The video streaming market will see a new fighter arrive in the French arena. After Netflix, Disney+appletv+, Amazon Prime Video and many others, and while waiting for Discovery+ (Warner Bros) next year or even Paramount+ on Canal+, NBCUniversal will be packing up in France.
Already available in several countries around the world, the American media giant has announced the forthcoming launch of Universal+, its SVoD service, but also of a new channel, DreamWorks, for French viewers.
What content to expect?
But it’s not a competitor to video streaming platforms as we know them that is moving forward. This new service will bring together channels already known in France such as 13e Rue, E! and SYFY, as well as newcomer DreamWorks.
DreamWorks is a new channel dedicated to children and the family that will exist within Universal +, but also in linear in the boxes. It is based on a wide catalog of cinema classics (Kung Fu Panda, Mr Peabody & Sherman, Dragons, Madagascar etc.). 13e Rue made his reputation in detective series and SYFY in science fiction (Stargate, Galactic Battlestar).
NBCUniversal thus announces the availability of the original series 13th Street (Marion, Internal Kitchen), but also its youth series, its exclusive series (Resident Alien, New York: Organized Crime) and its successful shows like keeping up with the Kardashians.
Viewers will be able to enjoy “thousands of hours of programming” in one place, accessible on demand. On the other hand, the group does not talk about the films it produces and whether they will be available on its platform. It recently signed a “long-term” collaboration agreement with Canal+ to be able to offer the films six months after their theatrical release.
How to take advantage of it?
Universal+ arrives in France, but NBC Universal did not elaborate on its rollout. However, the service should take the form of a downloadable app on smartphones, tablets, computers, set-top boxes and probably TV boxes through an agreement with operators, as the competition does. In Spain, where Universal+ has been available for some time, Orange and Movistar+ are the stations.
Release date and price
NBCUniversal plans to launch Universal+ “in late 2022.” The official release date will be communicated “in the coming months”. The price has not yet been specified.
Source: BFM TV
