Bell Media Unveils CraveTV

TORONTO: Bell Media has officially unveiled CraveTV, previously code-named Project Latte, a brand-new SVOD streaming service launching December 11 for C$4 ($3.50) a month.

At launch, nearly 65 percent of the entire CraveTV catalogue is exclusive to the service, with more exclusive titles to be added regularly. In its first year, CraveTV will feature more than 10,000 hours of premium, non-kids' TV content, representing more than 600 unique titles. This includes the entire off-air library of HBO, with shows such as The Sopranos, The Wire and Sex in the City. There's also a lineup of comedies that boasts Seinfeld as well as The Big Bang Theory, Cheers and Frasier. CraveTV will offer an exclusive catalogue featuring every single episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus as well.

A number of originals will launch first in Canada on CraveTV, among them Manhattan, Bosch and Deadbeat. There are several collections being featured as well. The Superhero Collection is anchored by Arrow and later in 2015 The Flash. The Sci-Fi & Fantasy Collection is led by Orphan Black and Doctor Who, as well as all six series in the Star Trek TV franchise. The Music Collection offers TV programs dedicated exclusively to music and its legends, including Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways.

CraveTV delivers to subscribers access to the service on the platform of their choice, including on their traditional on-demand service via their set-top box. In addition, CraveTV will be available at launch on iOS, including Airplay, as well as Android handsets and tablets via the CraveTV app, and online at CraveTV.ca. And early next year CraveTV will be available on the Xbox gaming consoles, Windows 8, Windows Phone, Samsung Smart TVs and Chromecast.

Bell Media has offered the service to all TV providers. Previously, distribution partnerships for CraveTV were announced with TELUS Optik TV, Bell Fibe TV, Bell Aliant FibreOP TV and Bell Satellite TV at launch. Today, Bell Media confirmed that Eastlink is the latest distribution partner for CraveTV and will make the service available at launch, while Northwestel and other Canadian Cable Systems Alliance (CCSA) members will also provide the service soon.

“We’re incredibly proud to launch a video streaming service dedicated to TV lovers who crave even more quality television, while enhancing the value TV providers deliver to their subscribers,” said Kevin Crull, the president of Bell Media. “In a fast-paced media industry in which the consumer is king, CraveTV raises the bar and redefines the Canadian TV landscape by offering a complementary, premium product at an incredibly great value.”
 
“With TELUS, Bell and Bell Aliant already on board, we are thrilled to partner with Eastlink, Northwestel and other CCSA members who have recognized the value and potential CraveTV provides,” added Domenic Vivolo, the executive VP of content sales and distribution marketing. “We look forward to welcoming additional distribution partners as CraveTV ramps up with even more incredible content in its first months of service.”
 
“Right out of the gate, CraveTV delivers an incredible offering of some of TV’s most-watched and most-loved shows, with more to come,” added Mike Cosentino, the senior VP of programming at Bell Media. “New content will be added every week on #iCraveFridays. What a way to start the weekend.”