With the fall TV season kicking in, Netflix is adding a cluster of NBC’s past full seasons to its video-streaming lineup, which could peel some viewers away from new shows on traditional TV — or prompt others to tune in.
Starting Tuesday, Oct. 1, Netflix will stream the final seasons of two of the Peacock’s past comedy hits: “The Office” season 9, featuring the last shenanigans of the Dunder Mifflin gang; and “30 Rock” season 7, starring Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin.
All told, Netflix will offer via instant streaming 192 eps of “The Office” and 135 eps of “30 Rock,” representing the entire runs of both skeins.
Netflix also Tuesday will start streaming last year’s seasons of two NBC returning shows: “Parks and Recreation” season 5 and “Parenthood” season 4.
NBCUniversal cut a renewal with Netflix in 2011, which guaranteed Netflix would have access to future seasons of certain shows.
Meanwhile, the first 20-episode season of J.J. Abrams’ “Revolution” already has been streaming on Netflix through a pact with Warner Bros. Television Group. Season 2 of “Revolution” premiered last week on NBC.
As for whether Netflix helps or hurts TV ratings, the track record is mixed. For children’s content, Netflix can cut into viewership: Turner’s Cartoon Network, for example, has attributed part of its ratings declines to the fact that several series become available on the subscription VOD service.
For scripted dramas, Netflix can actually drive TV audiences higher. AMC’s “Breaking Bad,” which pulled in a series-best 10.3 million viewers for Sunday’s finale, has benefited from past seasons being available on the service. Show creator Vince Gilligan has even credited Netflix for keeping “Breaking Bad” on the air.
