TORONTO – CBC announced Wednesday its streaming service CBC Gem is now available on the Roku platform in Canada.
Starting Wednesday, Roku users have free access to CBC Gem’s library of more than 6,500 hours of live and on-demand Canadian programming and its curated selection of acclaimed content from around the world, including more than 800 documentaries, 500 hours of ad-free content for kids and tweens, and a collection of more than 200 Canadian feature films.
Roku users are able to stream all seasons of past CBC hit original series, including Baroness von Sketch Show (seasons 1-5), Kim’s Convenience (seasons 1-5), Schitt’s Creek (seasons 1-6), and Workin’ Moms (seasons 1-7), as well as previous seasons of current CBC original titles such as The Great Canadian Baking Show, Heartland, Murdoch Mysteries, SkyMed, and Sort Of, with new seasons available to stream this fall.
Furthermore, Roku users will have access to new original titles coming to CBC Gem this fall, including Black Life: Untold Stories, BlackBerry, and Bones of Crows.
In addition to being able to stream CBC Gem content on their Roku streaming player or Roku TV, Roku users can also access news programming from the CBC, including its free ad-supported streaming (FAST) channel CBC News Explore and live streams of 14 local newscasts on CBC channels from across Canada.
Roku users can add the free CBC Gem app to their home screen directly from the Channel Store on the Roku platform. Authenticated users can sign into CBC Gem on the Roku platform using their existing login credentials.
“CBC Gem is an important addition to the library of fantastic Canadian content on the Roku platform,” said Mary-Anne Taylor, Roku’s head of content distribution in Canada, in a press release. “Our Canadian customers have been asking for CBC Gem, and we are proud to now offer them access to the impressive programming lineup of home-grown and international programming.”
“As millions of consumers move to streaming and connected TV platforms, our partnership with Roku is key to ensuring that wider audiences in Canada are able to discover and enjoy CBC’s award-winning news and entertainment programming,” said Barbara Williams, CBC executive vice-president. “With the launch of CBC Gem on Roku, we will be able to serve even more people on Canada’s top connected TV platform, and we look forward to working with Roku to reach new audiences.”
Radio-Canada also announced Wednesday its streaming service ICI TOU.TV is now available on Roku streaming players and Roku TVs in Canada.
ICI TOU.TV offers Roku users live access to Radio-Canada’s ICI TÉLÉ channel as well as a library of diversified content and popular series, including Canadian content in French and a selection of exceptional content from around the world, totalling almost 11,400 hours of programming, a press release says.
