SBS and Viaplay Group partner to bring the best of Nordic to Australians

SBS will premiere Nordic Viaplay Originals including drama series, films and documentaries, and will also have exclusive rights to an extensive library of Viaplay Originals and third-party Nordic programming. The partnership, launching on SBS On Demand today with 10 series and four new feature films dropping in the collection, also gives SBS a first-look option on forthcoming English-language Viaplay Originals.

Kathryn Fink, Director of Television at SBS, said the partnership expands the unparalleled collection of premium programs in languages other than English available on SBS On Demand.

“SBS has long been a pioneer of premium Nordic programming in Australia. Viaplay Originals like Norwegian series Wisting, Danish drama Darkness: Those Who Kill, and Norwegian thriller Furia are among some of our most watched series on SBS On Demand. This agreement will deliver a new suite of shows that will continue to build SBS’s reputation as a leader in international drama and feed a growing appetite among Australian audiences for global storytelling,” Fink said.

“We’re thrilled to now be partnering with Viaplay and expanding the relationship between our two distinctive brands to deliver more of the content that defines SBS On Demand. We’re excited to be continuing to grow our unique multilingual offering and showcase the best programs from around of the world to Australian audiences, for free.”

Vanda Rapti, Viaplay Group SVP & Head of Acquisitions, Content Distribution & Partnerships, said: “Viaplay Select is a compelling concept that helps our partners stand out in today’s competitive global streaming market. Nordic storytelling attracts audiences everywhere, and our Viaplay Originals deliver it better than anyone. Australia and the Nordic region may be on opposite sides of the globe, but top-quality drama is a universal language and we’re delighted to share our stories with millions of SBS On Demand viewers through Viaplay Select.”

Viaplay is the Nordic region’s leading producer of original content. Upcoming series set to premiere on SBS On Demand in Australia as part of the offering include the gritty Scandinavian crime shows Fenris, Cell 8, Where Were You and Huss; the Danish Canneseries-nominated biopic The Dreamer – Becoming Karen Blixen; acclaimed Norwegian comedy-drama Pørni; Swedish dramas Two Sisters, Harmonica and the award-winning Thunder in My Heart; and Norwegian dark comedies Ida Takes Charge and Below.

In addition, compelling international Viaplay Original documentaries such as The Prize of Silence, Natascha Kampusch – A Lifetime in Prison, and Wozniacki & Lee will also premiere on SBS On Demand through Viaplay Select.

The partnership reinforces SBS On Demand’s position as Australia’s most distinctive streaming destination, providing Australians with access to around 15,000 hours of distinctive programs from around the world, in more than 50 languages. With more than 11 million registered users, audiences can also choose to login and use the platform in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Hindi, Korean and Vietnamese as their primary language. BCS Bureau