Starz Announces 90-Day Delay For New Netflix Streaming Content

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Just days after Showtime announced a new deal with Netflix that removes shows from the rental and streaming video provider’s lineup, a second cable channel’s frustrating Netflix’s ability to offer up-to-date programming.

Starz says that as of next month, it’ll introduce a 90-day delay for Netflix streaming on new episodes of its original series, with new movies following at a later date.

A spokesperson explained:

Beginning with the April 1 premiere of the new original drama Camelot, new episodes of Starz originals will now be available on the Starz Play services 90 days after they debut on the network, with exclusive first-run movies later following suit. Past seasons of Starz series, including Spartacus, and previously aired movies will continue to be available for streaming.

The change comes in the middle of the current deal between Starz and Netflix, expected to last until mid-next-year, and portrayed by some as a goodwill tactic on Netflix’s behalf ahead of renegotiation. The existing deal is generally viewed as a misstep on Starz’ behalf, and it’s believed the cable company severely undervalued itself before the VoD audience exploded. Speculation has it any new deal could cost Netflix up to five times more.

Between this news and the Showtime announcement, I’d wager people are probably beginning to get very nervous. No wonder they’ve started producing their own original content.

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