Viaplay – a streaming service owned by Nordic Entertainment (NENT Group) – has partnered with Lionsgate-owned Starz for its Netherlands launch. The long-term agreement gives Dutch Viaplay subscribers access to all new Starzplay Originals as part of a regular subscription, as well as Starzplay’s library of content from Lionsgate and other Hollywood studios.
The service launched on March 1st with over 100 movies, including new Starzplay Originals titles such as BMF, Heels and Blindspotting, as well as existing Starzplay originals such as The Spanish Princess.
Viaplay subscribers in the Nordic region have had access to a select number of Starzplay titles since the end of 2020. Several weeks before this most recent announcement, the relationship between the two streamers expanded to give Viaplay subscribers access to the full Starzplay service in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland.
Filippa Wallestam, Chief Content Officer of NENT Group, said: “This innovative deal makes even more world-class storytelling available on Viaplay as part of a regular subscription. Viaplay viewers in the Netherlands will be able to enjoy Starzplay Originals showcasing Hollywood’s biggest names alongside our award-winning Viaplay Originals. Our partnership with Starz now spans six countries, and we look forward to delivering great experiences to audiences in our latest market together.”
Superna Kalle, President of Starz International, commented: “This is an exciting next chapter in the expansion of our relationship with Viaplay, and moreover the expansion of our offering of the best series and movie content to our audiences in the Netherlands. Our slate of new original and acquired series over the next year features some top talent and storytellers, and we can’t wait to show them what we have in store.”
Viaplay has also expanded its multi-territory deal with NBCUniversal to host content from its streaming service, Hayu, on its Dutch service at no extra cost to its subscribers. The agreement includes shows such as The Real Housewives, Below Deck and Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
Other popular titles on Viaplay’s Dutch service include Dirty Dancing, Gangs of New York and the Twilight Saga franchise. Viaplay subscribers in the Netherlands also have access to live sports programming, including Formula 1, Bundesliga, PDC darts and Premier League matches.
Subscribers pay an introductory price of €9.99 per month, which will then be raised to €13.99 per month in August. Distribution partners for the service include KPN, T-Mobile Netherlands, Vodafone Ziggo and Delta Fiber.
Starzplay has built up momentum for its partnership agreements over the last year, securing 30 partner launches since June 2021. Last December it expanded its global reach, launching with Vodafone in Italy, Sky in Switzerland and Molotov in France. The service is now available in over 50 territories across the world.
Superna Kalle, Executive Vice President, International Digital Networks, Starz, said: “Our growth as a service has gone from strength to strength this year, and we are grateful to both our new and established partners for helping us to bring Starzplay into the homes of people across the globe in a time where the power of great entertainment has never been more apparent.”
