Fremantle Expands FAST Channel Reach

Fremantle has announced a major international expansion of its free ad-supported streaming (FAST) offering through a new deal with Samsung TV Plus, bringing 19 new FAST channels to audiences across seven European territories.

The rollout includes the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the Nordics (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland).

Among the key titles launching are Family Feud Steve Harvey and Escape to the Country, now available in all seven regions. This marks the first international launch for the Family Feud Steve Harvey channel outside North America, aligning with the show's 26th year on U.S. television. Originally debuting in 1976, Family Feud remains one of Fremantle’s most successful global formats, reaching 77 territories worldwide.

Escape to the Country, a long-running British property series helping city residents pursue rural living, has been a UK TV staple since 2002 and continues to resonate with international audiences.

In addition, Project Runway, the popular U.S. fashion competition series, has launched in the Netherlands and the Nordics. As the show approaches its 21st season in the U.S., it boasts over 30 local adaptations globally.

The Jamie Oliver Channel is also set to debut in the Nordics later this summer. The launch builds on an already successful partnership between Fremantle and Samsung TV Plus and expands the FAST footprint for Jamie Oliver programming to seven territories. Since launching in 2022, the channel has attracted over 12 million annual viewers, showcasing hit series such as Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals and Jamie at Home.

The agreement was brokered by James Meyer, Director Global Channels Distribution & Partnerships for Fremantle, and Gerardo Babatz, Content Acquisitions Manager, Samsung TV Plus EMEA.

Laura Florence, SVP Global Channels, Fremantle, said: "This is a very exciting step in the continued global expansion of our Global Channels unit. We are thrilled to announce this new deal with Samsung TV Plus, who will provide a great home for our channels in these territories. Ireland is a brand-new territory for our FAST channels, so we are incredibly pleased to be kicking off our partnership with Samsung TV Plus into Ireland, and we look forward to continuing to evolve our FAST offering across the UK and Europe, and to share our much-loved IP for audiences across the globe."

Gus Grimaldi, Head of Samsung TV Plus EMEA, added: "Fremantle is home to beloved content from all over the world and this launch marks an important milestone in our partnership with them. We’re thrilled to be offering 19 new FAST channels to Samsung TV Plus users across the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and the Nordics, including content which is crossing the Atlantic for the very first time."

Fremantle's Global Channels unit continues to build strategic alliances with leading platforms worldwide, leveraging its iconic content library through FAST channels such as The Jamie Oliver Channel, Baywatch, and BUZZR to reach new audiences and expand its digital footprint.