Paramount and Netflix Licensed Matlock for Global Viewers
The CBS television series has expanded its international reach through a new licensing agreement between the studios.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Television
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Paramount and Netflix have reached a partnership to license original CBS Studios content for international audiences. The move follows the successful debut of the series Matlock on the streaming platform in October 2026.
Why it matters
Streaming services are leveraging international exposure deals to drive subscriber growth as the television industry navigates a contraction in scripted content. This strategy allows platforms to tap into existing popular programming to maintain viewer engagement.
Matlock currently ranks seventh on the FlixPatrol popularity list and features nineteen episodes available for streaming. The series has already secured a renewal for a third season, which will consist of a shortened episode order.
The players
Paramount
Paramount is a major global media and entertainment company that owns the CBS television network and CBS Studios.
Netflix
Netflix is a global subscription-based streaming service that provides television series and film content to international audiences.
CBS
CBS is a major American commercial broadcast television network and the original broadcaster of the series Matlock.
The details
The distribution partnership focuses on bringing CBS-owned titles to the wider Netflix global subscriber base to maximize show exposure. The collaboration comes as both companies look to optimize their content strategies amid a broader industry shift away from peak scripted output.
Timeline
September 22, 2024: Matlock premiered on CBS.
October 2026: The series became available on Netflix for international subscribers.
Industry Dynamics
This deal underscores the broader trend of major studios licensing library content to streaming competitors to monetize assets during a period of reduced production. It marks a strategic pivot as the entertainment industry moves away from the era of peak scripted programming and toward asset optimization.
International Netflix subscribers can now access nineteen episodes of the series, with a third season confirmed for future release. The partnership increases content availability for global audiences without requiring subscriptions to multiple domestic U.S. broadcast services.
The takeaway
The success of this international licensing deal highlights how legacy broadcast hits can find significant second lives through global streaming platforms. Viewers can expect to see more established shows cross over to international streamers as studios prioritize broad distribution for existing catalogs.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry shifts in Television.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Collider.
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