Fuse Media Secures New Content Deal with BBC Studios

Fuse Media has inked a deal with BBC Studios that will bring more than 60 hours of content to its Fuse Beat streaming brand.

The new FAST brand Fuse Beat was launched in partnership with Quincy Newell’s Twentyone14 Media and Cinedigm earlier this year to celebrate the multifaceted Black culture. BBC Studios programming that will join its already-robust lineup includes seasons one through four of Luther, starring Idris Elba, and the U.S. premiere of the sketch show Famalam.

BBC Studios titles coming to Fuse Beat in November are Africa with Ade Adepitan, The Aliens, A Black and White Killing, Moses Jones, The Shadow Line and Undercover. Coming in December are Enterprice, Famalam and Youngers. Movies and specials include Five By Five, a series of short films starring Idris Elba, and Born Equal, from BAFTA-winning writer and director Dominic Savage.

“As we continue to nurture our programming for Fuse Beat, we’re thrilled to be partnering with BBC Studios to offer their award-winning slate of series and movies,” said Mike Roggero, CEO of Fuse Media. “BBC’s content is filled with culture, diverse representation and captivating storytelling, so it’s only fitting that Fuse Beat is able to offer this programming for free to U.S. audiences.”

“Throughout history, black culture has proven to be a driving force in global popular culture,” said Newell, founder and CEO of TwentyOne14 Media. “The experience we’re creating with Fuse Beat is unique, inclusive and wildly entertaining, and my hope is that the addition of this amazing content from BBC Studios will help to further our mission of making Fuse Beat a global culture connector.”

“BBC Studios is deeply committed to powerful storytelling and globally recognized characters,” added Dina Vangelisti, executive VP of content sales at BBC Studios. “Luther is an iconic character, brought to life by the wonderful Idris Elba—and now we get to bring this highly acclaimed series to a new home and audience. Famalam is a staple of U.K. television, and Fuse Beat is the ideal partner to show it in the U.S. for the first time.”