Stan nets exclusive Sherlock streaming deal

Stan has taken the exclusive rights to the upcoming season of Sherlock, meaning the latest instalment of the BBC drama series will launch on the streaming service in Australia.

Stan, which is backed by commercial broadcaster Nine Network and media company Fairfax, also has exclusive streaming rights to previous Sherlock seasons and specials, validating its claim to be the Australian home of the hit show.

The three-episode fourth season of Sherlock, which was teased this weekend a San Diego Comic Con, will roll out on Stan later this year.

The series is one of BBC Worldwide’s biggest international properties, and the Australasia arm of the distributor struck the Stan deal.

Nick Forward, Stan’s chief content officer, said: “Sherlock: The Abominable Bride has been one of Stan’s most successful exclusive premieres ever. We are thrilled to extend our partnership with BBC Worldwide ANZ, making Stan the home of Sherlock, and we are looking forward to bringing every new episode of Sherlock to Australian fans first and exclusively on Stan.”

Irene Read, BBC Worldwide’s ANZ director of content sales, said: “It’s fantastic news to have agreed on an exclusive deal for one of our major franchises on Stan, enabling fans to watch the latest Sherlock as soon it becomes available and enjoy the complete catalogue whenever they want.

Stan has been investing heavily in acquired content in a competitive Australian SVOD landscape, buying drama series including Better Call Saul, 11.22.63, Transparent and UnReal.

It has also moved into originals with the TV adaptation of Wolf Creek, recently shopped to Fox in the UK.