Netflix secures exclusive rights for Batman prequel Gotham

The Fox series, created by Warner Bros, is due to broadcast on 22 September

A promotional shot for new TV series Gotham based on the DC Comic universe (Warner Bros)

Netflix has acquired the exclusive global rights to new Batman show Gotham - for a reported $1.75 million an episode.

Netflix made a significant play to expand its international business with the purchase from Warner Bros by signing the deal to stream the show in all of its international territories, a first for the streaming site.

Netflix, which passed 50 million subscribers earlier this year, is due to launch in Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg this month, adding to its business in Canada, Latin America, the UK, the US, Ireland and Scandinavia.

The Fox TV Batman prequel, created by Warner Bros Worldwide and based on the Batman characters in DC Comics, is due to broadcast on September 22 and will be streamed in all of Netflix’s territories by 2015, the Financial Times reported.

Netflix is reportedly paying $2 million per episode to Sony Pictures Television for the first season of ABC’s The Blacklist as it attempts to hook viewers with online exclusives.

In some countries in which the Los Angeles-based firm operates it does not hold the rights to stream its own originally produced content.

Netflix hopes to win new custom through a combination of both original programming and other studios’ content.

Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said: "The Batman origin story is sure to have massive global appeal so it is fitting that, along with Warner Television, we have created a new model for distributing a show that international and domestic audiences will love."