Netflix acquires worldwide streaming rights for 'Seinfeld' from 2021 – TechCrunch



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Netflix has just signed a major content agreement that could help stop the loss of subscribers as competition between streamers warms up. The company announced that it had acquired worldwide broadcast rights for the popular sitcom "Seinfeld", which will broadcast the Emmy Prize's 180 episodes to Netflix subscribers starting in 2021.

The timing of this addition is crucial for Netflix, because "Seinfeld" will be aired the same year the streamer loses one of its most watched content: the reissue of "The Office." She will also follow the loss of Netflix. another iconic sitcom – "Friends" leaves service in 2020

Despite the age of the content in question, these are still very expensive packages because of the evergreen nature of the programs and their ability to reach new fans who were not old enough to watch moment of their first broadcast.

Beyond that, these reruns have massive audiences. For example, Nielsen discovered that "The Office" is the most watched show on Netflix, despite the multibillion-dollar investment of the streamer in its own original content, which is much more strongly promoted on its platform.

And this original content has not worked well lately, which makes it even more critical for Netflix to maintain at least some standard library content. Last quarter, the company lost US subscribers for the first time since 2011. The company did not invoke tougher competition, as many competitors – like Disney +, Apple TV + and HBO Max – did not still launched. Instead, he mentioned price increases and programming that did not appeal to subscribers.

Meanwhile, Netflix has recently outbid the rights of "The Office", NBCU having disbursed $ 500 million to withdraw the success of Netflix at the end of its contract in 2021. Netflix has also lost "Friends" in favor of WarnerMedia, which disbursed $ 425 million to finance the classic issue. to its new HBO Max service for five years starting in 2020.

Given that the "Seinfeld" agreement with Sony Pictures Television is intended for worldwide distribution to Netflix's 150 million subscribers, its price should be in the same, if not higher, range (Netflix does not discuss not conditions of the agreement).

"Seinfeld is the television comedy to which any television comedy is compared. It's still fresh and fun and will be available around the world in 4K for the first time, "said Ted Sarandos, content manager at Netflix, in a statement. "We look forward to welcoming Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer to their new global home on Netflix."

Classic sitcoms are not the only things Netflix has released lately.

This year, she also left the Marvel superhero sector with the cancellation of "Jessica Jones" and "The Punisher", having already eliminated "Iron Fist", "Luke Cage" and "Daredevil" before the Disney + launch. And he canceled a number of other underperforming series, including "The OA," "Tuca & Bertie," "Survivor Designated," "She Must Have It," and her remake of "One Day to that time".

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