'Desperate Housewives', 'Grey's Anatomy' come to LoveFilm

Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy have become available for streaming on LoveFilm under a new content deal between the Amazon-owned company and Disney's ABC TV On Demand.

Launched in 2010, the fully ABC-branded VOD service - ABC's first outside the US - allows users to watch the network's shows shortly after they are first broadcast on UK television.

LoveFilm, which is now competing with Netflix after the latter launched in the UK and Ireland this month, has reached an agreement to bring ABC TV On Demand to its subscribers.

From this month, LoveFilm members can stream entire series of shows such as Castle and Lost on a variety of connected devices, including the PS3, Xbox 360, iPad and connected TVs.

ABC TV On Demand also offers Golden Globe and Emmy-winning Desperate Housewives, hit comedy Happy Endings, medical drama Grey's Anatomy, Ghost Whisperer, starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, and every episode of Brothers & Sisters.

New shows will be launched as full seasons after their first run on UK pay or free TV.

LoveFilm has recently been snapping up a range of content deals as it competes with rival providers, including agreements with the BBC and ITV, along with rights to movies from Sony, Warner Bros and Studio Canal.

"LoveFilm members want top class TV shows, as well as movies, to watch instantly as part of their subscription," said LoveFilm chief executive Simon Calver.

"Today's deal with Disney brings them access to some of the best American TV content ever produced. LOVEFiLM's unique combination of world class movies and TV shows ensures that LoveFilm is the first and only port of call for those who want subscription entertainment on demand."

The Walt Disney Company EMEA's general manager of media distribution Catherine Powell added: "ABC TV On Demand is home to high quality, compelling US drama, produced by ABC Studios, and launching this service with LoveFilm means we are able to offer viewers more choice and flexibility in how and when they can view full seasons of these gripping shows, through one easy-to-use service."