Netflix, the streaming juggernaut from the US, is set to launch in Australia in March. While the exact date of the launch, or fees for the service, have not yet been made public, Netflix has announced that local Australian productions will be part of their streaming catalog.
Netflix has successfully built about their streaming success in the US by offering subscribers several original television series in addition to their catalog of second run movies and TV shows. These series which have included House of Cards as well as Orange is the New Black, have departed from a traditional release model of airing a new show once a week. Instead, Netflix viewers have been able to access all episodes of a season of these shows at once – taking “binge watching” a TV show to an entirely new level.
House of Cards has garnered critical acclaim as well as subscribers to Netflix. The first two seasons were nominated as Best Drama for both the Emmys and the Golden Globes and both Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright have won best acting awards from the Golden Globes for their performances in the show. Season three of House of Cards will have its American debut on February 27th. Orange is the New Black will reportedly remain on Foxtel.
Other Netflix original programs Australian subscribers will have access to include Unbreakable Kimmy, Schmidt, Bloodline, and Grave & Frankie. Netflix will also kick off their four series commitment to Marvel with Marvel’s Daredevil this fall. Daredevil will be followed by A.K.A. Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist, and The Defenders.
It appears from a statement made by Netflix’s chief content officer that original Australian productions may not be far away. Sarandos commented that, “Australian production is attractive. You have a great production infrastructure, a great creative history, particularly in comedy, of making great shows.”
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