Netflix and ABC ink new deal

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Netflix announced Monday an agreement that allows it to make several popular Disney-ABC Television Group shows available to be streamed instantly.

The deal means Netflix members will be able to stream through the online movie rental service the first five seasons of "Lost," Seasons 4 and 5 of "Desperate Housewives," Season 5 of "Grey's Anatomy," and Seasons 1 and 2 of the syndicated series "Legend of the Seeker."

Many of the episodes, including the first four seasons of "Lost," were made available through Netflix last Saturday. The remainder will be available in subsequent months, beginning in September, Netflix said.

The agreement extends the online relationship between Netflix and Disney-ABC Television Group, which announced their first digital licensing deal last September. That agreement included series from the Disney Channel, including the hits "Hannah Montana," "Wizards of Waverly Place," "The Suite Life on Deck," "JONAS" and "Sonny with a Chance." The original pact, which will continue, makes episodes available the day after they're broadcast.