Netflix Announces 'Bardo,' First Chinese-Language Series

The ever-expanding streaming giant is looking for inroads in China.
By Buster Coen ,

Following the announcement of two Indian original series, "Selection Day" and "Again," Netflix Inc. (NFLX) - Get Report has announced that it will enter production on its first Chinese-language series, "Bardo."

The show from Taiwan will follow a man attempting to break out of jail and will reportedly contain elements of Taiwanese aboriginal mysticism. Netflix has been streaming in Taiwan since 2016 and just this year reached a deal with Baidu Inc.'s (BIDU) - Get Report streaming platform, iQiyi, to stream content in mainland China.

The Thursday, Aug. 3, announcement of "Bardo," which did not reveal an estimated release date, should come as no surprise to anyone who followed Netflix's second-quarter earnings call. Following its huge earnings beat, CEO Reed Hastings and chief content officer Ted Sarandos told investors that the streaming giant was expanding its international content to spur subscriber growth overseas.

Netflix's international strategy has worked so far, with an influx of 4.1 million international subscribers this quarter alone. About 104 million people around the world are Netflix subscribers now, with about half that number coming from overseas markets.

Before the opening bell Friday, Netflix shares were up 70 cents to $179.93. The stock has soared nearly 45% in 2017.

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