Past Seasons of ABC Shows to Stream on Netflix

BEVERLY HILLS: The online movie rental company Netflix has reached a deal to offer its subscribers instant streaming access to past seasons of various ABC shows, including Lost and Desperate Housewives.

The agreement with Disney-ABC Television Group will allow Netflix members to instantly watch the first five seasons of Lost, seasons four and five of Desperate Housewives, season five of Grey’s Anatomy, and seasons one and two of the syndicated series Legend of the Seeker. The first four seasons of Lost were available beginning August 1. Other shows will roll out beginning in September.

The deal expands the relationship between Netflix and Disney-ABC Television Group; last September, a digital licensing agreement brought Disney Channel fare such as Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, The Suite Life on Deck, JONAS and Sonny with a Chance to Netflix subscribers.

There are now more than 12,000 movies and TV episodes that Netflix members can watch instantly on their computers and TVs as part of their membership at no additional monthly cost.

"We’re excited about this new agreement since it builds on a strong foundation with Disney-ABC Television Group," said Robert Kyncl, the VP of content acquisition for Netflix. "In all, we’re providing Netflix members with some of the most popular and avidly followed shows on TV while working with an important business partner to help grow several of its key franchises."