Netfix nabs global streaming rights to Fox’s American Crime Story
James R | On 25, Jul 2016
Netflix has nabbed the global streaming rights to Fox’s American Crime Story.
The People v. O.J. Simpson, the first season of FX’s franchise, concluded its 10-episode run as cable’s most-watched new series of 2016, with 22 Emmys under its belt. Now, it’s coming to Netflix… eventually.
The limited series was produced by Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions. It goes inside the O.J. Simpson trial and explores the chaotic, behind-the-scenes dealings and maneuvering on both sides of the court, and how a combination of prosecution overconfidence, defense shrewdness and the LAPD’s history with the city’s African-American community gave a jury what it needed: reasonable doubt.
From executive producers Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski and Brad Falchuk, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story starred John Travolta, Cuba Gooding Jr., Sarah Paulson, David Schwimmer, Courtney B. Vance, Sterling K. Brown, Nathan Lane, Kenneth Choi, Christian Clemenson and Bruce Greenwood.
While the BBC had the first-run rights on UK TV, Netflix will be the global streaming home for the series, marking Netflix’s first global SVOD licensing agreement with 20th Century Fox Television Distribution.
The first season will be available globally on Netflix, excluding Canada, in 2017.
The second season of American Crime Story focusing on Hurricane Katrina will debut on FX next year, with all future seasons to be made available on Netflix after their respective broadcast windows.
“We’re excited to evolve our relationship with FOX and to bring their lauded content to our members around the world,” says Sean Carey, Vice President of Global Television. “Given the popularity of the first season of American Crime Story, we are thrilled to offer this acclaimed drama series to our members.”
“We’re extremely pleased to continue our relationship with Netflix on this groundbreaking deal,” adds Gina Brogi, EVP Worldwide Pay TV and SVOD, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution. “We are very proud of the first installment of this franchise, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, which has received extraordinary critical acclaim and perfectly captured the cultural Zeitgeist.”