CBS TV Studios has finalized a deal for its freshman series Evil and The Unicorn to stream on Netflix, according to Deadline. For one year, the first seasons of each show will be available to stream on the platform beginning October 1. This will not be an exclusive deal as both series will continue to stream on the network’s streaming service CBS All Access, soon to be rebranded as Paramount+.
According to Deadline, CBS is electing this maneuver in attempts to draw new viewership to the two series. Netflix has produced similar success for shows such as The CW’s Riverdale and NBC’s Good Girls, with audiences discovering the series after the season one bow. While critics enjoyed both Evil and Unicorn, the renewed series experienced modest ratings. CBS, which produces both shows, hopes the additional streaming access will boost the titles in wake of second seasons beginning this fall.
Evil, the only genre series on the network, comes from Robert King (The Good Fight, Vertical Limit) and Michelle King (BrainDead, The Good Wife). The series explores the thin line between spirituality and science as an atheist psychologist and Catholic priest-in-training investigate strange occurrences. The two’s faith in their beliefs is shaken as they must determine if these afflictions in human behavior are purely mental or demonic. The show stars Katja Herbers (Manhattan, Westworld), Mike Colter (The Following, Luke Cage), Michael Emerson (Lost, Person of Interest), Christine Lahti (Chicago Hope, Law and Order: SVU), and Aasif Mandvi (Avatar: The Last Airbender, Million Dollar Arm).
The Unicorn stars Walton Goggins (The Shield, Justified) as a recently widowed father of two who, with the help of family and friends, gets back on his feet and in the dating scene. Created by Mike Schiff (Grounded for Life), Grady Cooper (The Lance Krall Show), and Bill Martin (In with The Flynns), it stands as being one of only two single-camera comedies on CBS, via Deadline. Along with Goggins, the cast includes Omar Benson Miller (CSI: Miami, Ballers), Michaela Watkins (Brittany Runs a Marathon, Casual), Rob Corddry (Hot Tub Time Machine, Children’s Hospital), and Sarayu Rao (I Feel Bad, Blockers).
According to Deadline, CBS boasts some of the most-watched series on Netflix. Neilsen reports state two crime procedurals – NCIS and Criminal Minds – rank among the highest viewed shows on the streaming platform.