CBSSI Signs Content Pact with Japanese SVOD U-Next

CBS Studios International (CBSSI) has entered into a multi-series, multiyear content licensing agreement with U-Next, one of Japan’s largest SVOD platforms.

Through the deal, U-Next subscribers will have access to more than 1,300 episodes of current and past programming from CBS Television Studios, including the NCIS franchise, Elementary, Hawaii Five-0, The Good Wife and for the first time in Japan, Reign. The agreement is the first of its kind between the two companies.

“CBS’s broad, mass appeal programming is perfectly suited to a market like Japan, where there is a huge appetite for consuming content across many different devices and platforms,” said Barry Chamberlain, the president of sales for CBS Studios International. “This is our first deal with U-Next and we look forward to building on the relationship in the future.”

“As one of the largest domestic digital entertainment companies in Japan, U-Next has an impressive reach and ability to make a mark on the Japanese entertainment industry,” said Tenshin Tsutsumi, CEO of U-Next Co. “We are constantly striving to push the boundaries of the Japanese market, something that we feel CBS programming provides, especially premium content such as NCIS, Hawaii Five-0, and the first time launch of Reign in Japan. Our goal is to continue to expand our relationship with CBS in the future, bringing cutting-edge programming to our customers.”