VIZIO on Tuesday unveiled deals with BBC Studios, Magnolia Pictures, and Paramount Global Content Distribution to expand its own library of free movies and shows.
The new partnerships are part of VIZIO’s aggressive expansion of free content for WatchFree+, the company’s free streaming service. They join a group of more than 20 studios and media companies offering content on the free platform, including A24, AMC Networks, Disney Entertainment, Lionsgate, MarVista Entertainment, NFL Media, Relativity Media, Samuel Goldwyn Films, and Sony Pictures.
VIZIO has been working towards building a larger video catalog for WatchFree+ members. The platform has more than doubled the number of titles available a year ago, hosting over 275 streaming channels and more than 15,000 on-demand movies and series. It’s now VIZIO’s second most-watched ad-supported streaming service. VIZIO declined to comment on what its most watched service is.
“Over the past year, we have remained steadfastly committed to enhancing and elevating the WatchFree+ entertainment experience,” said Katherine Pond, group vice president of platform content and partnerships for VIZIO. “With an expansive library featuring more live channels and movies than ever before, enriched personalization with localization, and data-driven content discovery features, WatchFree+ continues to deliver the ultimate free entertainment destination for millions of VIZIO consumers.”
Members can now stream more than 400 on-demand episodes of 30 BBC shows and several free channels, including Antiques Roadshow UK, BBC Food, and Top Gear. Classic Doctor Who episodes are coming soon, though no date has been released yet.
Paramount Pictures will release select titles every month through the end of the year, starting with Star Trek franchise films The Motion Picture, First Contact, Insurrection, and The Untouchables in November. From Magnolia Pictures, WatchFree+ members can catch 50 movies and 50 episodes of popular selections like Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop, Bad Reputation, and I Givie It a Year.
VIZIO is also debuting several holiday specials from its Branded Content Studio, such as Merry & Bright hosted by American Idol’s Jordin Sparks. Additionally, the platform launched a new Free Movie Network, Vizio’s latest curated channel available on WatchFree+. Members can personalize their entertainment options by setting geo-filters to automatically display live regional news, weather, and sports spanning 40 local channels through Cox Media Group, FOX, and Gray TV.
Image Credit: VIZIO WatchFree+