Online streaming companies try their best to get popular content for their subscribers. That’s how they can retain them and also bring on new paying subscribers. It was a big win for Netflix when it finally brought the cult favorite Friends to its subscribers. While at one point it was rumored that Netflix could also bag Seinfeld, another classic, it appears that the company is no longer in the race. According to a report the streaming rights war for this immensely popular show is being fought between Amazon, Hulu and Yahoo.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Amazon, Hulu and Yahoo are all trying to get their hands on the streaming rights for this NBC sitcom. Distribution is handled by Sony Pictures Television. Whoever gets the rights, Warner Bros. will make a lot of money off of it, it also happens to own the production company Castle Rock Entertainment that produced Seinfeld.
The report says that Sony is asking for as much as $500,000 per episode or higher. There are 180 episodes in the entire series which puts the fees for streaming rights at an astronomical $90 million.
It might sound like much but streaming companies are willing to pay these fees. Netflix reportedly paid $500,000 per episode for Friends. Apparently ’90s nostalgia doesn’t come cheap.
The Journal reports that Netflix did take a “hard look” at Seinfeld before backing down and allowing one of its competitors to pick up the show. A deal is expected to be announced in the next few weeks.
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