Andre Yoskowitz
17 Mar 2011 1:04
Netflix is on the verge of acquiring its first original series, outbidding HBO and AMC for the drama "House of Cards," starring Kevin Spacey.
The show is directed by David Fincher, the man behind 'Fight Club' and 'The Social Network,' among other hits.
While the numbers are mostly speculation, Deadline says the deal may end up costing Netflix over $100 million for two seasons (26 episodes).
Netflix is the overwhelming streaming video market leader, but the company had shunned original programming until recently.
A two-season commitment is an absolute anomaly in this day and age, with most broadcasters, and even premium channels like HBO and Showtime piloting new shows, or signing on for short 6-13 episode seasons. With a two-season commitment, Netflix is betting largely that the show will be a massive hit, brining in millions of new subscribers.
Netflix has currently committed over $1.5 billion for deals with Paramount, CBS, Lionsgate, MGM, Relativity Media and Starz. A streaming-only plan from Netflix is $8 per month.