Gotham is headed to Netflix.
The streaming service has nabbed rights to Gotham. It is believed to be the first deal of its kind for a broadcast show that has yet to premiere. The upcoming Batman prequel is set to bow on Fox at 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22.
Under the deal between Netflix and Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution, the streaming service will get exclusive subscription video on demand rights for Gotham in the U.S., territories in which Netflix operates, as well as some additional territories. Seasons of the series will become available after their initial broadcast dates starting in fall 2015.
"Gotham is the most anticipated new series of the fall season and we are thrilled to offer it to our members around the world," said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos in a statement. "The Batman origin story is sure to have massive global appeal so it is fitting that, along with Warner Television, we have created a new model for distributing a show that international and domestic audiences will love."
Netflix declined to comment on how much it was paying for the rights. It recently paid a pretty penny for rights to NBC's The Blacklist, coughing up $2 million an episode for the series. Deadline first reported the news of the Gotham deal.
Gotham, which takes place years before Bruce Wayne becomes Batman, centers on the early days of James Gordon (Benjamin McKenzie), who in DC Comics lore eventually ascends to the position of Gotham police commissioner.
Fox is betting big on Gotham as it works to revamp its scripted lineup following the departure of chairman Kevin Reilly and the appointment of Gary Newman and Dana Walden as his replacements. In late August, the network rolled out a special four-part preview online further exploring the mythology, and at July's Comic-Con Gotham had a large presence: a harbor-front zip line, a Gotham PD Uber service, Gotham Chronicle newspapers, the GothamChronicles.com town website and branded trolleys and cabs. A trailer and poster contest was also launched to capitalize on fan interest.
Gotham will have a major presence internationally: Canada's CTV and the U.K.'s Channel 5 are among the networks abroad that will air the series.
