Indiantelevision.com Team

(31 July 2007 3:30 pm)

MUMBAI: Online movie rental service Netflix Inc. has tied up with Showtime Networks' new series Californication for an online marketing promotional activity.

The series stars David Duchovny of The X Files fame and is available exclusively on Netflix for three weeks prior to the series premiere on Showtime on 13 August.

Netflix subscribers can view the premiere episode of the new series on DVD or they can watch it instantly on their PC by going to netflix.com/watchnow.

An official release states that this is the first time that Netflix is offering subscribers the chance to watch original content in advance of its broadcast premiere through both the service's instant watching feature and via DVD.

"This exciting arrangement with Netflix mirrors Showtime's mission to bring viewers something they won't find anywhere else," said Showtime networks president of entertainment Robert Greenblatt. "We are thrilled to partner with them with 'Californication' and get this incredible series in front of as large an audience as possible."

Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said, "Netflix is a distinctive destination for movie and television lovers. We believe that offering a first look at such a high-profile Showtime property adds both value and excitement for our subscribers."

A comedy series, Californication centers on writer Hank Moody (Duchovny), who struggles to raise his 13-year-old daughter (Madeleine Martin) while still carrying a torch for his ex-girlfriend Karen (Natascha McElhone). His obsession with honesty and self-destructive behavior - drinking, drugs and relationships - are both impeding and enriching his career.

Netflix, Inc is the world's largest online movie rental service, providing more than six million subscribers access to an estimated 80,000 DVD titles plus a growing library of about 2,000 titles that can be watched instantly on their PCs. Showtime Networks Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation and operates a bouquet of channels.