Netflix Lands Streaming Rights for Seinfeld In Five-year Deal

Netflix may no longer be the streaming home of The Office and Friends soon, but it’s picked up a big series in Seinfeld. The streaming service announced on Monday that it has acquired the streaming rights for the iconic NBC comedy in a five-year deal. The series will be available in its 180-episode entirety on Netflix starting in 2021.

Deadline reports that this will be the first time that the Jerry Seinfeld-fronted ensemble series will be available in full on one place worldwide and in 4K. The series debuted on streaming services when it arrived on Hulu, while it is available in several territories on Amazon. The new deal brings it all under Netflix.

“Seinfeld is the television comedy that all television comedy is measured against. It is as fresh and funny as ever and will be available to the world in 4K for the first time,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer for Netflix. “We can’t wait to welcome Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer to their new global home on Netflix.”

“Seinfeld is a one-of-a-kind, iconic, culture-defining show. Now, 30 years after its premiere, Seinfeld remains center stage,” said Mike Hopkins, Chairman, Sony Pictures Television. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Netflix to bring this beloved series to current fans and new audiences around the globe.”

Several services were reportedly interested in the service, including Netflix and HBO Max. While Warner Bros. owns Seinfeld, Deadline reports that the $425 million price tag for friends combined with plans to acquire streaming rights for Big Bang Theory and Two in a Half Men meant that HBO Max was unable to meet Netflix’s price, while Hulu is flush with shows thanks to being controlled by Disney now. All the services submitted bids, but Netflix’s was ultimately the best deal.