Online video streaming service Netflix launched in more than 130 countries simultaneously, on January 6, 2016, reaching global exposure. The service is now available in Romania and all of Eastern Europe, including Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Russia.

The company made the announcement and the service went live during a keynote by co-founder and Chief Executive Reed Hastings at CES 2016 in Las Vegas. Until today, Netflix was only available in 60 countries.

“Today you are witnessing the birth of a new global Internet TV network,” said Hastings. “With this launch, consumers around the world -- from Singapore to St. Petersburg, from San Francisco to Sao Paulo -- will be able to enjoy TV shows and movies simultaneously -- no more waiting. With the help of the Internet, we are putting power in consumers’ hands to watch whenever, wherever and on whatever device,” he added.

Netflix broadcasts original series including Marvel’s Daredevil and Marvel’s Jessica Jones, Narcos, Sense8, Grace and Frankie, and Marco Polo, as well as a catalog of licensed TV shows and movies. This year, the company plans to release 31 new and returning original series, two dozen original feature films and documentaries, a wide range of stand-up comedy specials, and 30 original kids’ series, which will be available at the same time to members everywhere.

Members have to pay a monthly fee for the service. The cheapest subscription is EUR 7.99 per month and the first month is free of charge.

In Romania, the service is available in English.

Netflix will compete with several local online streaming services, such as CME’s voyo.ro, which also broadcasts some content bought from the American group, such as famous political series House of Cards starring Kevin Spacey. Voyo.ro charges EUR 3 per month and also features original local content broadcasted by PRO TV and other CME TV stations.

Update: Netflix enters Romania in 2016

editor@romania-insider.com