Roku announced today that it has acquired global content distribution rights for Quibi content. The Roku Channel will become the exclusive streaming site for more than 75 programs and documentaries created for the now defunct short-lived streaming service.
With a home on the Roku Channel, the old Quibi content will be free in 2021 for all Roku users. The content line includes scripted series, alternative and reality programming and documentaries with stars such as Idris Elba, Kevin Hart, Liam Hemsworth, Anna Kendrick, Nicole Richie, Chrissy Teigen and Lena Waithe. Along with the content that was originally broadcast on Quibi, there are more than a dozen titles that never made it to the platform that will now be debuting on Canal Roku.
“The Roku Channel is one of the largest and fastest growing channels on our platform today and we are constantly expanding the breadth and quality of our free content with ad support for our users,” said Rob Holmes, vice president of programming at Roku. “Today’s announcement marks a rare opportunity to acquire a new and compelling original programming featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment. We are excited to make this content available for free to our users on the Roku Channel through an ad-supported model. We are also excited to welcome the incredible studios and talented individuals who brought these stories to life and displayed them to our tens of millions of viewers. “
“Hollywood’s most creative and imaginative minds have created innovative content for Quibi that has exceeded our expectations,” said Quibi founder Jeffrey Katzenberg. “We are thrilled that these stories, from the surreal to the sublime, have found a new home on Canal Roku.”
Roku acquired Quibi Holdings, LLC, the company that held Quibi’s content distribution rights, after Quibi’s restructuring. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Jess Barnes