As the battle for the content streaming crown rages on, Netflix currently sit atop the hill with a smug grin on their face. But Amazon is slowly but surely chipping away at the Cali-based service, firstly by offering delivery, books plus streaming for a similar price, then by claiming the monumental scalp that is HBO, and now Extant, the Halle Berry sci-fi drama produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television and CBS studios.

Amazon Prime Instant

Described as “a bold and thrilling new series,” Extant stars Berry as an astronaut trying to reconnect with her family after a year in space. Chris Bird, Amazon's Instant Video film and TV strategy director added: "Having such a highly anticipated and star-studded show premiere exclusively on Prime Instant Video is a perfect example of our ongoing commitment to bringing the very best in movie and TV entertainment to our customers in the UK."

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It sounds very promising, given the kicker: Berry’s character goes on a solo mission to space and doesn’t come back alone. She’s pregnant, inexplicably. And with sci-fi general Speilberg on board as executive producer, it sounds as though Amazon have got themselves a piece of original content to rival Netflix’s jewel, House of Cards, at least based on the premise, that is.

"We're excited to see Extant stream on Amazon in the UK," said Armando Nuñez, chief executive of CBS Global Distribution Group. "With its stellar talent, unique concept and production auspices, Extant is sure to be this year's television event in the US, UK and around the globe."

So confident are the money people, the show got a 13-episode straight-to-series order. It launches Stateside on CBS on July 9 and will be available in the UK on July 10. Needless to say, we’re excited. 

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