Virgin Media Scores U.K. Exclusive on Ash vs Evil Dead

LONDON: The Starz original series Ash vs Evil Dead is headed to the U.K., exclusively for Virgin Media customers to watch on demand starting today.

Virgin Media signed an exclusive licensing pact with Starz Digital for the first season. Ash vs Evil Dead is available as of December 1 for Virgin Media TV customers to watch through its TV on-demand service, and will be free and available to everyone in More TV and above and in HD to TV XL subscribers. The first five episodes will be available to watch today, followed by a new episode released each week, bringing the series in-line with the U.S. broadcast air dates.

Following its successful U.S. launch, the show has already been renewed for a second season.

David Bouchier, the chief digital entertainment officer at Virgin Media, said: “We are very excited about bringing Ash vs Evil Dead to the U.K., exclusively for Virgin Media customers. This long-awaited and much anticipated series marks a step-change in our TV programming strategy and demonstrates the true potential for video on demand. By investing in original series and bringing more exclusive TV shows to Virgin Media customers, we are unlocking the power of the box-set once again. Ash Vs Evil Dead is just the start for Virgin Media customers.”

Mara Winokur, the senior VP of digital at Starz, said: “Fans throughout the world have been thirsting for the return of Ash. Starz is thrilled to partner with Virgin Media and honored that the truly ‘groovy’ new hit series, Ash vs Evil Dead was selected to kick off its new on-demand programming initiative for U.K. audiences."