Skip to main content

NBC Universal Takes Online Shows to Netflix

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Q Acoustics’ new M40 powered towers take aim at the compact sweet spot
Q Acoustics M40 powered micro-tower wireless audio system in walnut.

With its sights set squarely on the all-in-one powered speaker market, British speaker maker Q Acoustics today launched its new M40 powered "micro tower" speakers, a $999 wireless audio system with all kinds of connectivity that sits in the Goldilocks zone between big-power towers and more modest bookshelf speakers.

A taller and bigger version of its excellent M20 HD wireless bookshelf system, the Q Acoustics M40s aren't quite as looming as many floorstanding speakers at just under 28-inches tall by 10-inches wide and 11.7-inches deep (its own 5050 floorstanders stand at 40 inches). But because they're self-powered and feature a wide range of inputs and connectivity, including RCA line-in, 3.5mm AUX, optical, USB, and Bluetooth, they eliminate the need for big components like receivers and amplifiers.

Read more
How to get Netflix for free
Netflix login screen

Netflix does not offer free trials. That’s unfortunate news for those of us looking to test the waters with one of the world’s top streaming platforms. Fortunately, there are a couple of backdoor methods you can use to get Netflix for free.

Will Netflix ever bring back free trials? It’s hard to say, but riding the coattails of another family member’s subscription, or cashing in on an ISP promo are a few ways to stream Netflix movies and shows without forking over any dough. Let's take a crack at it, shall we?
How much does Netflix cost?

Read more
How to download movies and shows from Disney+
The Disney World castle as seen in the Disney+ streaming app.

Disney+ is home to hundreds of movies and shows from Disney proper, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, NatGeo, and 21st Century Fox. You’ll also be able to choose from several different Disney+ subscriptions, some of which have the added benefit of offline downloads. 

With this feature, you’ll be able to watch Disney+ movies and shows even when your device doesn’t have an internet connection. Ideal for long plane rides and off-the-grid viewing, we’ve gone ahead and put together this guide on how to download movies and shows from Disney+ so your kids can enjoy Moana on those long car rides or when you simply don’t have access to Wi-Fi.

Read more