Rupert Murdoch’s Fox Corporation has introduced its ad-supported streaming service, Tubi, to the UK market. This new entry aims to rival popular platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, ITVX, Channel 4’s streaming service, and BBC iPlayer.
Tubi launches with an impressive library of over 20,000 films and TV episodes, featuring content from major studios including Disney, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, alongside its own original productions. Among the highlights are The Twilight Saga starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, the horror film Candyman, and the Tubi original reality series House of Heat.
Anjali Sud, the chief executive of Tubi, stated: “Tubi has spent the last decade honing our approach to vast, free, and fun streaming in North America, and we feel that now is the perfect time to bring that recipe to UK audiences. Most importantly, we’re committed to listening to what resonates with UK fans, and bringing them more and more of what they love.”
Fox reports that in the US, Tubi boasts 80 million active users and has tied with Disney+ in terms of total viewing time. The UK offerings will also include films like Olympus Has Fallen starring Gerard Butler, the Adam Sandler comedy Happy Gilmore, and the horror-comedy Happy Death Day. British content includes episodes of Great British Menu, The Secret History of the British Garden, Paul Hollywood’s Pies & Puds, and Mary Berry’s Foolproof Cooking.
The competition in the streaming service market is fierce, with companies battling for market share amidst heavy losses and a cost-of-living crisis affecting consumers. During the Covid pandemic, streaming services surged in popularity, prompting companies like Netflix, Disney, and Apple to invest billions in high-budget shows to attract subscribers. However, as growth has slowed, these companies are now focusing on cost-cutting measures and striving for profitability.
Sport and live events have become crucial for media companies, with Netflix set to stream WWE wrestling and Disney planning to offer live sports from its ESPN network.
Tubi remains committed to its “100% free ad-supported model” with a “low ad load.” This stands in contrast to other streaming services that have introduced lower-cost ad-supported tiers in the race for subscriptions.
In related news, Murdoch’s right-wing news channel TalkTV announced it would cease television broadcasting after two years and transition to an online-only format over the summer.
