Amazon extends CBS summer series pact

Amazon Prime Instant Video has taken exclusive US streaming rights to broadcast network CBS’s next three summer event series.

Amazon has licensed all of CBS’s previous summer drama originals, Under the Dome, Extant and Zoo, and will now get the efforts for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 seasons.

CBS Corp. CEO Les Moonves has previously said Amazon’s financial input has been key allowing the shows, which are produced for the traditionally quiet period normally dominated by repeats, to run to big budgets and subsequently hoover up good audiences.

The first show from the new pact is BrainDead, the comic-thriller CBS announced earlier this year. Amazon subscribers will be able to stream the show four days after its broadcast debut.

“Prime members have loved having access to series like Under the Dome and Extant just four days after broadcast, and we’re excited to continue to offer in-season availability of more great CBS summer series over the next three years,” said Brad Beale, Amazon’s VP, digital video content acquisition.

“We are also always working to ensure our Prime members have the best selection, and we know they will continue to enjoy unlimited access to a wide array of CBS titles to binge-watch anytime, anywhere.”

The deal also means Amazon will get an expanded selection of CBS and Showtime library titles such as Medium, The Tudors, The L Word, the original Twin Peaks series, America’s Next Top Model, I Love Lucy, Penn & Teller, The Amazing Race, MacGyver, Brotherhood and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. There will also be more CBS Films available.

“We’re thrilled to build on our relationship with Amazon with new original summer series and more programming from CBS and Showtime,” said Scott Koondel, chief corporate licensing officer, CBS. “With a truly original, genre-bending concept from outstanding creative auspices, BrainDead will be one of the most talked-about shows next summer by CBS viewers and Prime members.”