Netflix renews ABC contract

Netflix subscribers can soon watch more episodes of ABC shows like Desperate Housewifes, Greys Anatomy and Brothers and Sisters, thanks to an extended licensing agreement between the video subscription service and Disney. Episodes will, as its usually the case with Netflix content, be added a little after the current season of a show has ended.

The agreement also adds the entire ABC show Alias as well as the ABC Family show Switched at Birth to the Netflix catalog, and ensures than Netflix is going to continue to be able to stream all seasons of Lost and Ugly Betty. Check the official press releaseor Netflixs blog post for more content covered by this agreement.

The re-up with Disney comes at a critical time for Netflix. Its recent price hike, followed by the short-lived plan to completely separate its DVD business under the Qickster brand, have not only cost the company 800,000 domestic subscribers; the stock has also tanked from a high of $304 earlier this summer to $84 at the closing of the markets last Friday. Having popular TV content for years to come could not only help to keep the remaining subscribers happy, but possibly also persuade investors that things may not be so bad after all.

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