Amazon strikes Lionsgate pact ahead of relaunching MGM streamer in Europe

Amazon is relaunching MGM’s international streaming service across Europe and is stocking it with shows including Mad Men, the Power franchise and Black Sails after striking a far-reaching pact with Lionsgate.

The move, which follows the launch of MGM+ in the US in January, will see Amazon roll out an MGM+ International branded streamer in selected European countries.

In a bid to drive subscriptions, Amazon is stocking MGM+ with a raft of Lionsgate and Starz shows and films, which will be available to subscribers in Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain and The Netherlands.

The move means MGM+ International will become home to a raft of series, ranging from aforementioned Mad Men and Black Sails, to Black Mafia Family and Nashville. Details of new, first-run, and exclusive Lionsgate titles launching on MGM+ in Europe are yet to be announced.

The streamer, which became part of Amazon along with its studio parent following the retail giant’s $8.5bn acquisition last year, is currently available in 25 countries across Europe, Australasia, Latin America, and Canada.

It offers numerous TV series including The Handmaid’s Tale, Get Shorty and Condor, as well as Hollywood movie franchises such as Legally Blonde, Robocop and The Magnificent Seven.

“Following the relaunch of MGM+ in the US at the start of the year, we have seen significant growth in subscribers,” said Chris Brearton, VP of Prime Video Studios corporate strategy.

Brearton added that Amazon was making “further content investments to capitalise on the strength of the iconic brand and accelerate our growth as a premium international SVOD service.”

Jim Packer, Lionsgate’s president of Worldwide Television Distribution, said the deal provided “important and timely support to MGM+’s International relaunch.