https://www.theringer.com/2016/10/19/16038496/classic-black-shows-not-on-netflix-fresh-prince-of-bel-air-a081092b31b5

Classic black TV shows haven’t made the jump to streaming platforms — and their window of opportunity may be closing

The short end of it is that Warner Bros. owns the rights and hasn't sold the streaming rights to anyone (in America, since this show is available in other countries on Netflix). And no one actually knows why America is left out but they're all talking like they don't know it's available in other countries. Perhaps, Warner Bros. has specific asking price in mind and none of the streaming companies will pony up so I think they figure if they wait that one will pay.

https://www.theringer.com/2016/10/19/16038496/classic-black-shows-not-on-netflix-fresh-prince-of-bel-air-a081092b31b5



The short end of it is that Warner Bros. owns the rights and hasn't sold the streaming rights to anyone (in America, since this show is available in other countries on Netflix). And no one actually knows why America is left out but they're all talking like they don't know it's available in other countries. Perhaps, Warner Bros. has specific asking price in mind and none of the streaming companies will pony up so I think they figure if they wait that one will pay.

This is just my theory. In anticipation of having apps of their own to subscribe to some studios are getting their contracts clear. I know Disney is doing this with Netflix.

I suspect there will be too many of these services at some point unless a couple of studios combine their libraries. The WB library would contain a lot of TV series and films and the classic old cartoons. They may not plan to have their own app but as more streaming networks pop up this would increase the bidding on adding their library in with someone other than Netflix such as Apple.

Netflix isn't the only game in town anymore which has caused them to invest a fortune in original Netflix programs knowing that competition such as Amazon, Apple, Disney, etc. may pay more to acquire their content.