NBC cuts distribution deal to offer new shows on Netflix

The NBC television network will offer a preview of two new prime-time series to subscribers of Netflix, the popular DVD mail order movie rental service.

Subscribers will be able to watch the first episodes of each of the shows and sample trailers of NBC's other new series set to air in the 2006/2007 broadcast season. The shows will be available beginning on Aug. 5. The complete shows, without commercials, will available to Netflix customers six weeks prior to their premiere television broadcast.

NBC said it hopes to create early interest in the shows, “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” and “Kidnapped,” by offering them in advance of broadcast on DVD to 5 million Netflix subscribers.