NBC Universal Takes Online Shows to Netflix

After yanking shows from iTunes in favor of its own site and new service Hulu, Netflix subscribers will be able to get online versions of some NBC shows they day after they air.

NBC Universal had a rather public falling out with Apple over offering its television programming for sale via the iTunes store, pulling its content after it was unable to get the Cupertino company to budge on pricing and bundling options. Since then, the company has offered online versions of selected shows via its own Web site, Amazon Unbox, and with the still-gestating Hulu.com partnership with Fox. Now, the broadcaster is partnering with mail-order DVD rental company Netflix, announcing deal which will make selected NBC shows available online to Netflix subscribers the day after the air on the broadcast network.

Shows available under the deal will include NBC’s seeming-ubiquitous Heroes—already syndicated into the ground on NBC partner networks, via G4 and Mojo—along with earlier seasons of 30 Rock,The Office, and Friday Night Lights.

“We are excited to establish Netflix as a part of our off-network syndication strategy for ‘Heroes,’” said Frances Manfredi, Executive Vice President & General Sales Manager, NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution. “This deal reflects the changing landscape of the entertainment marketplace and our objective of finding new buyers that complement our traditional customers.”

The television shows join a library of about 5,000 titles Netflix offers to customers via online streaming to Windows-based PCs; the online content is available at no extra charge with Netflix subscription plans.