Netflix: Two-season deal secures David Fincher's 'House of Cards'

by Steven Mostyn - Mar 21 2011, 12:27

Following on from our recent report regarding Netflix, the online streaming specialist has now accomplished its primary goal in expanding beyond the focused delivery of purchased and rented movie and TV content.

Although already the clear leader in its field, Netflix is now widening its focus to include original programming after it successfully secured new political TV drama ‘House of Cards’ through independent studio Media Rights Capital (MRC).

Arriving as a marked departure from the tentative carriage deals usually struck between broadcaster and creator (i.e., a pilot episode or half season test), the exclusive agreement between Netflix and MRC involves an unprecedented commitment of 26 one-hour episodes.

It is thought Netflix shelled out somewhere in the vicinity of $100 million USD to acquire House of Cards, beating out offers from established original programming heavyweights HBO and AMC in the process.

While some may view the move as an extreme risk on the part of Netflix, the show is certainly geared for success thanks to it starring award-winning actor Kevin Spacey and having visionary director David Fincher (The Social Network, Seven) at its helm.

Last week it was revealed that Netflix is presently dominating where streamed on-demand movie and TV content is concerned, having snaffled a clear 60 percent of the market in January.

House of Cards is expected to air on Netflix towards the latter part of 2012.

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