Seeso, the subscription OTT comedy channel in the works from NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises, said it will kick off a month-long, Web-only, free Beta period on December 3.
The service, set to launch in January, will cost $3.99 per month.
Seeso is billing the beta as a free sneak peek of its mix of comedies, exclusive shows (including The UCB Show from Upright Citizens Brigade founders Amy Poehler, Matt Walsh, Ian Roberts and Matt Besser), curated films and classic stand-up performances. During the beta period, the service will also feature next day, full length episodes of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and 40-plus years of Saturday Night Live.
Consumers can tap in by registering their email address at www.seeso.com. Seeso said it will offer a limited number of beta memberships on a first-come, first-served basis.
Beta members that make the cut will be able to stream a live stand-up special on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 10 p.m. ET featuring comics from the last season of Last Comic Standing -- finalists Ian Bagg, Andy Erikson and Michael Palascak, and winner Clayton English.
“It’s like the soft-opening of a restaurant,” said Evan Shapiro, EVP of NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises, in a statement. “Everything is free, while you try out Seeso, sample our great classic comedy and get a taste of our exclusive original series. We think our stuff can help you laugh better, and we want you to Seeso for yourself. But, just like the soft-opening of any new neighborhood club, space is limited and we might ask for your patience while we work out our service.”
NBCU expects to launch the service in January on multiple streaming platforms and connected devices, and through other, yet unnamed distribution partners.
