Ever since Disney announced it was creating its own streaming service, it started pulling its content from other platforms like Netflix, to provide Disney+ and Hulu with original programming.  But in doing so, Disney forgo lots of additional revenue from licensing that it had been used to.  Originally, the idea was that keeping all of its content together in one place would encourage more signups and reduce churn, which it does, but following a push to make its streaming services more profitable, earlier this year, Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed that it license content to other streaming services in the future:

“We’re not looking to license our core Marvel, Disney, Pixar or Star Wars product to third parties. We will consider on occasion licensing other product to third parties.”

This has led to Disney opening its vast catalogue, especially content from its general entertainment studios, up to other platforms, and it has been licensing out content to linear networks, FAST platforms and other streaming services.

And now, Tudum has announced that all four seasons of the ABC series, “Ugly Betty” are going to be returning to Netflix in the United States on August 1st 2023.  This will likely be a non-exclusive deal, with the show continuing to be available on Hulu at the same time.  Disney recently signed a similar deal with Channel 4 in the UK for shared access to a limited number of shows.

The series is set in the superficial world of high fashion, image is everything. Styles come and go, and the only constants are the super thin beauties who wear them. How can an ordinary girl from Queens possibly fit in?.

“Ugly Betty” stars America Ferrera and was executive produced by Salma Hayek and developed by Silvio Horta. Over the four years that the show ran, it touched on issues around beauty standards, immigration, LGBTQ+ identity, and class disparity, which resulted in the show winning several Emmys, Golden Globes, and GLAAD Awards.

We will likely see more shows from 20th Television and ABC being shared on other streaming platforms, as Disney looks to balance the books and make more money.  Licensing out older content on short-term non-exclusive deals is one way this can be done.

What do you think of “Ugly Betty” returning to Netflix?  Let us know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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