BBC Worldwide Brings Global iPlayer to Canada

LONDON: The launch of the Global iPlayer app in Canada marks the 16th territory that BBC Worldwide has taken the on-demand video service into as part of a one-year pilot phase.

The monthly VOD subscription service for iPad users features a range of current and classic BBC programming. This includes iconic British comedies such as Fawlty Towers, Absolutely Fabulous and Only Fools & Horses as well as contemporary sitcoms and sketch shows, including Gavin and Stacey and Little Britain. Among the other titles available are Spooks, EastEnders, Top Gear, the Doctor Who archive, Blue Planet and Charlie & Lola. 

BBC Worldwide has launched the app in Australia, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland, among other markets.

Jana Bennett, BBC Worldwide’s president of worldwide networks and Global iPlayer, said: “We’re proud to be building on the successful launch of this App by introducing it to Canada. It will open up the opportunity for a whole new audience to enjoy the best moments from seventy years of brilliant BBC programs, wherever and whenever they want.”

Through a current holiday promotion, those who download the app for free from the App Store can access an episode every day until Christmas Day at no charge without a subscription. The free content includes holiday-themed episodes and specials from shows such as Absolutely Fabulous, Jamie Oliver’s The Naked Chef: The Christmas Party and Blackadder’s Christmas Carol.

Matthew Littleford, the general manager for Global iPlayer said: “For those not familiar with the great BBC content available on the App, the festive offering is the perfect way to trial the service and get a good flavor of the quality and breadth of programs it provides.”