Why Rival Streamers Are Sharing Their Biggest Hits

2026-10-28 companies

Los Gatos, Wednesday, 28 October 2026.
MGM’s flagship thriller surged to Netflix’s top two immediately after its October debut, demonstrating how strategic licensing allows competing streaming giants to monetize catalog content and expand audience reach.

A Strategic Shift in Content Licensing

Netflix’s (NASDAQ: NFLX) October 19, 2026, acquisition of the first three seasons of MGM+’s (NASDAQ: AMZN) critically acclaimed horror series From—while MGM+ retains exclusive domestic rights to season four—exemplifies a broader industry trend where rival streaming platforms license premium content to optimize monetization and audience reach [1][2][5]. This strategy allows MGM+ to monetize its catalog across multiple windows, while Netflix gains access to a high-performing IP that immediately surged to the top two of its charts [1][2][5]. The deal underscores how legacy studios and streamers are increasingly collaborating to maximize revenue streams, even as they compete for subscriber attention [1][2][5].

The Rise of From and Its Impact on Streaming Metrics

The series, which premiered on Epix in February 2022 before moving to MGM+, has become a cornerstone of the platform’s original programming, with each season maintaining Rotten Tomatoes scores above 90%, including a perfect 100% for season three [1][2][5]. Upon its October 19, 2026, debut on Netflix, From quickly became the second-most-watched TV series in the U.S., according to FlixPatrol, a ranking service tracking streaming performance [5]. This performance demonstrates how licensed content can drive immediate subscriber engagement, particularly in a crowded market where Netflix competes with Disney+, Max, and other major platforms [5]. The series’ success has also sparked discussions about the potential for future licensing deals between MGM+ and Netflix, though no official confirmation has been made regarding season four’s arrival on the latter platform [1][2][5].

The licensing of From highlights a strategic shift in the streaming ecosystem, where platforms are prioritizing monetization over exclusivity for certain titles [1][2][5]. By licensing older seasons to Netflix, MGM+ can generate additional revenue through licensing fees while retaining exclusive rights to newer content, such as season four, which concluded its run on MGM+ in June 2026 [1][2][5]. This approach allows studios to leverage their catalogs across multiple platforms, thereby broadening their audience reach and maximizing ROI [1][2][5]. For Netflix, acquiring high-performing content like From helps it compete in the increasingly saturated streaming market, where subscriber retention hinges on a mix of original and licensed content [1][2][5]. Industry analysts suggest that this trend is likely to continue, with more studios exploring similar licensing agreements to balance exclusivity with revenue diversification [1][2][5].

What’s Next for From and Its Fans

While seasons one through three are now available on Netflix, season four remains exclusive to MGM+ in the U.S., though international audiences may have access to it through other platforms [1][2][5]. The fifth and final season, which was officially renewed in April 2026, is currently in production in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with filming expected to wrap by the end of November 2026 and a planned premiere on MGM+ in 2027 [1][5]. Harold Perrineau, the lead actor, has hinted at the season’s availability on Netflix, stating in a social media post, ‘Netflix. Seasons 1-4. Coming October,’ though no official date has been confirmed [2]. Industry observers note that Netflix’s licensing window for From will likely conclude before the season five premiere, leaving the door open for further negotiations between the two platforms [1][2][5].

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media consolidation streaming licensing