Rakuten TV has expanded its European FAST portfolio through a new agreement with Sony Pictures Entertainment, launching 20 free ad-supported streaming channels across eight markets.
The rollout covers the UK, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Nordics and the Netherlands, combining dedicated brand channels with genre-based services featuring Sony’s television catalogue.
The new line-up includes branded channels for Dragons’ Den, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Shark Tank, The Blacklist and Bewitched, alongside genre channels such as Comedy TV, Thriller TV and Faves. Programming includes series including Seinfeld, Breaking Bad, The Good Doctor, Charlie’s Angels, Married… with Children and The Nanny.
Most channels have been localised for individual markets, while Nordic viewers will receive English-language versions.
Marcos Milanez, Chief Content Officer at Rakuten TV, said the agreement builds on a long-standing relationship with Sony Pictures Entertainment across transactional, advertising-supported and FAST services.
“As FAST continues to grow, viewers are increasingly embracing it as a primary destination for content, particularly when programming is localised and relevant to their markets,” he said.
Peter Wood, Executive Vice President, Consumer Platforms & Services at Sony Pictures Entertainment, added: “We’re pleased to work with Rakuten TV to bring audiences across Europe a compelling lineup of iconic brands and fan-favourite series in an engaging, free viewing experience.”
The agreement further strengthens Rakuten TV’s FAST strategy. The platform now offers more than 500 FAST channels, including over 100 owned and operated services, reaching more than 150 million households across 43 European territories.
The deal is the latest sign of continued investment in the European FAST market, with platform operators increasingly relying on established television brands and library content to attract viewers, while studios expand distribution of their catalogues through advertising-supported streaming channels.
