Netflix and BBC discuss US content deal

Some library shows from BBC Worldwide could leave Netflix with several titles up for renewal.

US reports this week have said Netflix will drop all BBC shows at the end of the month, meaning titles including Doctor Who, Luther and Top Gear will come off the US service.

US fans of several of the BBC shows in question reacted strongly to the stories, with some Doctor Who fans launching an online petition to ‘save’ the sci-fi.

TBI understands that discussions are ongoing about a package of Worldwide-distributed older BBC titles, including classic comedies Blackadder and Coupling, but other Worldwide series will remain on the streaming service.

The shows are up for renewal in the US only, meaning where they are carried on Netflix’s international service they are not under threat.

Netflix and BBC Worldwide recently struck a programming deal for the streaming operation’s international services, which included Doctor Who, Sherlock and Top Gear in several territories, as TBI revealed in October last year.