Is 'That '70s Show' Leaving Netflix? Exclusive Streaming Rights Cost 'Hundreds Of Millions'

As more streaming services continue to pop up, companies have to fight harder to gain the attention of their audiences. This has been evident in recent months as the ongoing war to gain exclusive rights continues to become more intense. Now, it seems as though the popular Fox sitcom "That '70s Show" may be changing hands as competition stiffens.

According to the Los Angeles Times, 200 episodes from eight seasons of the show have been on Netflix since 2011, but increased interest from other services may influence the program's future home.

Carsey-Werner Television, a Los Angeles studio, has revealed that at least four different services are interested in bringing the show into their catalog. Not only does the increased competition raise the stakes, but Netflix's exclusive rights to the show end next year, which could result in the series heading to a different service. "That '70s Show" is one of several that the studio believes could become valuable titles in the future, as they see "Roseanne" and "3rd Rock From the Sun" as other programs that could be sought after.

As for why streaming services may be fighting so hard for the aforementioned shows, Jim Kraus, Carsey-Werner Domestic Television's president, stated that older shows have proven audiences and inspire people to spend longer amounts of time on their various sites. At this time, "That '70's Show" is expected to "fetch hundreds of millions of dollars."

Aside from the potential relocation of the popular comedy starring Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Topher Grace, and Laura Prepon, "Seinfeld" also changed hands earlier this year when its domestic agreement with Hulu expired. Beginning in 2021, the "show about nothing" will call Netflix home.