Rakuten TV has added 20 FAST channels from Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) to its lineup.
Running across single-IP and scripted genre channels, the portfolio lands on the platform across the U.K., Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Nordics, and the Netherlands.
The deal covers the scripted channels Comedy TV, Thriller TV, Faves and the single-IP services Dragons’ Den (U.K.), Shark Tank (Spain), The Blacklist (Spain, France), Bewitched (Italy) and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (U.K.).
Marcos Milanez, chief content officer at Rakuten TV, noted, “This latest agreement with Sony Pictures Entertainment reflects the strength of our long-standing relationship, which now spans TVOD, AVOD, and FAST. It also 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 localized and relevant to their markets. By adding these twenty new channels, we are expanding access to some of the world’s most recognizable entertainment brands while also creating meaningful opportunities for advertisers to connect with engaged audiences at scale.”
Peter Wood, EVP for consumer platforms and services at SPE, said: “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.”
