If you thought Netflix was simply going to slowly absorb all the major content distribution licenses in Australia into a giant megazord-like library of content without any major opposition, you’ve got another thing coming.
The red-brand’s chief rival Stan – the joint venture between Nine Entertainment and Fairfax Media – has scooped themselves an absolute coup in signing a deal with US premium-cable giant Showtime.
The deal brings with it a showpiece exclusive in the form of the highly anticipated new series of Twin Peaks, with the cult 90s series set to be revived for a third season in 2017.
David Lynch‘s groundbreaking series is the jewel in a slate of shows coming to Stan, all under the banner of the Showtime deal. This includes Ray Donovan, Dexter, Californication, The Affair, Penny Dreadful, and House of Lies.
In addition, the deal gives Stan access to a raft of shows from CBS Studios‘ library (CBS is the parent company of Showtime) including the likes of Madam Secretary, Elementary, Under the Dome, Extant, Beauty and the Beast, Scorpion, Reign, as well as every episode of the iconic Star Trek TV franchise.
Where pre-existing distribution deals exist (some of the shows are currently airing on different networks locally) the shows will become the domain of Stan once those deals expire.
The nine-episode limited series of Twin Peaks is scheduled to hit screens in the first half of 2017.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald.
