More on Crackle:Upfronts 2016: Crackle Sets Virtual Reality Initiative
Marking its first distribution deal with a cable operator, Crackle, Sony’s free, ad-supported VOD service, said it will begin to offer its original programming on Comcast’s set-top VOD platform as well as the MSO’s Xfinity TV app and website starting this Wednesday (April 20).
Crackle announced the Comcast distribution deal ahead of its annual upfront presentation, also set for this Wednesday.
Crackle originals to be offered via Comcast include Originals will include Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, animated series SuperMansion; The Art of More; and Sports Jeopardy! with Dan Patrick, among others. Additional Crackle originals and licensed programming will be rolled out in the months ahead, the programmer said.
The deal is significant as it will expand Crackle’s distribution footprint beyond just the over-the-top world and give it a coveted presence on Comcast's set-top box platform and real estate on the MSO's authenticated apps for mobile devices and Web browsers (Comcast ended 2015 with 22.34 million video subs).
Crackle already runs its ad-supported OTT service on several platforms, including Web browsers; iOS and Android tablets and smartphones; smart TVs from Sony, Samsung, LG and Vizio; Roku players; Apple TV; Google Chromecast; Amazon Fire TV; as well as the PlayStation 3 and PS4; and Xbox 360 and Xbox One gaming consoles.
“Our deal with Comcast expands the reach of our content to new audiences across Xfinity On Demand platforms,” said Eric Berger, EVP digital networks at Sony Pictures Television and GM of Crackle, said in a statement. “Now, millions of viewers will be able to access Crackle’s original programming on demand, without having to leave their set top box environment.”
“We are pleased to bring Crackle’s collection of premium, long-form content to our 22 million video subscribers,” added Franz Kurath, Comcast Cable’s vice president, content acquisition “We are continually expanding our on demand content offering and Crackle’s growing portfolio of high-quality original series is a unique and valuable addition to our Xfinity On Demand platform.”
