By In a new report from the LA Times, Netflix has announced that it has acquired the exclusive global streaming rights to Seinfeld. One of NBC’s most popular shows ever, this comes as a huge win for Netflix after losing the rights to both The Office and Friends. The streaming juggernaut is set to receive all 180 episodes of the series in 2021 for a five-year stint on the service.
The deal was struck between Netflix and Sony Pictures Television, which currently controls the distribution rights for Seinfeld. In a statement given to the press, Sony Picture’s chairman Mike Hopkins said, “Seinfeld is a one-of-a-kind, iconic, culture-defining show. Now, 30 years after its premiere, Seinfeld remains center stage. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Netflix to bring this beloved series to current fans and new audiences around the globe.”
“Seinfeld is the television comedy that all television comedy is measured against,” stated Netflix’s chief content officer Ted Sarandos. “It is as fresh and funny as ever and will be available to the world in 4K for the first time.”
According to reports, Netflix was in competition with Hulu, Amazon, WarnerMedia, NBCUniversal, and Viacom to nab the rights for Seinfeld. The company has “particularly aggressive” in its pursuit, which means it could have paid upwards for $500 million for the exclusivity deal (similar to what it paid for The Office). We won’t know exact details until later today, but this obviously wasn’t a cheap get for Netflix.
Netflix acquires the global streaming rights to ‘Seinfeld‘ [Los Angeles Times]
