Netflix to Stream New CBS Star Trek Series

LOS ANGELES: Netflix and CBS Studios International have inked a landmark international licensing agreement for the new Star Trek series, which has also been acquired by Bell Media in Canada.

Netflix will be the exclusive premiere home of Star Trek in 188 countries, excluding the U.S. and Canada. Each episode of the new series will be available globally within 24 hours of its U.S. premiere. Also, all 727 existing episodes of the classic Star Trek TV library will be available on Netflix around the world by the end of 2016. This includes Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Enterprise.

“The launch of the new Star Trek will truly be a global television event,” said Armando Nuñez, the president and CEO of CBS Studios International. “Star Trek is a worldwide phenomenon and this international partnership will provide fans around the world, who have been craving a new series for more than a decade, the opportunity to see every episode virtually at the same time as viewers in the U.S. Thanks to our world-class partners at Netflix, the new Star Trek will definitely be ‘hailing on all frequencies’ throughout the planet.”

“Star Trek is one of the most iconic shows in television history and we’re thrilled to partner with CBS to bring the beloved series to Trekkies around the world,” added Sean Carey, the VP of global television at Netflix. “The newest chapter of the story promises to continue the rich tradition of adventure and is sure to excite fans everywhere Netflix is available.”

CBS Studios International signed a deal with Bell Media for the new Star Trek series in Canada. Bell Media’s acquisition of the exclusive linear television and SVOD rights in English and French in Canada will see each episode of the new Star Trek series become available in the country simultaneously with its release in the U.S. Bell Media has also licensed all 727 existing episodes of the Star Trek television library. 

“We are extremely pleased to significantly expand our partnership with Bell,” said Nuñez. “Canadian fans will now be able to ‘beam up’ CBS’s highly anticipated new series, as well as all past episodes of the show’s vast library. Bell Media’s premium linear and digital platforms will be a great home for our new series, as Star Trek celebrates its 50th anniversary.”

“Our acquisition of the new Star Trek series delivers a unique and exclusive opportunity for Canadian advertisers to engage with this blockbuster new drama in a meaningful way,” said Mary Ann Turcke, the president of Bell Media. “We are delighted to welcome Star Trek back to Bell Media and amplify this iconic franchise through our multiple leading brands. With a high-profile premiere on CTV, a permanent base on Space—the long-time home of the series in Canada—and premium positioning on CraveTV, it’s ‘mission accomplished’ for Canadian Star Trek fans.”

In the U.S., the new Star Trek will launch with a special premiere episode on the CBS Television Network in January 2017. The premiere episode and all subsequent episodes will then be available in the U.S. exclusively on CBS All Access, the network’s digital SVOD and live-streaming service.