Fans of 1990s US comedy will welcome a recent deal struck between Pluto TV and Sony Pictures Television (SPT).
In the UK, audiences can now access two new channels. The first, Married with Children (pictured above), is dedicated to back-to-back episodes of the US comedy starring Ed O’Neill as Al Bundy. The comedy was a frequent fixture in some ITV regions in the 1990s.
Meanwhile, The Nanny features the 1990s comedy starring Fran Drescher as Fran Fine, as the nanny to Broadway producer Maxwell Sheffield.
The deal is part of a wider agreement to offer SPT channels in a number of European countries. The channels started appearing in Pluto TV line-ups a few weeks ago, but have only now been officially confirmed.
▶ How to access Pluto TV
Pluto TV is available on a variety of connected and smart TV platforms. These currently include:
- Amazon Fire TV,
- Android,
- Chromecast,
- iOS iPhone app,
- LG Smart TVs,
- Playstation,
- Roku,
- Samsung Smart TVs,
- Virgin Media,
- Windows 10 and 11 (through the Microsoft Store),
- Xbox series X / S, Xbox One,
- Internet browser: www.pluto.tv
Paul Edwards, Vice President Content Pluto TV International commented:
“Sony Pictures Television has been a valuable -partner and we are proud to expand our relationship beyond Latin America to Europe and the UK. Pluto TV is committed to bringing unique content to our audiences worldwide, through valuable partners and carefully curated channels that offer the best of traditional TV and streaming.”
Ian Durndell, EVP, Digital Distribution and Direct to Consumer, SPT added:
“It is fantastic to work with Pluto TV and reach audiences for some of SPT’s most popular classic shows through Pluto’s new channel outlets across the UK and Europe. SPT has a veritable wealth and variety of titles in our extensive film and television catalogue – from comedy and drama, to action and romance, there really is something for everybody. It is always wonderful to explore innovative opportunities to bring fan-favourite shows to a whole new audience on AVoD and FAST channels.”
The deal is one of many similar arrangements being made to monetise older TV programmes using online platforms. For example, Samsung TV Plus has dedicated channels showing back catalogue editions of America’s Got Talent and American Idol. Meanwhile, Pluto offers channels dedicated to shows including Baywatch and Hell’s Kitchen.