Don Draper and his throwback ad agency antics will be streaming on Netflix
Lionsgate
Terms of the deal aren't being disclosed, but Variety reports that Netflix will be paying a license fee of just under $1 million per episode.
This isn't chump change, but it's also Netflix flexing its muscles at the right time. Recent headlines had CBS'
AMC is unlikely to complain. Allowing Netflix subscribers the freedom to brush up on the first four seasons of the critically acclaimed drama should boost ratings on AMC when Mad Men returns for a fifth season early next year.
It's a win-win-win deal, and it won't be the last time that Netflix writes a big check for premium content.
As Netflix's subscriber base grows, the Web-savvy video specialist will be able to shell out top dollar for content that no smaller pretender will be able to justify. The game's over, but aspiring Netflix rivals haven't realized it yet.
What video property should Netflix target next? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.