A+E Networks and Canal+ launch French networks

A+E Networks has joined forces with Canal+ and will launch a local A&E and Crime & Investigation channel in France.

Canal+’s factual channel Planete has traditionally been a big buyer of A+E Networks content but this is the first time Canal+ and A+E have joined forces to launch channels. Planete+ A&E and Planete+ CI have launched exclusively on the CanalSat pay TV platform.

The news, announced yesterday, followed a story earlier in the week by DTVE’s sister publication TBI about the roll out of A&E in Europe.

The partners said that Planete+ A&E will focus on fact-ent and factual shows about ordinary people. It will have shows from the US channel including mega hit seriesDuck Dynasty (pictured) as well as Storage Wars, Billy the Exterminator, and Pawn Stars. There was no mention of scripted programming although the US parent channel carries some drama series.

Planete+ CI will be a crime channel programmed with crime series from the A+E catalogue including Cajun Justice, Crime 360, Casanova Killers, and I Killed My BFF.

“The Canal+ Group Factual Channels are excited to provide our viewers with programs from the A+E Networks catalogue that will enrich the diversity of the Planete+ A&E and Planete+ CI editorial offer,” said Olivier Stroh, Canal+ director of factual theme-based channels.

“The rollout of Planete+ A&E and Planete+ CI in France marks an important milestone for A+E Networks,” said Dean Possenniskie, managing director, Europe, A+E Networks.