Roku announced Wednesday a partnership with producer and distributor Fremantle that gives Roku the exclusive streaming rights in Canada for ABC’s American Idol, which is set to preview its eighth season on the American channel March 2.
This marks Roku’s first single-territory live and simulcast deal, which includes advertising-based video on demand (AVOD) digital exclusive rights to the series.
Airing Sundays and Mondays on ABC, the new season of American Idol will air as a live simulcast on The Roku Channel for free in Canada, and will stream the next day on-demand on The Roku Channel. In the U.S., the show will also stream next-day on Hulu.
A special preview of American Idol will air Sunday, March 2, following ABC’s broadcast of the Academy Awards, ahead of the new season premiere on March 9.
“We are excited to be the exclusive streaming destination in Canada for ‘American Idol’, a mainstay entertainment choice for Canadians and our Roku audience,” Jennifer Vaux, vice president of content acquisition and programming at Roku, said in a press release. “We can’t wait to bring the series to our viewers, while creating new engagement opportunities for our advertising partners.”
“The partnership between Fremantle and Roku to showcase ‘American Idol’ marks an exciting step forward in digital broadcasting,” said Michela Di Mondo, Fremantle’s executive vice president of distribution for Canada. “As the show that pioneered audience-driven voting, ‘American Idol’ is once again leading the way — this time, shaping how Canadian viewers will engage with their favorite programs for years to come.”
American Idol is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.
Rogers Sports and Media’s Citytv is the linear broadcast rights holder in Canada for American Idol. Until recently, past episodes of the series were available to stream on Citytv+.
Photo of (l-r) American Idol judge Lionel Richie, host Ryan Seacrest, and judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan courtesy of Roku
