Netflix and Showtime Announce Exclusive Sneak Peek of New Comedy Series 'Californication'

Netflix and Showtime Announce Exclusive Sneak Peek of New Comedy Series 'Californication'

-Premiere Episode of Showtime Original Program Available for DVD Rental and Instant Watching by Netflix Subscribers-

LOS GATOS, Calif., July 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) , the world's largest online movie rental service, today announced that the new Showtime Networks series "Californication," which stars David Duchovny ("The X Files"), is available exclusively at Netflix for the three weeks prior to the series premiere on Showtime on Monday, August 13 at 10:30 p.m. (Pacific Time/Eastern Time).

This unique marketing promotion provides Netflix subscribers with the opportunity to watch the premiere episode of the new series on DVD or they can watch it instantly on their PC by going to netflix.com/watchnow. For the first time, 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 Robert Greenblatt, president of entertainment for Showtime Networks Inc. "We are thrilled to partner with them with 'Californication' and get this incredible series in front of as large an audience as possible."

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

A sophisticated and unique 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.

About Netflix

Netflix, Inc (NASDAQ:NFLX) is the world's largest online movie rental service, providing more than six million subscribers access to over 80,000 DVD titles plus a growing library of over 2,000 titles that can be watched instantly on their PCs. The company offers nine subscription plans, starting at only $4.99 per month. There are no due dates and no late fees - ever. All Netflix plans include both DVDs delivered to subscribers' homes and, for no additional fee, movies and TV series that can be started in as little as 30 seconds on subscribers' PCs. DVDs are delivered free to members by first class mail, with a postage-paid return envelope, from over 100 U.S. shipping points. Nearly 95 percent of Netflix subscribers live in areas that can be reached with generally one business day delivery. Netflix offers personalized movie recommendations and has more than one billion movie ratings. For more information, visit www.netflix.com.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME(R), THE MOVIE CHANNEL(TM) and FLIX(R), as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME(R) TOO(TM), SHOWTIME(R) SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME(R), SHOWTIME BEYOND(R), SHOWTIME NEXT(R), SHOWTIME WOMEN(R), SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE(R) and TMC XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD(R), THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD(TM), SHOWTIME ON DEMAND(TM) and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND(TM). SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME(R) PPV.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: bhanley@netflix.com

Source: Netflix, Inc.

CONTACT: Bronagh Hanley of Netflix, Inc., +1-408-540-3916,
bhanley@netflix.com; or Stu Zakim of Showtime Networks Inc., +1-212-708-1590,
Stuart.zakim@showtime.net, for Netflix, Inc.

Web site: http://www.netflix.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment