Netflix To Start Streaming ‘Mad Men’ On July 27

April 6, 2011 5:12 AM

Actress January Jones, series creator and executive producer Matthew Weiner, actor Jon Hamm, actress Elisabeth Moss, actress Christina Hendricks and actor Vincent Kartheiser, winners of Best Television Series – Drama award for “Mad Men” pose in the press room at the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 17, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California. (credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (AP) — Netflix will start streaming the hit TV series “Mad Men” in a multi-year deal the online movie rental company struck with Lions Gate, the show’s producer.

Netflix Inc. and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. said late Tuesday the show’s first four seasons will be available beginning July 27, with additional seasons added each year after they air on AMC.

Netflix is already streaming the first four seasons of “Mad Men” in Canada.

The deal comes as traditional TV services are increasingly viewing Netflix as a competitor rather than a customer. CBS Corp.’s Showtime recently pulled back shows such as ‘Dexter’ from Netflix’s streaming service. Netflix, meanwhile, is also stepping up the rivalry. It is planning to debut an original series called “House of Cards” with actor Kevin Spacey.