Roku strikes first single-territory live and simulcast deal for American Idol

American Idol is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment

Roku has struck its first single-territory live and simulcast deal after partnering with Fremantle to bring the next season of American Idol to The Roku Channel in Canada.

American Idol will air on ABC in the US on Sundays and Mondays, with a simulcast on The Roku Channel for free-to-view in Canada, where it will also be available to stream the next day on-demand.The deal comes after Roku took advertising-based VoD digital exclusive rights to the series, which returns in March with Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and American Idol alum Carrie Underwood joining the judging panel, alongside Emmy-winning host Ryan Seacrest.

The show has previously aired in Canada on CTV and Yes TV, with Citytv most recently airing the series. Michela DiMondo, executive VP of distribution, Canada and international at Fremantle, said the deal “marks an exciting step forward in digital broadcasting.”

“As the show that pioneered audience-driven voting, American Idol is once again leading the way, this time shaping how Canadian viewers will engage with their favourite programmes for years to come,” said DiMondo.

“We are excited to be the exclusive streaming destination in Canada for American Idol, a mainstay entertainment choice for Canadians and our Roku audience,” said Jennifer Vaux, VP of content acquisition and programming at Roku.

American Idol is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, part of Sony Pictures Television. The exec producers include Megan Wolflick, also serving as showrunner, with Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman serving as exec producers for 19 Entertainment. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.