Advanced Television

Ash vs Evil Dead exclusive for Virgin Media

December 1, 2015

By Colin Mann

In a deal that marks a first such foray into exclusive programming, UK quad-play operator Virgin Media has brought cult US TV show and highly anticipated Starz Original series – Ash vs Evil Dead – to the UK, exclusively for its TV customers to watch on demand. Virgin Media has signed an exclusive licensing deal with Starz Digital, the global digital and on demand licensing arm of Starz, for the whole first series, comprising of 30-minute episodes.

Following its recent successful US launch, Ash vs Evil Dead is produced by Starz and has already been renewed for a second season. The new TV series is a follow-on of the classic The Evil Dead movie trilogy and reunites the original filmmakers – director Sam Raimi, producer Rob Tapert and star Bruce Campbell.

David Bouchier, Chief Digital Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media, said the operator was “very excited” about bringing the show to the UK, exclusively for its customers. “This long-awaited and much anticipated series marks a step-change in our TV programming strategy and demonstrates the true potential for video on demand. By investing in original series and bringing more exclusive TV shows to Virgin Media customers, we are unlocking the power of the boxset once again. Ash Vs Evil Dead is just the start for Virgin Media customers.”

Mara Winokur, Senior Vice President of Digital at Starz, said that fans throughout the world had been thirsting for the return of Ash. “Starz is thrilled to partner with Virgin Media and honoured that the truly ‘groovy’ new hit series, Ash vs Evil Dead was selected to kick off its new on demand programming initiative for UK audiences.”

Ash vs Evil Dead is available immediately for Virgin Media TV customers to watch through its TV on demand service, and will be free and available to everyone in More TV and above and in HD to TV XL subscribers. The first five episodes will be available to watch from this date, followed by a new episode released each week, bringing the series in-line with the US broadcast air dates.

 

 

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