CBS in talks with Netflix to develop new series

CBS is in talks with Netflix to produce a new series for the online video service.

The move is the latest high-profile producer to announce plans to work with the company following deals with Twentieth Century Fox on new episodes of Arrested Development, with Lionsgate for forthcoming Jenji Kohan-penned Orange Is The New Black, with Gaumont International Television for Eli Roth’s Hemlock Grove, with Media Rights Capital for David Fincher’s House of Cards and with Norway’s Rubicon for recently launched mob drama Lilyhammer.

CBS chief executive Les Moonves said: “We are talking to Netflix about a potential deal to produce a show for them.” He didn’t disclose details about the show.

“When you look at the Netflixes of the world and the Amazons of the world doing new production, we welcome that,” he added, speaking to investors as part of its latest financial results. “Until they are doing 22 hours a week of premium content, we don’t look at them as a competitor but rather another place to put our content, whether it’s original or buying libraries as they have.”

CBS announced that it would produce 16 pilots this year and was likely to pick up five to series. Moonves said it would benefit from lower development costs. “Some of our competitors are doing over 30 pilots. So in certain instances, I would state that our development expenses are less by – than some of our competitors by over $100 million,” he added.