Netflix has acquired the streaming rights to NBC‘s hit, The Blacklist, for $2 million an episode, the biggest subscription video-on-demand deal for a TV series yet.
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Netflix negotiated the deal with Sony Pictures TV. Deadline reported back in March that Sony Pictures TV was readying the series for off-network syndication by preparing pitch ads prior to taking the series to potential buyers. It looks like they didn’t have any trouble garnering interest, judging by the per-episode paycheck.
Prior to Netflix’s purchase of the streaming rights to The Blacklist, the highest amount paid per episode for a series was believed to be $1.35 million for Netflix to acquire the rights to AMC’s The Walking Dead.
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The Blacklist is the story of former government agent, Raymond “Red” Reddington (James Spader). Though he has eluded capture for decades, he decides to surrender to the FBI to assist in the capture of a terrorist. The catch is that he will only speak to Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone), a young FBI profiler who is fresh out of Quantico. The series unfolds from there.
The series received critical acclaim and did well in the ratings. It also earned Spader a Golden Globe nomination in the Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series — Drama category.
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According to Deadline, which first reported the story, Season 1 of the show should be available for streaming by next weekend now that the deal has been cut. The outlet also reports that future seasons are generally available shortly after the season finales air.
The Blacklist has been renewed for Season 2 and will premiere Monday, Sept. 22 on NBC. After NBC’s Super Bowl coverage, the show will move to its permanent slot on Thursdays.
Though Netflix has confirmed the deal, according to Variety, they will not comment on the price tag. Sony Pictures TV has yet to comment.
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