Youku signs deal to expand its BBC content

Youku, the video-streaming platform affiliated to China’s e-commerce giant Alibaba, has recently signed a deal to expand its licensed BBC content to 430 hours, seeking to top all Chinese online platforms in terms of British shows.

With the new agreement, Youku will add 80 hours of new content to its previously acquired 350 hours of British shows since it began to launch a channel for the United Kingdom dramas.

Chinese netizens will see all four seasons of Sherlock and the full catalog of Doctor Who, including the latest season which is currently airing.

Besides, the fifth season of the BBC series Inside No 9 -- an anthology of darkly comic twisted tales – has been exclusively released on Youku simultaneously with the British broadcaster since Feb 4.

Upcoming shows include Good Omens, Sanditon, the three seasons of Luther and the latest season of Doctor Who. In addition, the high-definition, restored versions of Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister will also be streamed on Youku, marking their debut in the Chinese mainland market.