Disney+‘s ongoing quest to strike content deals with Europe’s top broadcaster continued today in France.
The Disney streamer struck a deal with Groupe M6, which will ultimately see “several hundred” episodes from four “flagship” shows of the French broadcaster streaming on the service. Scènes de Ménages and En Famille join Disney+ on September 25 before Mariés au Premier Regard and The Power: Qui a le Pouvoir? join next year.
Importantly, the deal includes a seven-day preview window for selected programs before their linear transmission.
The deal is notably different than the content share agreements Disney has previously struck with ITV in the UK, Atresmedia in Spain and ZDF in Germany. Given the ultimate volume, it’s more akin to the deal Netflix struck with TF1, though that sees entire TF1 networks housed through the global streamer.
Groupe M6 sees the deal as an opportunity to significantly expand its 15-34 audience, while Disney+ gets a pipeline of high-quality, family-friendly shows.
“M6 has created shows that audiences in France really love, and we’re excited to bring some of those favourites to Disney+,” said Karl Holmes, General Manager, Disney+ EMEA. “With their strong appeal among younger viewers, it’s a natural fit and means even more local shows for our customers to enjoy. We’re really pleased to take this next step with M6, and to keep working with broadcasters across Europe to bring their shows to new audiences.”
Disney has longstanding relationships with many of the networks it is targeting for streaming pacts, originally through licensing deals – M6 among them. American procedurals once dominated French channels, but the tables have now turned with Disney+ a global streaming service and local content is all important.
“We are delighted to extend our longstanding relationship with Disney through this innovative collaboration,” said David Larramendy, Chairman of the executive board of Groupe M6. “It will enable some of our most iconic brands to reach new audiences and benefit from additional exposure among Disney+ subscribers.
“This agreement reflects the transformation of the audiovisual landscape and demonstrates how broadcasters and streaming services can work together to develop new models that benefit audiences, content and creators alike.”
There have been noises that M6’s parent, RTL Group, is seeking to sell the French network following a previous failed attempt, though nothing concrete has emerged yet.
