Netflix Has Reportedly Discussed Licensing Shows to Media Companies

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In a reversal of traditional roles, the streaming giant is reported to have had talks with ViacomCBS and NBCU about running original shows and movies on their networks

Netflix
(Image credit: Netflix)

Netflix has had talks with media companies including ViacomCBS and NBCUniversal about licensing Netflix original series and movies to outlets including linear networks, according to The Information. 

It’s not an entirely unprecedented move—Netflix began licensing repeats of animated comedy Bojak Horseman to ViacomCBS’ Comedy Central network back in 2018. 

But it does still seem like a bit of role reversal, given that Netflix built its $230 billion market capitalization largely on the back of licensed content from the major media conglomerates. 

The Information said shows would be licensed on a limited bases, earmarked for linear, time period-specific airing as opposed to all-posted-at-once, smorgasbord availability. 

Netflix reportedly spent more than $17 billion on content in 2020, far more than any supplier. While Netflix’s strategy of making all shows from all seasons available on demand has helped propel it to true positive cashflow scale, exceeding 200 million subscribers globally, the strategy isn’t so good at building off network value for its original shows. 

Daniel Frankel
Daniel Frankel

Daniel Frankel is the managing editor of Next TV, an internet publishing vertical focused on the business of video streaming. A Los Angeles-based writer and editor who has covered the media and technology industries for more than two decades, Daniel has worked on staff for publications including E! Online, Electronic Media, Mediaweek, Variety, paidContent and GigaOm. You can start living a healthier life with greater wealth and prosperity by following Daniel on Twitter today!