Fans of Batman-related properties better make sure they have a Netflix subscription (if they don’t already). According to Deadline, the video subscription service just signed a deal with Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution for Fox’s upcoming Batman prequel, Gotham.
“Gotham is the most anticipated new series of the fall season and we are thrilled to offer it to our members around the world,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos in a release. “The Batman origin story is sure to have massive global appeal so it is fitting that, along with Warner Television, we have created a new model for distributing a show that international and domestic audiences will love.”
The exclusive streaming video on demand (SVOD) deal means Netflix subscribers will be able to stream season one of the show starting the fall of 2015, possibly coinciding with the broadcast release of the show’s second season. Gotham will be available to all Netflix subscribers within the US and Netflix’s current operating territories, as well as in select other territories.
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This isn’t the first time Netflix has shelled out money for the rights to stream a TV series. They recently did it with NBC’s The Blacklist, paying $2 million per episode. However, it is the first time Netflix has sought SVOD rights to a show before it has even premiered — Gotham doesn’t start until Monday, September 22, 2014. Netflix isn’t revealing how much it’s paid for rights to the show.
Netflix is banking on Gotham being a huge hit. According to The Hollywood Reporter, promotional materials such as branded trolleys and a harbor-front zip line at July’s San Diego Comic-Con snagged the interest of fans, and the show is set to be released on channels in both Canada and the U.K. Gotham will follow the early days of James Gordon (played by Benjamin McKenzie) and his rise to police commissioner, around the time Bruce Wayne is orphaned.
Gotham premieres on Fox at 8 p.m. on September 22, but I’m sure many Batman addicts would prefer the thrill of binge-watching the entire first season when it becomes available on Netflix. I know I will.
