Netflix, Warner Bros. Strike TV Deal

Revolution-AANetflix continues to secure newer entertainment content -- now with more Warner Bros.-produced TV shows.

The big subscription video-on-demand service has struck an eight-TV show deal with Warner Bros., including current first-year highly rated NBC show "Revolution," as well as SVOD rights to new USA Network show "Political Animals."

Also included is "The Following," the upcoming Fox drama starring Kevin Bacon, which begins on Fox on Jan. 21. The deal also includes current Western drama "Longmire" running on A&E. Shows no longer on the air include "The West Wing," "Fringe," "Chuck" and ABC's cancelled supernatural drama "666 Park Avenue."

As with other deals it has inked with TV producers and networks, Netflix customers will get to see previous seasons of shows. CW made an alliance with Netflix under similar arrangements. That network is co-owned by Warner Bros. and CBS Corp.

Ted Sarandos, chief content officer of Netflix, stated: "Through deals like this, Netflix is making the production economics right for the continued creation of the kind of compelling serialized dramas and thrillers that our members love."

His release also noted that these eight Warner Bros. shows -- as well as potential future shows -- will continue to be available to other distributors, via traditional syndication windows, electronic sell-through services and on a catch-up basis for recently aired episodes.

Bruce Rosenblum, president of Warner Bros. Television Group, touting the Netflix arrangement, said: "We continue to adapt our business models to include SVOD when it makes sense for the long-term value of each show."

Last month, Netflix moved further in acquiring fresher entertainment content -- movies -- striking an exclusive television deal with Walt Disney Company for live and animated films after their theatrical run starting in 2016.

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