Netflix Adds Streaming ABC/Disney TV Shows

Netflix announced Wednesday a deal with ABC and its parent company, Disney, that will bring shows from both companies to Netflix’s online streaming service. The deal covers shows from the ABC Television Network, Disney Channel, and ABC Family, and includes new episodes that will be available “no later than 15 days from the original air date.”

The shows are available through several levels of Netflix subscription, including the company’s new US$7.99 per month streaming-only package. While neither Disney nor Netflix announced terms of the deal, The L.A. Times reported that it was in the neighborhood of $200 million.

The deal covers shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, Scrubs, Reaper, Phineas and Ferb, Good Luck Charlie, and now-canceled shows such as Lost and Ugly Betty. Netflix also scored some Disney movies in the deal, including the High School Musical franchise, Camp Rock, and others.

Disney has often being in on the more adventuresome side when it comes digital distribution of its content. It has consistently been the first major network to sign on to various deals with Apple’s iTunes, for instance. Apple CEO Steve Jobs is the largest shareholder in Disney, which got Mr. Jobs as part of its acquisition of his other little company, Pixar.

We should also note that Netflix is one of the only third party services available through Apple’s newest Apple TV model.