Roku Secures Exclusive American Idol Streaming Rights in Canada, First Live Simulcast Deal

Season 8 on ABC, season 23 (overall) premieres March 2 on The Roku Channel

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Roku announced a partnership with Fremantle that will bring “American Idol” season 8 live to The Roku Channel, in its first single-territory live and simulcast deal, along with AVOD (advertising-based video on demand) digital exclusive rights to the series.

Season 8 of “American Idol” returns with music legends Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and “American Idol” alum Carrie Underwood joining the judging panel, alongside Emmy Award-winning host Ryan Seacrest. (Photo: Business Wire)

“American Idol” season 8 will air on ABC on Sundays and Mondays and next day on Hulu in the U.S. with a simulcast on The Roku Channel for free in Canada, and will stream the next day on-demand on The Roku Channel. A special preview of “American Idol,” television’s most iconic music competition series, will air Sunday, March 2, 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,” said Jennifer Vaux, Vice President, Content Acquisition & Programming. “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 DiMondo, EVP Distribution, Canada, International. “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. Executive producers include Megan Wolflick, also serving as showrunner, with Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman serving as executive producers for 19 Entertainment. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.

With more than 200 free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels, The Roku Channel is the home of free and premium entertainment on the Roku platform and features a growing library of Roku Originals. Free, ad-supported content on The Roku Channel is only available on Roku streaming players or Roku TV Models™ in Canada.

About Roku, Inc.

Roku pioneered streaming on TV. We connect users to the content they love, enable content publishers to build and monetize large audiences, and provide advertisers with unique capabilities to engage consumers. Roku TV™ models, Roku streaming players, and TV-related audio devices are available in various countries around the world through direct retail sales and/or licensing arrangements with TV OEM brands. Roku-branded TVs and Roku Smart Home products are sold exclusively in the United States. Roku also operates The Roku Channel, the home of free and premium entertainment with exclusive access to Roku Originals, and the #3 app on our platform by both reach and engagement. The Roku Channel is available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., U.S.A.

Roku and Roku TV are trademarks or registered trademarks of Roku, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries. Trade names, trademarks, and service marks of other companies appearing in this press release are the property of their respective holders.

About Fremantle

Fremantle is a leading global creator, producer and distributor of some of the world’s most successful content across Entertainment, Drama & Film, and Documentaries.

Amplifying local stories on a global scale, Fremantle produces and delivers premium, multi-genre IP across the 27 territories it operates in. Fremantle is a proudly independent group of content creators, and home to some of the biggest entertainment formats, compelling international dramas, award-winning films and high-quality documentaries. From Got Talent to Neighbours, Password to Poor Things, Fellow Travelers to Queens, Too Hot To Handle to Big Mood, Maxton Hall to Idols, and Priscilla to House of Kardashian, our focus is simple – Fremantle creates and delivers irresistible entertainment. Fremantle also represents world-leading digital and branded entertainment, with more than 495 million fans and 300 billion views for its standout content across all platforms. Fremantle is part of RTL Group, a global leader across broadcast, streaming, content and digital, itself a division of the international media, services, and education company Bertelsmann.

For more information, please visit www.fremantle.com, follow Fremantle on Twitter @FremantleHQ and Instagram @fremantle or visit Fremantle’s LinkedIn page.