Sky to bring Netflix on-demand package to Sky Q in November

Sky is introducing Netflix to its Sky Q platform in the UK in November, launching a new subscription package that it claims will be the country’s biggest on-demand TV service.

The ‘Ultimate On Demand’ subscription pack will bring together some 400 UK and US Sky Box Sets with the full Netflix service – allowing viewers to access Sky Originals like Tin Star, HBO content like Game of Thrones, and Netflix series like The Crown and Stranger Things.

“We want Sky Q to be the number one destination for TV fans,” said Sky UK and Ireland CEO, Stephen van Rooyen. “Partnering with Netflix means we will have all the best TV in one great value pack, making it even easier for you to watch all of your favourite shows.”

With the integration, recommendations for Sky and Netflix shows will be highlighted on Sky Q’s homepage and customers will be able to pay for the combined service via their monthly Sky bill rather than paying for Sky and Netflix separately.

Ultimate On Demand will cost £10 a month for new and existing customers on top of the price of their Sky Q subscription, while existing Sky Q customers with Netflix will be able to move their account to the new pack or sign in to the Netflix app on Sky Q using their existing Netflix account details.

“Innovation is at the core of Netflix. We are delighted to partner with Sky to offer fans a new and exciting way to access the best of entertainment from around the world,” said Chris Whiteley, Netflix’s director business development for the UK and Ireland.

Speaking at IBC last week, Netflix’s vice-president of business development for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Maria Ferreras, said that its Sky deal would begin at the end of this year in the UK and will also roll out to Ireland, Germany, Austria and Italy.

During her presentation, Ferreras said that Netflix now has more than 50 local partners in 25 countries and is now taking this approach “to the next level” – in terms of the number of deals, geographic reach and the depth of partnerships.

Sky first announced in March that it would bundle Netflix as part of a new Sky subscription package. At the time it said Netflix will launch along with the new subscription pack in the UK and Ireland in the coming year, with the same deal in Germany, Austria and Italy coming later.

Commenting on today’s news, technology, media and telco analyst Paolo Pescatore said the Netflix deal “further increases Sky’s own value as a one stop shop provider.”

“More importantly it will also get access to Netflix’s catalogue and metadata which will prove more attractive to Disney – as Comcast is already working with Netflix.”