The move sidesteps Sky and Virgin Media, making the Best-of-British streaming service available through the Prime Video app.
BritBox UK will launch as an Amazon Prime Video Channel later this spring, in a deal that will increase BritBox’s reach to over 40 million devices.
According to the latest statistics, that means 90% of homes with video-on-demand services will be able to access BritBox UK, 18 months after it first launched.
BritBox UK will not only become available as an add-on to Amazon Prime customers, but also become available for the first time on Sky Q and Virgin Media boxes. The move circumvents Sky and Virgin Media, who have so far refused to carry the streaming service directly. As a result, Sky Q and Virgin Media subscribers will soon be able to visit the Amazon Prime Video app to access BritBox.
How to access BritBox UK on Amazon Prime Video
Once BritBox UK has gone live on Amazon this spring, it will be available via the Prime Video app to watch anytime, anywhere on smart TVs, mobile devices, and game consoles, or at Amazon.co.uk/channels. A more specific launch date hasn’t been announced.
Viewers who subscribe to BritBox UK through Amazon Channels will be able to manage their subscription and access through their Amazon Prime account, reducing the number of different login details that would normally be required for each service, when accessed separately.
BritBox UK on Amazon Prime Video Channels will be available on a monthly basis, with the option to cancel anytime.
BritBox UK offers subscribers British TV hits from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5, including Broadchurch, Downton Abbey, Vera, Only Fools and Horses, and Love Island, and original exclusive content including Spitting Image, which will return for a second season later this year. Unlike its international counterparts, BritBox UK is led by ITV, with a 90% stake in the service.
Will Harrison, BritBox UK’s Managing Director, said:
“We are excited to bring the very best British entertainment to an even wider audience through Amazon Prime Video Channels, especially as we launch even more original content in the spring, summer and beyond.”