There’s A New SVOD Service Coming To Market, And It’s All Reality TV

There’s A New SVOD Service Coming To Market, And It’s All Reality TV
Emma Mackenzie
By Emma Mackenzie



If, like this reporter, you simply cannot get enough reality TV, then let your thirst be quenched as a new subscription video on demand (SVOD) service promises unprecedented and unstoppable reality TV.

The service is called Hayu and is the brainchild of TV Network NBCUniversal International. It hasn’t launched yet, but says it’s “coming soon” in March to the UK, Ireland and Australia.

A release with all the details claims the service will have more than 3000 episodes of reality TV, including the likes of Keeping up with Kardashians, Made in Chelsea, The Millionaire Matchmaker and The Real Housewives.

The service will cost $5.99 a month – cheaper than its SVOD competitors such as Netflix and Stan, which are around $10 a month. However, obviously it won’t include all the movies and dramas the other SVODs stock.

Social media will also apparently play a really big role, as it will come already integrated into the service. Box series of shows will be available, as will a number of shows broadcast the same day as the US.

“NBCUniversal’s expertise as the foremost producer of reality programming – along with the obvious popularity of the genre – was the trigger for launching hayu,” said Kevin MacLellan, chairman, NBCUniversal International.

“We know that reality content is a primary driver of social interaction and that fans of reality TV significantly over-index in online viewing. We set out to build a service that elegantly combines the best high-end reality shows with the most popular social media and digital news platforms. Uniquely in hayu, fans can find it all in one place.”

One could argue the move makes sense, as reality TV dominated much of people’s TV interest in free-to-air TV last year, however it will be interesting to see how many will actually sign up for the service.

Needless to say, I will be plumping my couch pillows for some serious binge watching.




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