Online streaming video service Netflix will offer a range of Australian and New Zealand content ahead of its Australian launch in March, after signing a distribution deal with Beyond Distribution.
The deal gives the internet television network access to specials by big-name comedians, including Carl Barron, Arj Barker, Kitty Flanagan, Jimeoin and the Umbilical Brothers.
Netflix will also broadcast a number of local kids’ series, including Lightning Point, the first three seasons of H2O: Just Add Water and the first season of Mako Mermaids.
The local content will be available on top of Netflix’s original shows, as well as content from third-party studios such as Disney.
It comes after Netflix confirmed a March launch for its service in Australia in November last year, with the streaming video service set to compete against Foxtel, Quickflix, Ezyflix, and Fairfax/Nine joint venture Stan.
However, while Netflix and Hulu have not officially been available in Australia until now, many users have used virtual private networks (VPN) to circumvent the restrictions.
Andrew Sadauskas is a former journalist at SmartCompany and a former editor of TechCompany.
