Starz Play Arabia, the new OTT streaming service for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has signed a multi-year licensing deal with US network CBS Studios International to bring CBS and Showtime content to the region.
Exclusive series and full TV box sets will be available to Stars Play subscribers, including the first two seasons of Showtime’s drama series Penny Dreadful, Ray Donovan and The Affair, along with CBS shows Under The Dome, Extant and Zoo.
Starz Play president Maaz Sheikh said: “This deal meets the rising demand for premium OTT content by the region’s burgeoning young population and recognises the unique opportunity the Middle East market presents. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”
Armando Nuñez, president and CEO, CBS Global Distribution Group, said: “This deal is another great example of the growing licensing opportunities available for premium content from CBS in a very dynamic digital marketplace.”
Starz Play launched in April this year across 17 countries in MENA. The service streams more than 3,500 hours of movies and TV series on up to five devices for the equivalent of $12.99 per month with a one-month free trial.
Programming also includes Starz Original series such as Black Sails, Power, Survivor’s Remorse, Spartacus, The White Queen and Magic City, along with movies and other TV content acquired from US studios and Arabic-language producers.