Skip to main content

Amazon vexes Netflix by inking a deal for exclusive streaming rights to ‘Downton Abbey’

Image used with permission by copyright holder

It seems Amazon is the most recent mover and shaker in the ongoing scrum that is the streaming video world. The company recently finalized an agreement to become the sole subscription-based video platform to offer massively popular period-drama “Downton Abbey.”

An unlikely hit, the show has captivated American audiences with its fusion of hoighty toighty-ness and scandal. Though it had been available on other platforms (including Netflix), it will be pulled from those outlets later on this year.  

Recommended Videos

Calling the series a hit may even be putting it too mildly, as the Wall Street Journal reports that last month’s season three premiere drew 7.9 million sets of eyeballs in the U.S., quadrupling PBS’ average primetime rating. Given that kind of success, there will no doubt be a cavalcade of belated Abbey-addicts to capitalize upon.

The show’s deal with Amazon will go into effect on June 18, 2013 and will allow Amazon Prime Instant Video members to watch the series for free (after their subscription overhead that is). Those looking to stream the show elsewhere, will need to pay on a per-episode basis.

Though this news is sure to vex Netflix users, there’s still time to get a marathon or two in before “Downton Abbey” disappears from its lineup.

Consider all of the jostling in the video streaming world this week a reminder that the relatively young industry is still very much up for grabs.

Adam Poltrack
Former Contributor
Adam is an A/V News Writer for Digital Trends, and is responsible for bringing you the latest advances in A/V…
Netflix free trial: Can you stream for free in 2024?
A hand points a remote at a TV display a Netflix logo screen.

If you want to see the best shows on Netflix, the best way to do so would be through a Netflix free trial. But do they have one, and if not are there other ways to get the streaming giant for free? We investigate.
Is there a Netflix free trial?

Unlike some other streaming services, Netflix does not have a free trial. That's a tough break for the "try before you buy" crowd, but the sad truth is that, like Disney+, Netflix has a pretty captive audience and doesn't really need to do much to entice people to sign up. The good news is that there are no contracts or commitments to worry about if you decide the service isn't for you, or just want to take a break for awhile. There are also ways to get Netflix for free through third party sign-ups.

Read more
New My Netflix tab looks to make streaming on the go a bit easier
The My Netflix section of the Netflix app on an iPhone.

Netflix today rolled out a revamp of its mobile apps that aims to make it that much quicker to find something to watch when you're on your iPhone. The new "My Netflix" section is a one-stop shop tailored to you with easy shortcuts. The update is available now for iOS and is coming to Android in early August, the company said in a blog post.

The idea is when you're away from your home network, the My Netflix tab will give priority to recommendations for content that you've saved or downloaded. The Home tab is still there, as is search — it's just that Netflix is trying to make the former "Downloads" section a little easier to use.

Read more
Best Amazon Prime Early Access Headphone Deals for 2022
Woman wearing B&W Px8 wireless headphones in tan.

Tomorrow the Prime Early Access sale officially launches for the first time ever. The two-day event is much like Prime Day but its purpose is to help you organize your holiday shopping ahead of time. Thanks to Amazon loving to prioritize highly sought-after technology during its sale periods, we're counting on seeing some fantastic headphone deals in particular. In fact, we've already picked out some of the best offers from the sale that you can shop right now, including some major and much-loved brands.

Remember -- while this sale may have a different name, the Prime Early Access sale is effectively the Prime Day headphone deals of before which means if you missed out earlier in the year, this is your chance to save big all over again. There may even be better discounts than we saw back in June.

Read more