It’s a rare content licensing agreement in which all eight seasons of the Showtime drama “Dexter” will become available for Netflix members in the US. Beginning on Halloween, the first four seasons of the award-winning series will be available to watch instantly; seasons 5-8 will begin on 1/1.
Starring Golden Globe winning actor Michael C. Hall, CBS/Showtime says “Dexter” tells the story of Dexter Morgan, “America’s favorite serial killer. As a Miami forensics expert, he spends his days solving crimes, and nights committing them. But Dexter lives by a strict code of honor that is both his saving grace and lifelong burden. Torn between his deadly compulsion and his desire for true happiness, Dexter is a man in profound conflict with the world and himself.”
“We’re thrilled to have ‘Dexter,’ one of Showtime’s highest-rated shows on Netflix, and so quickly after it completed its record-breaking run,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer for Netflix. “This is one of the great serialized dramas of the past decade and we know our members will enjoy discovering or reliving the twisted world of Dexter Morgan anywhere and anytime they want.”
Meanwhile, Netflix is discussing with several MSOs the inclusion of its streaming video service on their set-top boxes. Two we know of for sure, per WSJ, include Comcast and Suddenlink Communications. The talks revolve around a direct connection of the Netflix network to the cable companies’ internet service provider systems.
RBR-TVBR observation: CBS/SHO sees the writing on the wall and is exploring a potentially mutually beneficial relationship. Along with the news of Netflix talking with MSOs, we just reported last week that Netflix had a big paid subscriber leap in the US that now puts the streaming service ahead of Time Warner’s HBO. Original titles such as Orange is the New Black and its Emmy-winning House of Cards were big attractions for subscribers.
