Stan strikes huge NBCU deal in Oz, adding Sky Studios & Peacock shows

Brave New World

Australian SVOD Stan has agreed a huge output deal with NBCUniversal (NBCU) Global Distribution, handing it rights to shows from sibling Sky Studios, NBCU International Studios (NBCUIS) and the company’s recently launched US streamer Peacock – including Brave New World and Dr Death.

The deal will see Stan – owned by Aussie operator Nine Entertainment – become the exclusive home of Peacock programming produced by Universal Studio Group and DreamWorks Animation TV, both part of Comcast-owned NBCU.

Comcast-owned Sky Studios’ scripted and unscripted content, as well as its children’s programming, is also included in the pact along with series and films from NBCU’s catalogue. NBCU did not disclose the length of the agreement, describing it as “multi-year”.

The deal, details of which are below, comes amid a flurry of activity in the Aussie OTT industry. ITV Studios and BBC Studios are planning to launch their SVOD BritBox in the country later this year while AMC Networks earlier this month confirmed it was launching its horror-focused SVOD Shudder down under.

The pact also marks the latest major acquisition of programming from a US-based operator by domestic streamers. Earlier this summer, Foxtel – which recently launched its own streamer Binge – expanded its deal with WarnerMedia, handing it exclusive rights to broadcast a raft of HBO content – including upcoming HBO Max original series – on its platforms.

Stan has also been looking to increase its own output, recently unveiling a plan to invest in 30 originals annually within five years.

Gangs Of London

From Brave New World to Gangs Of London

Shows headed to Stan as part of the agreement include a raft of Peacock programming produced by its vertically integrated studio Universal Studio Group, such as dystopian drama Brave New World, true crime series Dr. Death, billboard mystery Angelyne, Michael Schur’s Rutherford Falls, and the rebooted Saved By The Bell, all of which will premiere exclusively on Stan in Oz.

The re-imagining of classic sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica and Tina Fey’s Girls5eva are also headed to the streamer under the new pact, as is MacGruber, starring Will Forte. All are produced for Peacock by companies under NBCU’s Universal Studio Group umbrella, which comprises Universal Television, UCP and NBCUIS.

Other shows on offer from NBCU’s International Studios arm include Lady Parts, produced by the company’s UK-based prodco Working Title TV, while Sky Studios series such as Gangs Of London will also become available via Stan. Gangs Of London marked Sky UK’s biggest original drama launch of the year and was produced by Pulse Films in association with Sister for the pay TV operator’s studio arm.

Its scripted series such as I Hate Suzie, produced by Bad Wolf, and Domina – produced by Fifty Fathoms and Sky Studios with Italian firm Cattleya – will also feature, while kids programming from DreamWorks Animation set to premiere exclusively on Stan ranges from Madagascar: A Little Wild to The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

The Office

Movies & library legacy

NBCU said that a “massive volume” of movies and TV series from the NBCU and Sky Studios’ back-catalogues would also soon arrive on Stan. Series currently available – such as the US version of The Office, Will & Grace, Parks And Recreation and 30 Rock – will remain on the streamer.

Stan’s CEO Mike Sneesby said the “landmark deal reflects the strength of NBCUniversal’s portfolio and reinforces Stan’s commitment to bring the world’s best programming to Australians through our most significant output partnership to date.”

“This marks the first time an agreement combining series from Sky Studios, DreamWorks Animation and Peacock content produced by Universal Studio Group has been secured in Australia – the biggest new slate of premium scripted content to come to market in recent times.”

Belinda Menendez, NBCU’s president & CRO for global distribution & international, added: “This extensive agreement ensures that Stan will be the exclusive Australian home of our new and compelling dramas, hit comedies, engaging children’s programs, exciting unscripted series and iconic film and library titles for many years to come.”