Viaplay confirms direct-to-consumer launch dates for US and Canada

Viaplay Group confirmed plans to launch its Viaplay streaming service on a direct-to-consumer (D2C) basis in the US on 22 February and in Canada on 7 March.“In just two years, Viaplay has expanded from the Nordic region to become a truly international entertainment provider, both direct-to-consumer and through partners," Anders Jensen, Viaplay Group President and CEO said. "Our premium storytelling, combined with world-class sports in our European markets, is helping to set us apart from the competition, and we tailor our offering to each new country. We see an appreciative core audience in North America for our stylish international content, and an attractive opportunity to take a specialised position in the world’s most dynamic streaming market.”

The launch will grant viewers access to stream over 1,500 hours of premium European content through the Viaplay app. Viaplay will debut a minimum of one title per week. In North America, the Viaplay app is compatible with smart TVs; Android and iOS smartphones and tablets; Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Chromecast; and Mac and PC. Viaplay is also available in the US through Comcast’s Xfinity and Xumo platforms, and as part of The Roku Channel’s Premium Subscriptions line-up. The company's direct-to-consumer streaming service is also accessible in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Netherlands and the UK. The Viaplay Select branded content concept, which makes Viaplay content available on partner platforms, has launched in 20 markets around the world.

The platform's catalog  includes "Nordic Noir," dramas and critically acclaimed series, films and documentaries, many starring major Hollywood names. Canada will offer "Trom," starring Ulrich Thomsen, "Furia" and "Partisan" with "Fares Fares." The line-up also includes Viaplay’s provocative young adult drama "Threesomem," co-starring Lucien Laviscount, documentaries and more. The service will be priced at USD 5.99 and CAD 6.99 per month in the US and Canada respectively. Viaplay’s North American launches will take its D2C footprint to 13 markets. In addition, Viaplay will offer curated third-party films such as "A Man Called Ove" (recently remade in Hollywood starring Tom Hanks), "Another Round" with Mads Mikkelsen and Sofia Helin (‘Alex Rider’)’s historical drama ‘The Emigrants’, along with the successful financial series, "Exit." All of the content contains English subtitles.

“The appetite for top-quality international content is higher than ever in North America, so the time is ideal to bring the best of Nordic storytelling direct to local audiences. Nordic design, creativity and scenery are already world-famous, and are on full display in the region’s films and series," Vanda Rapti, Viaplay Group Chief Commercial Officer, North America & Viaplay Select said."Viaplay will show more of this unique content in North America than any other streamer – and ‘Nordic Noir’ is just the beginning.”