Technology

Roku acquires Quibi’s catalog with over 75 titles

Roku will make the content available for free on an ad-supported basis in 2021 to all its users, informed the company

Photo: Tada Images/ Shutterstock
  • Roku informed on Friday that it has acquired exclusive global distribution rights to Quibi’s award-winning shows;
  • More than 75 shows and documentaries created by Quibi and Hollywood-based studios will be then available on The Roku Channel;
  • Quibi, which offered entertainment and news in episodes of 10 minutes or less on mobile phones, announced its closure in October, just six months after its launch;
  • Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Roku informed in a statement on Friday that it acquired more than 75 shows and documentaries created by Quibi and Hollywood-based studios. With exclusive global distribution rights to Quibi’s award-winning shows, Roku will make the content available for free on an ad-supported basis in 2021 to all its users.

Video-streaming device maker Roku was already in advanced talks to buy Quibi’s content catalog as reported the Wall Street Journal earlier this month.

READ ALSO: Streaming wars, the first round: Quibi’s defeat and the everlasting rise of Netflix

“Today’s announcement marks a rare opportunity to acquire compelling new original programming that features some of the biggest names in entertainment,” Roku’s vice president of programming, Rob Holmes, said in a statement. 

Quibi content includes Emmy award-winning scripted series, alternative and reality programming and documentaries featuring stars such as Idris Elba, Kevin Hart, Liam Hemsworth and Anna Kendrick. In addition to the full range of titles that had previously premiered on Quibi, more than a dozen new programs will make their exclusive debut on The Roku Channel.

READ ALSO: Streaming platform Roku surpasses 50 million active accounts

According to the company, the Roku Channel reached U.S. households with an estimated 61.8 million people in Q4 2020.

Los Angeles-based Quibi, which offered entertainment and news in episodes of 10 minutes or less on mobile phones, announced its closure in October, just six months after its launch.

EBANX LABS
Get the best insights about Latin America market in your inbox