Netflix has confirmed that it is bringing its movie and TV subscription streaming service to Australia and New Zealand in March 2015.
The announcement follows months of speculation as to when Australians would be able to start streaming content on Netflix, with most expecting the service to arrive in the country sometime in the next year, according to CNET.
In addition to access to original programming like "BoJack Horseman" and "Marco Polo," the U.S.-based company says Australians and New Zealanders will be treated with an expansion of content in 2015, which will include the original series "Bloodline," "Sense8," "Grace and Frankie," and Marvel's "Daredevil" franchise.
The launch follows extreme tension between Netflix and local services like Australian-based Quickflix, which said the U.S. company has been providing a "back door" for Australians to view its content, CNET reported. Local rights holders showed their displeasure several months ago by lobbying for the U.S. version of Netflix to be blocked from the country.
The Federal Department of Communications released statistics at a recent Online Copyright Infringement Forum stating that 27 percent of Australians, who have at least one media subscription, are accessing Netflix right now through a VPN.
The service will first be available on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, computers, set-top boxes and gaming consoles that can work with the internet, IGN reported. Details on local pricing, as well as differences between local and U.S. content, have yet to be revealed.
Netflix, which is the top internet TV network in the world, currently has more than 53 million members, and is expected to be supported in over 50 countries now that Australians and New Zealanders can watch their favorite TV shows and movies.
