Marvel joins with Netflix for new TV shows featuring Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage!

So, this is kind of awesome.

Marvel has partnered with internet steaming service Netflix to create all-new, original shows based on four of their more popular characters: Daredevil, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and Jessica Jones. But, that’s not all. Apparently, the four shows, which will start out with a 13-episide run each, will culminate in a mini-series of The Defenders, of which all characters will be involved. Seeing as the Marvel Cinematic Universe is already connected to the small screen with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., it would seem that these shows would also tie into it, making for one hell of a crossover.

Here’s the full press release:

Burbank, Calif. – November 7, 2013 – The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) and Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) today announced an unprecedented deal for Marvel TV to bring multiple original series of live-action adventures of four of Marvel’s most popular characters exclusively to the world’s leading internet TV Network beginning in 2015. This pioneering agreement calls for Marvel to develop four serialised programmes leading to a miniseries programming event.

Led by a series focused on “Daredevil” followed by “Jessica Jones”, “Iron Fist” and “Luke Cage”, the epic will unfold over multiple years of original programming, taking Netflix members deep into the gritty world of heroes and villains of Hell’s Kitchen, New York.  Netflix has committed to a minimum of four, thirteen-episode series and a culminating Marvel’s “The Defenders” mini-series event that reimagines a dream team of self-sacrificing, heroic characters.

Produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Television Studios, this groundbreaking deal is Marvel’s most ambitious foray yet into live-action TV storytelling.

“This deal is unparalleled in its scope and size, and reinforces our commitment to deliver Marvel’s brand, content and characters across all platforms of storytelling. Netflix offers an incredible platform for the kind of rich storytelling that is Marvel’s specialty,” said Alan Fine, President of Marvel Entertainment. “This serialised epic expands the narrative possibilities of on-demand television and gives fans the flexibility to immerse themselves how and when they want in what’s sure to be a thrilling and engaging adventure.”

“Marvel’s movies, such as ‘Iron Man’ and Marvel’s ‘The Avengers’, are huge favourites on our service around the world. Like Disney, Marvel is a known and loved brand that travels,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos.  “With ‘House of Cards’ and our other original series, we have pioneered new approaches to storytelling and to global distribution and we’re thrilled to be working with Disney and Marvel to take our brand of television to new levels with a creative project of this magnitude.”

This new original TV deal follows last year’s landmark film distribution deal through which, beginning with 2016 theatrically released feature films, Netflix will be the exclusive U.S. subscription television service for first-run, live-action and animated movies from the Walt Disney Studios, including titles from Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Disneynature and Lucasfilm.  Netflix members can currently enjoy a wide range of Disney, ABC TV and Disney Channel films and shows across the 41 countries where Netflix operates.

I think this is a great idea. It gives this “street-level” heroes a place to grow and in a venue at the height of its popularity. After the news of Blockbuster Video closing its doors permanently, the next evolution of home entertainment is here, and the clear winner is streaming services with Netflix leading the charge. Marvel has made a wise choice and I think this will further strengthen the output of Marvel’s large stable of characters, especially for those who would benefit from more than a two-hour movie. No word on whether these will be “binge” shows or serialized, but no matter what, this is some next level shit. I can’t wait to see this unfold.

Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist will begin their rollout on Netflix sometime in 2015.