ITV Studios partners with Samsung TV Plus for the first time to launch two new channels

In the ever evolving world of linear TV companies with content, streaming platforms and new deals, ITV Studios is launching two new channels with Samsung TV Plus. They are what’s called FAST channels — Free Ad-support Streaming TV (and see AVOD in our guide to terms).

Here’s what we know so far about the two channels. They are very different in content and likely audience (we suspect).

Storylands

Storylands is a brand new channel set to become the home for the best European drama, produced by labels which are part of ITV Studios. This includes dramas such as the critically-acclaimed Norwegian legal series Aber Bergen; period drama Un Village Français (pictured) and the procedural crime drama Masantonio.

Hell’s Kitchen TV

This will feature round-the-clock episodes of the hit US version of the Gordon Ramsay show.

When will the new channels be available (and where)?

They will launch in the UK, before being rolled out to European markets, including Germany, Italy, and beyond. The move is the next step in ITV Studios’ on-going growth into the rapidly evolving FAST/AVOD market and one of many ways they are looking to exploit their rich catalogue of 90,000 hours of content. It follows the launch of four non-scripted YouTube channels last year — Our World, Our Life, Our Stories, Our Histories, showcasing the most successful nature documentaries and everyday lives that shape Britain, amongst other content.

As to what is Samsung TV Plus, most important it’s not tied just to Samsung TVs! Samsung TV Plus is free TV, with no subscription, no sign-up, no additional device, or credit card needed. Pre-installed on all 2016-2021 Samsung Smart TVs, and available for download from the Google Play and Galaxy Store on select Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets. So Samsung devices only. We look forward to seeing how this evolves.

You can read more in the press release from ITV Studios.