Ahead of the launch of NBCUniversal's streaming service, the streaming giant may lose fan-favorite show 'The Office', but it reportedly has its own way to keep its right to exclusively stream the show.
- Apr 25, 2019
AceShowbiz - "The Office" and "Friends" are one of the greatest American sitcoms that are endlessly rewatchable. Fans are grateful that after "The Office" wrapped up its run in 2013 on NBC, they can watch the fan-favorite show on Netflix. However, a new report suggests that the streaming giant is at risk of losing the show.
According to The Wall Street Journal, NBCUniversal is planning to launch its own streaming service. Additionally, it has been reported that it has "begun internal discussions about removing 'The Office' from Netflix." Fans, however, can prepare their hearts before saying good bye to the show as it won't happen at least until 2021 when Netflix's contract to air the show expires.
In addition to "The Office", NBCUniversal may pull off the rights to "Parks and Recreation" from Netflix.
Back in January, CNN said that NBCUniversal would launch its streaming service in 2020. It would continue "to license content to other studios and platforms, while retaining rights to certain titles for its new service."
Losing "The Office" may result in a huge loss for Netflix. The comedy show reportedly was responsible for three percent of the streaming giant's total viewing in the U.S. in 2018. Netflix allegedly paid $100 million for exclusive streaming rights to "The Office" over several years, according to people familiar with the terms.
According to WSJ, Netflix will most likely be fighting its rights to keep the show on its streaming service by offering a substantial premium. "Some at NBCUniversal have argued the studio should offer to share the show with Netflix and accept slightly discounted payments," writes the site.
"The Office" and "Parks and Recreation" may not be the only shows that Netflix may lose. The report further suggests that WarnerMedia is also considering to snag "Friends" once Netflix's contract expire in 2019 ahead of the launch of its own streaming service.
