includes at least one show that will be available
the day after its broadcast on CBC, a move that Netflix likely will attempt to duplicate in the U.S. in 2011, putting more pressure on competitors like Hulu.
The company said subscribers would have access to seasons 1 and 2 of the TV series Weeds; season 1 of The Big C; and season 1 of the television series Undercover Boss. It also will add seasons 1 through 4 of the epic TV series The Tudors; season 1 of the popular Canadian television show Men with Brooms; and seasons 1 and 2 of Republic of Doyle. Season 2 of Republic of Doyle will be available from Netflix the day after episodes air on the CBC in Canada.
All of these shows are being licensed from the CBC.
Netflix said it's also adding "best of" episodes and the last two complete seasons of Global TV's Saturday Night Live, and seasons 1 through 5 of the Canadian hit The Kids in the Hall; and seasons 1 and 2 of the drama Merlin, available in the first half of 2011, and seasons 1 and 2 of the comedy Pulling.
"Adding to the choice of content we offer our members is an ongoing focus for Netflix in Canada," said Kelly Merryman, vice president of content acquisition for Netflix. "TV content continues to be extremely popular with our members, and we believe that they will be delighted with the expanding list of critically acclaimed and popular TV series available to watch instantly."
Netflix launched its Canadian business--which is streaming only--in September, offering a basic subscription for $7.99 Canadian. The company appears to occasionally test market ideas in that business before debuting them in its U.S. market.
For more:
- see this release
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