Netflix Series Coming to China

The streaming giant /4/bring its original programming across the world.

Soon the Chinese people will be able to watch President Underwood, Kimmie Schmidt, and the whole Orange is the New Black family from their computers, smart phones, and televisions. The Wall Street Journal reports that Hastings & Co. are in talks with online broadcasters BesTV and Wasu to expand its reach outside of the US. The hope to offer their streaming libraries in other countries, especially those that already have Netflix permissions, but don’t have access to original features. One of their first stops? China, who will offer the company a large viewing audience that will hopefully expand the brand and make room for more Netflix-only series.

While negotiations are in the early stages, there are a few problems they will likely encounter. The first is the use of language in some of the shows and the objectionable subject matter, including sex and violence that one sees on the television shows. In some countries, it is likely that the relationships shown on Orange is the New Black, for example, will cause problems. Shows like House of Cards will also have a tough sell with some of the content, including a plot line where a corrupt Chinese businessman gets tangled within the American government. While sex and language is a problem, it is that political content that is likely to be censored by foreign countries.

Wasu hopes to stream to phones and other devices, and Netflix revealed a desire to send “original and other globally-licensed content” by “operating a small service” in China earlier this year. Back in February, Netflix announced plans to launch in Japan this fall, so the global expansion seems to be progressing nicely for the streaming service.

There has been no announcement as to whether or not this would allow for more programming in different countries, though one can assume that is around the corner.