Move aside, "Friends" and "The Office." Netflix now has a new gem — a show about nothing.
The company announced Monday it would start streaming all 180 episodes of "Seinfeld" in 2021, gaining a hugely popular addition to its library as the battle for viewers heats up.
Netflix Inc., which pioneered the binge-watching culture of streaming, was dealt a double blow this summer when it lost "The Office" and "Friends," two of its most popular shows, as their respective owners pulled them to add to their own streaming services.
"The Office" will leave at the end of 2020 to join NBCUniversal's new streaming service, and "Friends" will leave at the beginning of 2020 to join the upcoming HBO Max service.
It's a battle not likely to wane as the streaming TV space grows more crowded. Netflix has created significant momentum with its original shows, but new competitors are constantly popping up, including streaming arrivals from Apple and Disney.
Still, Netflix has a head start in the online space, with its deep library of past and new shows. It struck the five-year deal with Sony Pictures Television for the global streaming rights to "Seinfeld," the Emmy-winning television comedy which aired its final episode in 1998. Terms were not released.
The Los Angeles Times reported Netflix paid well above the speculated $500 million NBCUniversal paid to retake "The Office," and the reported $130 million Hulu parent Walt Disney Co. paid for "Seinfeld." Both of those deals are for U.S. streaming only — Netflix has bought the global rights to show "Seinfeld."
"Seinfeld is the television comedy that all television comedy is measured against," Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said in a statement.
Netflix noted it is still focused on producing its own shows — but it can't ignore the demand for rewatching old hits. The company spent $12 billion on original and non-original programming last year.
Jerry Seinfeld's show "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" and his standup special "Jerry Before Seinfeld" are already distributed by Netflix.
Mike Pierantozzi joins Movers+Shakers as exec creative director
Creative agency Movers+Shakers has appointed Mike Pierantozzi as executive creative director. In this new role, he will help guide the creative direction of Movers+Shakers’ socially-native campaigns. Pierantozzi will report to co-founder and chief creative officer Geoffrey Goldberg.
With nearly two decades of experience as a copywriter, creative director, and multi-platform storyteller, Pierantozzi brings a wealth of knowledge from his work with major brands including Kraft, Unilever, IBM, and Walmart. He has led the creation of award-winning campaigns for agencies like Red Tettemer, Ogilvy, The Brooklyn Brothers, TAXI, Saatchi & Saatchi, and most recently, Vayner, where he spearheaded culturally iconic work for Planters including “Death of Mr. Peanut.” He led the National Down Syndrome Society and Luvs account, whose “First Kid. Second Kid” campaign was awarded by the Effies, ADC, Clios and LIAs.
Outside of the office, Pierantozzi practices what he teaches brands. He’s gone viral multiple times on his own TikTok account, featuring comedic interactions with his son and a trombone. He’s accumulated 15K followers on TikTok.
“Mike brings a rare and awesome combination of deep social and platform experience, a keen eye for excellent storytelling, and a humble and kind approach to leadership,” said Goldberg. “Mike’s got a knack for turning brand stories into cultural movements, making him the perfect fit for Movers+Shakers. He’s got the kind of bold vision and attention to culture that fits perfectly with our mission to push creative boundaries and drive industry firsts. Plus, as a creator himself he has the innate ability to make people stop, laugh, and share--which is exactly what we’re about.”
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