Seinfeld fans, rejoice: this news is real, and it’s spectacular. As the Los Angeles Times reports, Netflix has acquired the global streaming rights for the classic sitcom and will begin streaming it in 2021.
The five-year deal with Sony Pictures Television, which controls the distribution of Seinfeld, means that Netflix will stream all 180 episodes of the series — a big win for them after they recently lost the streaming rights to The Office and Friends.
“Seinfeld is a one-of-a-kind, iconic, culture-defining show,” Sony Pictures Television chairman Mike Hopkins told the Los Angeles Times. “Now, 30 years after its premiere, Seinfeld remains center stage. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Netflix to bring this beloved series to current fans and new audiences around the globe.”
There’s no word on how much Netflix shelled out for the deal, but as the Times points out, the fact that it’s dealing with global distribution means it likely cost significantly more than the $500 million NBCUniversal paid for the US-only streaming rights to The Office.
Hulu currently has the domestic streaming rights for Seinfeld and will continue to stream the show until their deal expires in 2021.
“Seinfeld is the television comedy that all television comedy is measured against,” Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer, said in a statement. “It is as fresh and funny as ever and will be available to the world in 4K for the first time.”
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