Foxtel reveals launch date for new SVOD streamer ‘Binge’

Friends

Australian pay TV operator Foxtel is to launch its new streaming service on 25 May with more than 10,000 hours of domestic and international programming.

The SVOD’s name, which is expected to be Binge but has not yet been confirmed, will offer shows such as Friends and The Big Bang Theory, which are moving from rival streamer Stan.

Foxtel has struck a raft of deals over the past year providing it with more access to US and European series, with programming from Sony, Disney-owned FX and Comcast-backed NBCUniversal set to be available.

The pay operator struck an expanded deal with WarnerMedia earlier this month, retaining exclusive rights to broadcast HBO content – including upcoming HBO Max original series – on its platforms. The agreement also includes a co-production deal, similar to that struck with UK-based pay operator Sky.

Julian Ogrin heads up the new service and is also CEO of fellow streamer Kayo Sports, another SVOD operated by Foxtel, which is 65% owned by News Corp and 35% owned by telco Telstra.

Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany said the new SVOD would bring “an exciting new brand to younger streaming audiences with a very different and compelling product experience, and a distinctly curated mix of the best drama and movies from the world’s best entertainment brands.”