Netflix agrees BBC content deal for UK and Ireland launch

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US digital entertainment streaming giant Netflix has secured the rights to a raft of BBC content for its UK launch next year.

BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, has agreed a digital licensing deal with Netflix that will bring a "broad range" of BBC shows to subscribers when the service goes live in the UK and Ireland in early 2012.

The deal, of which financial terms were not disclosed, will see entire series of shows such as Torchwood and Spooks being offered for streaming on connected TVs, tablets, game consoles, computers and smartphones.

Additional BBC titles will be made available to members of Netflix in the UK and Ireland after the launch, including comedies such as Little Britain and Fawlty Towers, and dramas like Miss Marple and Inspector Lynley.

Netflix, which has 20 million streaming subscribers in the US, Canada and Latin America, has already secured a raft of content for its debut in the UK and Ireland, including deals with MGM, Lionsgate and Miramax.

Last month, it was reported that UK commercial broadcaster ITV was in talks about joining the BBC as a TV launch partner for the service, although that has yet to be confirmed.

"BBC shows are a big favourite of our over 20 million streaming members in the US, Canada and Latin America," said Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer.

"Members love watching back-to-back episodes of BBC series where and when they want, at the click of a button. We are incredibly proud to make these high quality programmes available to Netflix members in the UK and Ireland."

BBC Worldwide managing director of sales and distribution Steve Macallister added: "With our content already available on Netflix in North and Latin America, we're delighted to be a launch partner for Netflix in the UK and Eire, offering viewers the chance to watch some of our best loved shows on the platform from day one.

"UK audiences have really grasped the experience that online viewing can bring, and our programming has proven to be particularly popular with this digital audience."