Les Moonves sees Netflix as a buyer, not a threat.
On Wednesday, the CBS chief executive officer told analysts that the network is in talks to produce an original series for the subscription service.
"Until they are doing 22 hours a week of premium content, we do not look at them as a competitor, but rather another place to put our content," Moonves said on a conference call following CBS' fourth quarter earnings announcement.
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His attitude contrasts with other entertainment honchos that view Netflix's entry into original programming as a direct threat.
Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes, for instance, pejoratively labeled Netflix a “200-pound chimp" and the "Albanian Army.”
Certain TV execs fear that Netflix might encourage viewers and particularly cable subscribers to shun television for streaming services.
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Netflix launched its first original series, "Lilyhammer," two weeks ago. It also has "House of Cards," a political series starring Kevin Spacey, and new episodes of the cult series "Arrested Development" in the pipeline.
Perhaps Moonves' bonhomie is attributable to a strong earnings report. Profits at CBS surged 17 percent to $384 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, capping off a year in which its net income nearly doubled.
Steve Swasey, a spokesman for Netflix, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
