The Chicken Soup for the Soul streaming service, providing ad-supported video on demand (AVOD) programming, is now available for free through Vizio’s SmartCast smart TV app. Thousands of hours of content will be included in Vizio’s AVOD library, according to Crackle Plus, the video platform owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment.
The streaming service, named for the self-help book series, offers a mixture of unscripted lifestyle programming, Hollywood blockbusters and scripted TV series. Chicken Soup for the Soul originals, including “Smart Home Nation” and “Vacation Rental Potential,” will be available at launch along with other AVOD exclusive content.
“Vizio is pleased to launch the Chicken Soup for the Soul app and offer our audience titles from such a beloved brand,” said Katherine Pond, vice president of business development for Vizio, in a statement. ““Bringing the feel-good content that Chicken Soup for the Soul is known for to Vizio audiences is another way that we can deliver on our promise to offer entertainment that viewers know and love.”
Chicken Soup for the Soul initially launched last November as a free ad-supported (FAST) channel via Plex, FreeCast and other platforms. WatchFree+, a free streaming service for Vizio smart TVs, added Chicken Soup for the Soul FAST programming in December.
Vizio introduced WatchFree+’s AVOD library in December, containing over 4,000 new titles. Vizio partnered with distributors including Disney, Lionsgate and MGM to provide content.
WatchFree+ programming has helped Vizio increase its SmartCast user base. As of January, Vizio reached 15 million monthly active SmartCast users. Vizio’s platform business saw nearly $300 million in revenue in 2021.
“We are excited to bring the Chicken Soup for the Soul AVOD service to millions of VIZIO viewers,” said Philippe Guelton, president of Crackle Plus. “We plan to provide a unique blend of entertainment from content and distribution partners who share our vision.”