Paramount and Virgin Media extend UK deal to incorporate streamers

Paramount and Virgin Media have announced a new multi-year distribution agreement, extending their existing long-term partnership in the UK.

Sarah Rose

The renewed partnership will see SVOD platform Paramount+ debut on Virgin TV in 2023. Full app integration on Virgin Media’s set-top boxes will offer customers the opportunity to access more than 8000 hours of exclusive originals, blockbuster films, and iconic series across genre. Under the new deal, Paramount’s AVOD platform Pluto TV will also gain wider UK distribution on Virgin Media’s TV360 and Stream services, providing access to more than 100 curated channels.

In addition to the new streaming arrangement, Virgin Media TV customers will continue to access Paramount’s pay TV brands MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon, as well as ongoing distribution of free-to-air brand Channel 5 and digital spin-offs.

Sarah Rose, chief operations and commercial officer, UK & Canada, at Paramount, said: “Our long partnership with Virgin Media continues to help us unlock the power of Paramount’s content. The wider distribution of our SVOD and FAST services, Paramount+ and Pluto TV, will support our growth plans for streaming in the UK.”

David Bouchier, chief TV and entertainment officer at Virgin Media O2, added: “We’re constantly looking to give our customers even more great entertainment to enjoy whenever and wherever they want to. Our enhanced partnership with Paramount offers access not only to award-winning drama, comedy, music and kids’ channels, but also FAST channels via Pluto TV and premium SVOD with Paramount+.”