Popcornflix is back online, bringing its library of free movies and TV shows to audiences once more. After vanishing from the digital landscape in the wake of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s financial troubles, the ad-supported streaming service has found new life under fresh ownership, first reported by the newsletter Lowpass. But while Popcornflix has made a surprising return, the fate of other Chicken Soup properties like Redbox and Crackle remains uncertain.
Popcornflix disappeared last summer when Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment filed for bankruptcy. However, unlike Redbox and Crackle, Popcornflix was sold before the official bankruptcy filing, according to the report. The service is now owned by a trust linked to David Nagelberg, a former investor in Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. Lowpass reported that Nagelberg’s connection to the company dates back to 2019, when his trust made a $2 million investment in the business. Now, as the new owner of Popcornflix, he has brought the platform back from the brink.
The resurrection of Popcornflix comes with technical support from Future Today, a company that specializes in managing streaming platforms. Future Today also works with brands like Filmrise, The LEGO Channel, and CoComelon ensuring that Popcornflix has the infrastructure needed to keep running smoothly across its website and apps.
The Future of Redbox and Crackle
Popcornflix’s return doesn’t signal a full revival of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s digital empire. The company’s financial struggles led to the downfall of multiple streaming ventures, including Redbox and Crackle.
Redbox’s website has been offline for some time, and its apps remain unavailable across platforms. Meanwhile, Crackle’s website is still live, but its future looks bleak. Amazon, which has been hosting Crackle’s streaming service, recently petitioned the bankruptcy court to terminate its agreement with Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment due to unpaid AWS fees amounting to $4.8 million dating back to September 2023, per the report.
The return of Popcornflix proves that there is still demand for free, ad-supported streaming services. While it remains to be seen how well the platform will perform under its new ownership, its revival suggests that even in a turbulent streaming industry, there’s room for second chances.
Fans of free ad-supported streaming can get their popcorn ready and find their next show or flix on Popcornflix today.
Credit: Lowpass
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