Netflix UK acquires Portlandia

Online video service Netflix has acquired hipster comedy Portlandia in the UK and Ireland. This marks the latest exclusive acquisition for the streaming platform.

The first two seasons of Portlandia, which airs on US cable network IFC, will be available from the start of May. The series was created by and stars Saturday Night Live’s Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, singer and guitarist in indie bands Sleater Kinney and Wild Flag. The pair play a series of eccentric characters living the hipster dream in Portland.

The show is produced and distributed internationally by Broadway Video, which is run by Lorne Michaels. The company produces live sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live, NBC’s Up All Night and 30 Rock and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Najen Naylor, manager of business development and distribution at Broadway Video Enterprises, told TBI at last month’s MIPTV in Cannes that it was ramping up its international activities and was confident of closing a number of major global deals for Portlandia in the coming months.