ViacomCBS International Studios Distribution Bulks Up Slate

ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) Distribution has added 400 hours of factual content from the Smithsonian Channel to its sales catalog and has sealed deals from its non-scripted slate with partners around the world, including with American Public Television, Canal+ and more.

Among the sales from the VIS unscripted slate, seasons one and two of Secrets of the Royal Palaces have been licensed in the U.S. to American Public Television. The series features behind-the-scenes stories of the British monarchy’s residences, which are symbols of luxury, wealth and power.

ABBA: Secrets of Their Greatest Hits and The Story of Songs were picked up in Poland for Canal+ and Canal+ Family. Seasons one and two of 5 Mistakes That Caught a Killer were licensed in Germany, Austria and Switzerland with Seven.One Entertainment Group. Diana Princess of Wales: In Her Own Words was licensed in Australia to Nine Network.

New titles added from the Smithsonian Channel include Reclaiming History: Our Native Daughters, a one-hour documentary that joins renowned musicians Rhiannon Giddens, Amythyst Kiah, Leyla McCalla and Allison Russell on their inaugural tour. Virus Hunting: Cave to Covid follows scientists from the forests of Cambodia to the urban underpasses of Singapore to the bat archives of the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History and see how these mammals—and their unique relationship with viruses—may be the key to saving humanity from future pandemics. Also added to the catalog are Making Tracks on Mars and Tomb Hunters.

“The Smithsonian Channel’s reputable brand and broad range of content is the perfect addition to our now unrivaled factual slate,” commented Lauren Marriott, senior VP of ViacomCBS International Studios Distribution. “As we continue to expand our sales portfolio across all genres, we aim to evolve and build to match the growing desires of our global audiences.”

“The demand for proven, high-quality programming has never been higher. We’re proud to partner with ViacomCBS International Studios Distribution to bring our world-class brand and premium titles to new audiences worldwide,” said James Blue, senior VP and head of Smithsonian Channel.