A collection of free ad-supported streaming channels from FilmRise are teed up to join LG Channels on smart TVs in the U.S. and select international markets.
The deal between FilmRise and smart TV maker LG includes licensing feature films and series from the FilmRise library, along with FAST channels focused on popular titles including “Forensic Files,” “Unsolved Mysteries,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” and others.
LG Channels, the electronics maker’s free ad-supported streaming TV platform, is getting both linear FAST channels as well as on-demand content from the TV studio. New additions to the lineup are launching across North America, the U.K., Ireland, and the Nordics – a move that FilmRise said expands reach for the company’s FAST channels and is in tandem with LG Channels’ own international growth.
LG channels and FilmRise have partnered on FAST channels previously, and FilmRise CEO Danny Fisher indicated they’ve seen success, prompting the move to further expand together globally.
“Our partnership with LG Electronics has proven to be an incredibly fruitful one and we are thrilled to be adding these FAST Channels for LG consumers to enjoy,” Fisher stated. “This deal represents our aggressive initiative in expanding our global footprint into new territories through collaborations with connected devices.”
In addition to the series-focused channels mentioned above, other FilmRise channels joining LG include: Heartland, CBC’s longest-running hour-long drama series about a multi-generational family living on the Heartland ranch in Alberta, Canada; and 21 Jump Street, showing episodes from the classic series starring Johnny Depp.
There are also three free movie channels with programming curated specifically for the market’s audience, including FilmRise Free Movies US, as well as similar channels for Canadian and UK audiences.
LG Channels now counts more than 350 channels, with linear and on-demand programming across TV shows, news, sports and children’s programs. The FAST service is available on LG smart TV models 2016 and later.
In expanding its reach, LG recently rolled out a new version of its webOS streaming TV platform, including a new hub for third party partners. Third-party manufacturers that license LG’s OS to use in other smart TV sets will also have LG Channels incorporated, alongside other apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and others.
As the electronics maker continues to grow free content offered on its platform, other smart TV companies have also increased attention on their FAST services. Vizio in November updated the user experience for its WatchFree+ FAST service, including a more intuitive channel guide and more personalized features.
Meanwhile, Samsung TV Plus this week added CBS Sports HQ, RetroCrush, Cowboy Way, Tastemade Home and Vevo Holiday 2022 FAST channels on millions of Samsung smart TVs and Galaxy devices across the U.S. Samsung recently disclosed doubling down on the FAST service, with a focus on expanding premium content with partners.
Smart TV OEMs are one group of players in the FAST ecosystem, alongside media-owned services such as Paramount’s Pluto TV, Comcast’s Xumo, Fox’s Tubi, and NBCUniversal’s Peacock.
For TV makers like Vizio, Samsung and LG, they have the benefit of owning the TV operating system and interface, with ACR data providing glass-level insights into what viewers are tuning into. And FAST services bring in advertising dollars. This year, for example, Vizio nabbed $200 million in advertiser commitments during the Upfronts, thanks in part to the company’s WatchFree+ service.