Actually, the deals are entirely separate for each little thing[1]. We are lucky, if all the seasons of any show have the same international licensee. The rest is the usual american bullshit, that is, the rest of the world is at most an afterthought if not actively dissed.

The "for free" comment is yet more of the "poor piracy victims" talking points. I'm pretty sure people are contractually required to mention this.

[1] viz. shows that have different soundtracks on dvd, because the rights to the songs have only been acquired for broadcast...