Greek-American Sarandos’ Acquisition Agreement between Netflix & Disney-ABC

Netflix, Inc. and Disney-ABC Television Group announced a new licensing agreement between the two companies.  It will allow Netflix to stream hundreds of episodes from the ABC Television Network, Disney Channel and for the first time, ABC Family over the Internet.

Ted Sarandos played a major role in the deal. The Greek-American has directed content acquisition for Netflix since 2000. With more than 20 years experience in home entertainment, Ted is recognized in the industry as an innovator in film acquisition and distribution.

“TV content streamed from Netflix has proven to be immensely popular with our members,” said Sarandos, the company’s chief content officer. “Adding to our existing Disney-ABC lineup with great network and cable shows, and opening up ABC Family for the first time, are important steps in creating a wide and diverse selection of content Netflix members of all ages can watch.”

The agreement, brokered by Disney-ABC Domestic Television, will add significantly to the growing selection of movies and TV episodes that can be streamed from Netflix. Once made available to Netflix from Disney-ABC – which, for relevant programming, will be no earlier than 15 days after initial telecast – episodes can be streamed instantly with Netflix memberships starting at $7.99 a month.

Among the highlights, Netflix members will be able to enjoy:

* Prior season episodes of current ABC hit series “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Desperate Housewives” and for the first time on Netflix, “Brothers & Sisters”; all of which are among the network’s most successful and popular TV franchises in recent years.
* Every episode of recent ABC favorites “Lost” and “Ugly Betty”; the latter making its streaming debut at Netflix.
* Each season of several hit series from ABC Studios, including “Scrubs” and “Reaper”; both are new additions to Netflix.
* A host of content from the Disney Channel, including the hits “Phineas and Ferb” and “Good Luck Charlie,” which are also new to Netflix; updated and expanded offerings of “The Suite Life on Deck” and “Wizards of Waverly Place;” and library offerings from the smash hits “Hannah Montana” and “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.”
* A wide range of content from ABC Family, marking the introduction of ABC Family content streaming from Netflix. Included are the hit series “Greek,” “Make It or Break It,” “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” and “Melissa & Joey.”

In addition to the hundreds of TV episodes included in the agreement, Disney Channel and ABC Family movies such as “High School Musical,” “High School Musical 2,” “Camp Rock,” and “Beauty & the Briefcase,” as well as new releases “Avalon High,” “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” and “Revenge of the Bridesmaids,” will also be available to watch at Netflix.