English Entertainment
Amazon inks deal for three CBS series on Prime Video through 2018
NEW DELHI: Amazon and CBS Corporation have inked a new multi-year, multi-series agreement to make Prime Video the exclusive subscription streaming home for three new CBS summer series.
The first new CBS series included in this deal that last till 2018 will be next summer’s comic-thriller Brain Dead, which prime members in the United States will be able to stream just four days after broadcast at no additional charge to their membership.
Amazon vice president of digital video content acquisition Brad Beale said, “Prime members have loved having access to series like Under the Dome and Extant just four days after broadcast, and we’re excited to continue to offer in-season availability of more great CBS summer series over the next three years. We are also always working to ensure our prime members have the best selection, and we know they will continue to enjoy unlimited access to a wide array of CBS titles to binge-watch anytime, anywhere.”
“We’re thrilled to build on our relationship with Amazon with new original summer series and more programming from CBS and SHOWTIME. With a truly original, genre-bending concept from outstanding creative auspices, BrainDead will be one of the most talked-about shows next summer by CBS viewers and Prime members,” added CBS Corporation chief corporate licensing officer Scott Koondel.
There will be no additional charge to membership for access to these new exclusives, and the agreement will look to build on the CBS and Amazon’s extant exclusive deals for Under the Dome and Extant.
This deal will also extend and expand CBS and SHOWTIME titles available to Prime members.
English Entertainment
ZEE5 UK partners Narrative Entertainment to add UK channels
Six FAST channels added as platform sharpens hybrid play in Britain
LONDON: ZEE5 UK struck a first-of-its-kind deal with Narrative Entertainment, bringing mainstream UK television channels onto an Indian streaming platform as it pushes to deepen its footprint in a crowded, mature market.
The partnership adds six of Narrative’s FAST channels to the service, including Great! Movies, Great! Romance, Great! Mystery and kids brands POP, Tiny Pop and POP UP, widening ZEE5 UK’s appeal across genres and age groups.
The move reflects a clear shift in strategy. ZEE5 UK is betting on a hybrid model that blends on-demand content with curated, always-on channels to drive discovery and increase time spent on the platform.
“This partnership represents a meaningful evolution in how we serve audiences in mature markets like the UK, where viewers are defined by habits, convenience and choice rather than geography or language alone,” said Parul Goel, territory head, Europe, Zee Entertainment. “By bringing trusted mainstream UK channels together with our premium originals, movies and kids’ content, we are building a more consumer-centric platform that simplifies viewing while increasing depth and relevance.”
Fateha Begum, commercial director, Narrative Entertainment, said the tie-up would fuel growth for both sides. “Our portfolio of quality programming, with such wide and enduring appeal, is a perfect complement to ZEE5 UK. This is a strong partnership that will support growth for both parties, and we share Zee Entertainment’s vision of an increasingly partnership-led future for the industry.”
ZEE5’s global library spans over 4,000 films and more than 500 originals, with over 130 new titles added annually. The addition of Narrative’s channels strengthens its kids offering and introduces genre-led linear experiences alongside its on-demand catalogue.
The deal also gives Narrative access to ZEE5 UK’s fast-growing user base, extending reach without diluting brand identity, while reinforcing ZEE5 UK’s network of more than 40 live channels.
As streaming wars intensify, ZEE5 UK is widening its playbook, blending content, convenience and partnerships in a bid to win screen time in one of the world’s toughest markets.
