Netflix is attempting to compete with UK powerhouse LoveFilm, a company that is currently paired with Amazon.com. The winners in this deal are Top Gear, Doctor Who, Little Britain and other BBC show fans.

According to The Guardian:

Online film service Netflix has struck a deal with BBC Worldwide to offer shows including Doctor Who, Top Gear and Little Britain.

The deal, which includes the rights to stream shows including Torchwood, Miss Marple and Fawlty Towers, will give Netflix users the chance to watch the programmes from six months after they have been broadcast on television.

The deal, the latest in a string of content agreements struck by Netflix, comes as the US video service prepares to launch in the UK and Ireland early next year.

“BBC programmes are a big favourite of our over 20 million streaming members in the US, Canada and Latin America,” said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer at Netflix. “We are incredibly proud to make these high-quality programmes available to Netflix members in the UK and Ireland.”

At this time there is no mention of a similar deal being struck for Netflix’s customers in the USA. This past summer, USA customers were able to watch Torchwood stream live at the same time the program aired on the STARZ network; however, the service was not offered to UK viewers.

What do you think of the Netflix and BBC alliance? Will it affect your decision as a UK consumer?