BBC Worldwide & Netflix in Streaming Pact for the U.K.

BEVERLY HILLS: A broad range of series from BBC Worldwide, including Torchwood and Spooks, will be available for streaming to Netflix members in the U.K. and Ireland starting in early 2012 as the result of a new licensing deal between the two outfits.

A number of previous seasons of Doctor Who, Top Gear, Little Britain, Fawlty Towers, Miss Marple and Inspector Lynley will be available for streaming over the Internet by Netflix members. The shows can be accessed by Netflix customers in the U.K. and Ireland via connected TVs, tablets, game consoles, computers and mobile phones.

"BBC shows are a big favorite of our over 20 million streaming members in the U.S., Canada and Latin America," said Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer. "Members love watching back-to-back episodes of BBC series where and when they want, at the click of a button. We are incredibly proud to make these high quality programs available to Netflix members in the U.K. and Ireland."

Steve Macallister, the president and managing director of sales and distribution at BBC Worldwide, added: "With our content already available on Netflix in North and Latin America, we’re delighted to be a launch partner for Netflix in the U.K. and Eire, offering viewers the chance to watch some of our best loved shows on the platform from day one. U.K. audiences have really grasped the experience that online viewing can bring, and our programming has proven to be particularly popular with this digital audience."