Netflix Notches Up 2-Billion-Plus Hours Streamed in Q4

LOS GATOS: Netflix members streamed more than 2 billion hours of TV shows and movies in the fourth quarter of 2011.

The service has amassed more than 20 million streaming members globally, aided by last year’s global expansion. In 2011 Netflix also added to its content offerings by signing new multi-year agreements with CBS, Twentieth Century Fox, Lionsgate, Miramax, Open Road Films, NBCUniversal, DreamWorks Animation, MGM and Disney-ABC Television Group, among others. Netflix also made a move into original series, announcing the creation of House of Cards, from executive producer David Fincher and starring Kevin Spacey. Another Netflix original, Lilyhammer, premieres in the U.S., Canada and Latin America on February 6.

"We were thrilled to deliver more than two billion hours of TV shows and movies across 45 countries in the fourth quarter," said Netflix’s co-founder and CEO, Reed Hastings. "Netflix delights members by giving them choice, convenience and control over the entertainment they love for an incredibly low price."

"In the coming months, Netflix members can enjoy complete seasons of great TV series from all the major networks and most branded cable channels as well as fantastic films like Drive, Hugo, Captain America and Margin Call," added Netflix’s chief content officer, Ted Sarandos. "The more great TV shows and movies Netflix adds, the more people watch."