It's currently rare, but Netflix does offer some shows prior to DVD release. For example, Party Down Season 2 episodes were available on Netflix the same week t

It's currently rare, but Netflix does offer some shows prior to DVD release. For example, Party Down Season 2 episodes were available on Netflix the same week that they were originally broadcast. They've since been removed, and I assume will be back once the DVDs are out. On a tiny scale they're experimenting with a hybrid model of "instantly available" and "waiting for DVD."