Amazon Scores American Idol in the U.K.

Amazon Prime Video UK has secured a deal with FremantleMedia International to exclusively air the rebooted American Idol in the country two days after it runs in the U.S.

FremantleMedia International has now completed deals for the new season of American Idol in 150 territories. Additionally, the global sales team has inked agreements for the new season with CTV (Canada), Foxtel (Australia), Canal Sony (Latin America), MNET (Africa), SIC (Portugal and Portuguese-speaking Africa), Intervision (Greece), Three (New Zealand), Fjarskipti (Iceland), Novalifε (Greece), Sia All Media (Lithuania), Marjan Television (Farsi-speaking MENA), beIN (MENA) and beIN Series Home&Entertainment (Turkey).

FremantleMedia International also finalized sales for the show across Asia, with Sony Channel (pan-regional Asia), Zee Café (India) and Solar (the Philippines) all signing on the for the series.

Jamie Lynn, the executive VP, head of sales and distribution for EMEA at FremantleMedia International said, “American Idol has launched to fantastic ratings on ABC in the U.S. and we are excited that Amazon Prime Video will become the exclusive home of the new series in the U.K. with this unique deal. To see one of the biggest entertainment shows on a streaming service is a not only a first, but testament to the appetite for American Idol and will be a whole new way to reach fans of the series.”

Ganesh Rajaram, the general manager/executive VP of FremantleMedia International, Asia, added, “American Idol is a legacy show for FremantleMedia, it’s the show that started the whole reality entertainment genre and is the benchmark when it comes to family entertainment. With breakthrough talent and a brand-new judging panel, the show is hugely anticipated in Asia and we can’t wait to introduce it to audiences.”