The CW Close To Switching Up Streaming Rights In New Netflix Deal

After five years of working with both Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) and Hulu, the CW (CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS)) looks like it is choosing a side.

Following negotiations with both streamers, the CW (through its parent company CBS) is expected to announce the network will only have a deal with Netflix going forward. The original joint deals signed back in 2011 made more sense for all sides at that point, as both Netflix and Hulu were looking for content and the CW was looking for viewers.

Now, times have changed as all three networks have flourished, prompting new reflections on value. Following the expiration of the original deal, rumored to be in October, in-season streaming will now come through the ad-supported CWTV.com as well as through VOD deals with local affiliates.

Related Link: Are You Among The 500,000 Netflix Users About To Cancel Your Membership?

Netflix will then get all the new episodes at a specific point, which reportedly could be as quick as two weeks after the end of the traditional September to May season. Usually, that date has come closer to the start of the following season; if that is no longer the case, the turnaround time marks a big turnaround and win for the streamer and its subscribers.

Hulu reportedly opted out of talks after asking for and being denied “stacking rights,” which would have ended the “rolling five” method currently in play. Under that agreement only the five most recent episodes were made available.