PARK LIFE
Paramount’s Pluto TV is to launch a “South Park” category, dedicated to the long-running satirical cartoon series, within its free ad-supported streaming television service.
The “South Park” category will include a “South Park” main channel, available across all international markets where Pluto TV is present, as well as a series of “South Park” themed channels in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Canada, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Latin America and Australia. This will feature a selection of “South Park” episodes dedicated to the theme of the month. These markets will also carry a series of channels, individually dedicated to specific characters from the series.
The series, co-created by Matt Stone and Trey Parker, has proven to be a key driver for Pluto TV across international markets. In 2023, “South Park” ranked consistently among the top 10 series in each Pluto TV market. It ranked #1 in Canada, France and Italy. In the U.K., “South Park” launched at the end of 2023 on PlutoTV and immediately joined the top five series in the country.
Building on MTV Entertainment Studios’ expansive deal with Parker and Stone, “South Park” has been renewed on Comedy Central through 2027, taking cable channel’s longest-running scripted series through an unprecedented 30th season. The first six “South Park” original made-for-streaming events are exclusively on Paramount+.
HOWZAT
Banijay Asia and Sporting Beyond have agreed a partnership aimed at creating content that merges cricket and entertainment. Cricket is the dominant sport in India and, along with films, has shaped media trends as the media industry transitions from conventional formats to digital. It follows the recent launch of of Banijay Sports, which aims to operate in ‘sportainment,’ documentary and digital sectors through partnerships, content investments and M&A activities.
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“My journey in sports and my passion for cricket has always been about pushing the boundaries. Partnering with Banijay Asia is a thrilling new chapter that allows us to blend cricket with entertainment in unique and exciting ways, said former cricketer, commentator and national coach, Ravi Shastri, who is now also founder and director of Sporting Beyond.
“By merging Ravi’s extensive cricket expertise with our innovative content creation capabilities, we aim to deliver unparalleled cricket entertainment experiences. This collaboration with Sporting Beyond will craft a new and unique narrative in cricket entertainment in India, and across the globe,” said Deepak Dhar, founder and group CEO of Banijay Asia.