Marvel to create new superhero shows for Netflix

NEW YORK CITY - Netflix is joining forces with Disney's Marvel to bring several new superhero shows to the streaming Internet TV service, the companies announced Thursday.

"Led by a series focused on 'Daredevil,' followed by 'Jessica Jones,' 'Iron Fist' and 'Luke Cage,' the epic will unfold over multiple years of original programming, taking Netflix members deep into the gritty world of heroes and villains of Hell's Kitchen, New York," Netflix said in a statement.

Under the "groundbreaking deal," Netflix has committed to a minimum of four, 13-episode series culminating in a miniseries "programming event."

The shows will be produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Television Studios. The first is expected to debut in 2015.

Netflix, faced with increasingly aggressive competitors such as Amazon, is placing more emphasis on the production of original series and exclusive distribution deals.

In a multi-year deal announced in June, DreamWorks Animation - the studio behind blockbusters "Shrek" and "Kung Fu Panda" - will release new original shows exclusively on Netflix.