Netflix Partners With The CW In Exclusive Streaming Deal

Are you a Netflix subscriber, as well as a fan of angst-y, teen-focused television dramas? Well you’re in luck. Streaming video giant Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) and The CW, a joint venture between CBS and Warner Bro. Entertainment, just reached an exclusive, multi-year deal that will allow Netflix to stream all past seasons of the network’s shows in the U.S.

Starting with the 2016-2017 season, hit series like The Vampire Diaries, The Flash, and Supernatural will become available to Netflix subscribers only eight days after the season finale airs, a big jump from the usual year or more subscribers have to wait. Critically-acclaimed shows like Jane the Virgin and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend are also included in the deal, along with other DC series Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, and Arrow.

"Netflix members in the U.S. love the great lineup of series from The CW, and we are thrilled to extend the relationship and bring those shows to our members exclusively now, just eight days after their season finales," said Netflix content head Ted Sarandos in a statement.“This is a great step forward with a valued network partner to give fans exactly what they want, when and how they want it.”

“Since the initial landmark deal in 2011, the CW’s programming has enjoyed tremendous success and increased exposure through Netflix, and our new agreement not only continues but enhances this valuable relationship,” said CW president Mark Pedowitz. “The CW has positioned itself for the future by transforming into a true hybrid network, rooted in broadcast while fully embracing the digital and streaming habits of the viewers.”

This is a huge deal for Netflix. Along with the company becoming accessible through Comcast’s (NASDAQ:CMCSA) X1 platform as well as its blockbuster deal with Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:DIS) —it is now the exclusive home for Disney movies, including those from Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Pixar, starting this September—its deal with The CW makes its streaming subscription incredibly enticing.

It also makes it stand out much farther from the increasingly competitive streaming video industry. The exclusivity agreement most obviously hurts Hulu, where viewers are limited to only the last five episodes of a CW series’ current season at a time. The CW and Hulu did not come to terms for a further agreement once their current deal is done in October.