Netflix will soon offer original programming, but will it also come to the rescue of TV shows discarded by networks?
That's the subject of a new rumor, courtesy of Deadline.com.
The TV show in question is sci-fi drama "The Event," recently cancelled by NBC. Deadline reports that another distributor could snap up and extend the series--and Netflix may be one of the contenders.
"Talks are underway with at least one distribution partner to take over the serialized drama," writes Deadline. "The Event executive producer Steve Stark wouldn't comment, but I hear new original programming player Netflix's name tossed around."
Wishful thinking? Perhaps.
Then again, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings recently told All Thinks D that Netflix would be interested in "extending a season of something that was doing well on Netflix."
However, "The Event" isn't part of the current Netflix roster.
"If the service had access to past seasons of the show, and had seen significant subscriber interest, it'd be easier to justify," writes All Things D. "But in this case, it would have to guess that something that didn't appeal to NBC's audience would resonate with Netflix users. That's a pretty big leap."
In March, Netflix secured distribution rights for original series "House of Cards." The show will premier on Netflix in late 2012.
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