Rakuten TV is expanding its free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) lineup by launching 20 new channels in a partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, according to an announcement from the streaming platform. The rollout brings classic television series and franchise content to viewers across Germany, Austria, and several other European markets at no cost.
New FAST Channels Launching in Germany and Austria
According to Rakuten TV, the newly added channels are available immediately to users in Germany and Austria through the platform’s smart TV application or via dedicated remote control buttons. The initial wave of German-language and localized programming focuses heavily on well-known television series and pop-culture franchises.
- Comedy TV: Features classic sitcoms such as Seinfeld and The Nanny, according to company program notes.
- Thriller TV: Broadcasts serial dramas including Breaking Bad and The Good Doctor.
- Best Of: Features library content like Married… with Children (marketed as Eine schrecklich nette Familie) and Charlie’s Angels (Drei Engel für Charlie).
In addition to the Sony content deal, Rakuten TV introduced family-oriented programming shortly before the wider rollout. These additions include Barbie & Friends—featuring Mattel properties like Monster High, Enchantimals, and Polly Pocket—alongside a dedicated Pingu channel that broadcasts the stop-motion children’s series continuously without spoken dialogue.
Broader European Expansion and Programming Diversity
The 20 new channels are rolling out concurrently across multiple European territories, including Great Britain, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and the Nordic countries, according to corporate disclosures. Regional programming highlights tailored to specific markets include:
- Great Britain and Spain: Localized versions of entrepreneurship reality formats like Dragons’ Den in the UK and Shark Tank in Spain.
- France and Spain: Dedicated crime and procedural drama feeds featuring series like The Blacklist.
- Italy: Classic sitcom broadcasts including Bewitched.
While content in most European regions is broadcast in the respective national languages, programming in the Nordic countries is made available in English, according to platform specifications.
Platform Reach and Industry Context
With the integration of the new Sony-backed channels, Rakuten TV’s total FAST portfolio now exceeds 500 channels, over 100 of which are operated directly by the company. According to corporate statistics released by the platform, the service reaches more than 150 million households across 43 European countries.
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