Pluto TV Launching in Italy

ViacomCBS Networks International, a division of ViacomCBS, has confirmed that Pluto TV will launch in Italy on October 28.

Pluto TV will be Italy’s first FAST service and will complement Paramount+ when the premium streaming service launches in Italy in 2022. The free streaming television service has over 52 million global monthly active users spanning 25 countries across three continents.

When Pluto TV rolls out in Italy next month, it will be available on mobile via iOS and Android, desktop and connected TV (CTV) devices, including Samsung Tizen, LG smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Chromecast, as well as select channels on Samsung TV Plus. Sky Media will serve as Pluto TV’s conventional advertising sales partner in Italy.

At launch, Pluto TV in Italy will offer 40 thematic and curated original channels across multiple genres, including movies, TV series, reality, kids’ IP, lifestyle, crime and comedy. Content includes titles from ViacomCBS’s library, in addition to titles from more than 50 third-party content partners, such as Paramount, Lionsgate, Minerva, KidsMe, Banijay Rights and Cineflix Rights, among others. Curated channels available include Pluto TV Azione, Pluto TV Cinema Italiano, Pluto TV Drama and Pluto TV Real Life. Viewers will also be offered kids’ content and comedy, gaming and extreme sports channels.

Olivier Jollet, senior VP and general manager of Pluto TV, said: “ViacomCBS is rapidly expanding its global streaming footprint, connecting consumers with a vast library of great content across free and pay platforms worldwide. With Pluto TV and soon Paramount+, our diversified ecosystem will transform the Italian streaming market.”

Evelyn Rothblum, executive VP of advertising, partnerships and distribution for Sky in Italy and Germany, said: “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with ViacomCBS, extending our bouquet of innovative advertising solutions to Pluto TV. This further strengthens Sky Media’s portfolio in terms of digital platforms, audience and content.”

Jollet added: “As our ad sales partner, our long-standing relationship with Sky in Italy will continue. The launch will provide Italian audiences with a robust offering while also positioning ViacomCBS to drive significant growth in our global streaming and content strategies.”