Australian streaming service BINGE has expanded its long-standing partnership with Sony Pictures Television.
The renewed multi-year deal will see BINGE secure exclusive rights to first-run British scripted dramas alongside an extensive library of U.S. films and TV shows.
Earlier this month, Sony Pictures Television also renewed its deal with streaming service Stan, securing multiple U.S. Sony shows, along with library titles.
British drama builds momentum
British drama continues to carve out significant real estate in Australian viewing habits, and BINGE is betting big on its appeal.
Series such as Day of the Jackal and Sweetpea, produced through BINGE’s partnerships with NBCUniversal and Sky Studios, have already resonated with audiences.
“British drama is wildly popular on BINGE,” said Hilary Perchard, CEO of Foxtel, Kayo Sports and BINGE.
“This agreement extends a 20-year relationship with Sony, delivering not only first-run British scripted dramas but hundreds of hours of beloved American series and films.”
Hilary Perchard
Prestige drama meets commercial clout
Among the anticipated additions is The Lady, a psychological drama from the producers of The Crown, centred on Jane Andrews, the former royal dresser whose ambition and downfall gripped tabloid Britain. BAFTA-winning series Mr. Loverman starring Lennie James premiered on BINGE earlier this month.
Also coming to BINGE:
• Dear England, a television adaptation of the acclaimed West End play that follows England football coach Gareth Southgate, and his journey to redefine masculinity and team culture on the national stage.
• The Other Bennet Sister, a genre-subverting twist on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, focused on the oft-overlooked Mary Bennet.
• Complete seasons of library titles including comedies Community, The Nanny, Dawson’s Creek, I Dream of Jeannie, Bewitched, Married… with Children, Mad About You, and Just Shoot Me. Critically-acclaimed dramas will also be available, including The Big C, The Shield, Justified, Damages, Hannibal, The Good Doctor, and Mr. Mercedes
• An expansive catalogue of library movies including titles from the Spider-Man and Ghostbusters franchises, White House Down, Big Daddy, and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
“This is just the beginning,” said Wayne Garvie, President of International Production at Sony Pictures Television.
“We’re in a golden age of British storytelling, and our goal is to deliver series that reflect the depth and complexity of that tradition.”
BINGE’s broader content strategy: diversity through curation
Perchard highlighted that BINGE’s appeal lies in both its originals and its curated acquisitions: “Our deal with Sony complements our Originals and our work with over 50 global and local distributors, including BBC Studios, NBCUniversal, Sky Studios and ITV.”
From a distribution standpoint, Sony is equally enthusiastic.
“We’re thrilled that BINGE will be the Australian home for Sony’s first-run British dramas,” said Julia Salter and Carolyn Ozkoseoglu, Co-Heads of Distribution, ANZ, at Sony Pictures Television. “It reflects the strength and trust of our ongoing relationship.”