Quibi, the mobile streaming platform that sold its programming to Roku earlier this year, is getting a new life on televisions next week.
Let's talk streaming: Roku brings in Quibi's content
Roku announced that it plans to begin streaming 30 “Roku Originals” starting May 20. According to TechCrunch, the slate of shows will include both scripted and reality programming that was previously only available on Quibi. While the shows will still be available to watch on mobile via the Roku Channel app, the company expects viewers to largely tune in via a Roku streaming device connected to their TV.
It’s important to note that Roku originally acquired more than 75 titles from Quibi when it bought the mobile entertainment company earlier this year. Quibi announced it would shutter in October 2020. While Roku has no plans to incorporate any of the special features that Quibi used to market its content (like its signature “turnstile” feature that made shows look good in both landscape and portrait orientation), it will benefit from the commercial breaks that are already built into the content.
“The launch of Roku Originals will bring incredible, premium entertainment with breadth, depth and diversity to the millions of streamers who regularly visit the Roku Channel and to many new viewers who may not even own a Roku device — and it’s all available for free,” Sweta Patel, vice president of engagement growth marketing at Roku, wrote in a press release.
