Foxtel service adds TV series as Netflix approaches

Foxtel’s subscription-on-demand service, Presto, will add television series for the first time, as the platform prepares for the impending launch of streaming behemoth Netflix.

Currently, Foxtel offers movies on-demand for A$9.99 (US$8.29) a month, but will soon begin charging for a features and television bundle.

Dubbed Presto Entertainment, the service will offer programming from News Corp- and Telstra-owned pay TV service Foxtel, which is home to HBO programming and original shows, and commercial free-to-air channel Network Seven

This comes ahead of the launch of Netflix in Australia and New Zealand in March of next year. The US-based SVOD firm will have its original programming such as the upcoming Marco Polo and acquired series including Gotham in its arsenal.

Meanwhile, Nine Network and publisher Fairfax Media’s upcoming SVOD platform, Stan, is launching in the new year with exclusive rights to Breaking Bad spin-off Better Call Saul.