Streaming platform Rakuten TV has announced the launch of twenty new FAST channels in a new deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE).
The 20 free ad-supported channels – a mix of single IP channels and scripted series genre channels – have launched across the UK, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Nordics and the Netherlands.
The new genre channels are Comedy TV, which includes series such as Seinfeld and The Nanny, Thriller TV (UK, Germany), including series such as Breaking Bad and The Good Doctor, and Faves which will host series such as Married…with Children and Charlie’s Angels. The single IP channels are Dragons’ Den, Shark Tank , The Blacklist, Bewitched and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?.
Marcos Milanez, chief content officer at Rakuten TV, said the deal “reinforces our commitment to delivering premium free, ad-supported entertainment to audiences across Europe. As FAST continues to grow, viewers are increasingly embracing it as a primary destination for content, particularly when programming is localised and relevant to their markets. By adding these channels, we are expanding access to some of the world’s most recognisable entertainment brands while also creating meaningful opportunities for advertisers to connect with engaged audiences at scale.”
Peter Wood, EVP, consumer platforms & services, SPE, added: “This agreement reflects our continued commitment to expanding access to Sony Pictures’ premium television content through FAST. We’re pleased to work with Rakuten TV to bring audiences across Europe a compelling lineup of iconic brands and fan-favorite series in an engaging, free viewing experience.”
Rakuten TV has around 500 FAST channels, over 100 of which are owned & operated. It is available in 43 European territories and has a reach of 150 million households.
