Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
Netflix has made a deal for Lifetime’s upcoming psychological thriller series You, from Greg Berlanti, Sera Gamble, Berlanti Productions and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Scripted Television and A+E Studios.
Under the pact, Netflix has licensed first-run international SVOD rights to the 10-episode series outside of the U.S. (excluding China), with second-run window in the U.S., Turkey and Turkish-speaking Cyprus. You, starring Penn Badgley and Elizabeth Lail, is set to premiere Sept. 9 on Lifetime, and will air as a Netflix original outside of the U.S.
Written by Berlanti and Gamble based on Caroline Kepnes’ best-selling novel of the same name, You is described as a 21st century love story that asks, “What would you do for love?” When a brilliant bookstore manager crosses paths with an aspiring writer, his answer becomes clear: anything. Using the internet and social media as his tools to gather the most intimate of details and get close to her, a charming and awkward crush quickly becomes obsession as he quietly and strategically removes every obstacle – and person – in his way. (you can watch a trailer below)
You is part of Netflix’s co-licensing model, in which Netflix is collaborating with big U.S. studios on series that air on other linear or digital networks in the U.S. Netflix takes first-run global distribution in as many territories as available – ideally everywhere outside of U.S./Canada. The streaming giant boarding a project as international distributor for a hefty fee covers a significant part — sometimes even the entire — series budget. WBTV and Berlanti Prods. were among the first to test the model with the CW drama Riverdale, followed by Black Lightning. Other series co-licensed by Netflix as part of the initiative so far include the CW/CBS TV Studios’ Dynasty, NBC’s Good Girls, CBS All Access/CBS Studios’ Star Trek: Discovery as well as Universal Cable Prods.’ Shooter, Damnation, The Sinner and Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. on USA and Nightflyers on Syfy.
Berlanti and Gamble executive produce You alongside Berlanti Prods.’ Sarah Schechte and Alloy’s Leslie Morgenstein and Gina Girolamo.
