Pluto TV has licensed all seven series of the hit YouTube interview format People Are Deep – a move that underlines how the boundaries between digital-first and FAST platform content are continuing to blur.
Created by Strong Watch Studios, the long-form interview series has built a strong following for its stripped-back approach and diverse range of guests – from cult survivors and bomb disposal experts to pop culture figures like Gladiators star Diane Youdale and Coronation Street actor Simon Gregson. The series was recently recognised as Best New Channel at the inaugural TellyCast Digital Video Awards.
People Are Deep
People Are Deep launched just over a year ago, with Strong Watch founders Ben Powell-Jones and Thom Gulseven setting out to create a brand designed to “activate everywhere” across the digital landscape. The show’s success on YouTube – where its mix of authenticity, depth and platform-agnostic strategy has resonated – made it a candidate for wider distribution.
Powell-Jones said the Pluto deal reflects the show’s core mission: “We wanted to create a brand that was simple but high quality, and designed to activate everywhere. We’re excited for the amazing contributors to be heard by a whole new audience.”
Gulseven added that the series’ expansion across multiple platforms highlights how audience behaviour has changed. “We’ve proven several times that view cannibalisation isn’t a concern anymore,” he said. “We’re in an era where the same content can be licensed repeatedly and perform for each platform.”
Strong Watch Studios has already sold People Are Deep episodes to VA Media and other digital distributors. The partnership with Pluto TV – one of the biggest players in the ad-supported streaming (FAST) space – marks a significant new phase for the brand.
The rollout begins with People Are Deep: Crime, which debuted on Pluto this week, with more themed verticals to follow. The move suggests Strong Watch is positioning People Are Deep not just as a channel but as a scalable franchise adaptable to different audience niches – from true crime to celebrity interviews.
As the lines between YouTube-native content and FAST platform programming continue to fade, the deal underscores how strong digital IPs can transcend their original ecosystems. Other recent deals involving FAST channels partnering with creators and digital-first studios include Samsung TV Plus launching creator channels, and partnering with LADbible.
