Netflix is going Down Under.
The streaming platform announced Tuesday, via a cryptic tweet, that it will be available in Australia and New Zealand for the first time in March 2015.
http://t.co/8kKEzEtyq8 ɹǝpu∩uʍoᗡxıןɟʇǝN# uǝɥʇ ןıʇu∩ ¡ZN & sn∀ ɥɔɹɐW uı noʎ ǝǝS
— Netflix (@netflix) November 18, 2014
Pricing for a subscription to Netflix in the countries will be announced “at a later date.”
In a press release, Netflix said the Australia and New Zealand collection will include upcoming original series “Marco Polo,” animated “BoJack Horseman” and kids titles including DreamWorks Animation’s “All Hail King Julien.” Movies and TV shows will be available in high definition and in 4k where possible.
Other titles promised to Netflix Australia and New Zealand in 2015 as it expands include upcoming original series “Bloodline” (starring, fittingly, Australian actor Ben Mendelsohn), Marvel’s “Daredevil” series, “Sense8” and Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda’s “Grace and Frankie.”
At launch, content will be available via smart TVs, tablets, smartphones, computers and a range of Internet-capable game consoles and set-top boxes.
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The deal isn’t too surprising, given that Netflix has been signaling it for months. In September, the company nabbed exclusive subscription-streaming rights for Australia to Batman origin series “Gotham” under its deal with Warner Bros.
In an effort to access Netflix, Aussies have taken to unconventional means. Reportedly about 200,000 Australians are already subscribed to Netflix and access content using private networks to bypass geoblocking restrictions — a complaint of Quickflix, currently the biggest SVOD played operating in the country.
“If you want Netflix to compete in Australia come through the front door,” Quickflix CEO Stephen Langsford wrote in an open letter to Netflix chief Reed Hastings. “Instead you’re currently enjoying a free ride in Australia ignoring unauthorised ‘back door’ access to your US service and thereby taking revenue away from local services which are investing to service the local market and endeavouring to provide choice and competition to consumers.”
The news comes as the U.S.-based company continues to expand around the world. In September, Netflix launched in six European countries: France, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Austria and Switzerland.
Netflix is currently offering early sign-up for alerts on the Australia-New Zealand launch on its website.