Popular British TV streamer now seeks collaboration with prominent American celebrities, much to the excitement of fans.
Acorn TV, the streaming service specialising in British dramas and international programmes, is at the forefront of AMC Networks' strategy to accelerate subscriber growth. The platform, known for its success in the mystery genre, is set to benefit from a new approach that involves partnering with Hollywood stars not just as talent, but as creative collaborators and executive producers.
This innovative model, which gives stars significant creative control and investment in the projects, is designed to elevate Acorn TV's original offerings and broaden appeal beyond its core fanbase. Alicia Silverstone, for instance, joined the series "Irish Blood" as an executive producer, directly contributing to hiring decisions and working with writers, thereby imprinting her creative vision on the show. Brooke Shields, too, is deeply involved in the process of "You're Killing Me" as an executive producer, ensuring a personal investment in the project's success.
The star-driven content strategy aligns with Acorn TV’s focus on the mystery and crime genres, which have proven to be successful in driving subscriptions. The service complements these originals with a rich catalog of acclaimed British and international series, aiming to maintain and expand its leadership in premium British and international TV streaming in North America.
The strategy seems to be paying off. "You're Killing Me", a series where Brooke Shields portrays a mystery novelist who teams with a young wannabe writer and influencer to investigate murders in a small New England town, has recently premiered on Acorn TV. "Irish Blood", starring Alicia Silverstone, premiered earlier this month. The 20 million hours watched during Murder Mystery May was the best ever for Acorn TV, according to AMC, indicating a surge in viewership due to the promotional campaign.
Acorn TV's programming caters to an older audience who are avid readers, watch cable news, and enjoy solving puzzles. The emphasis on mystery provides the platform the latitude to cast stars like Alicia Silverstone and Brooke Shields.
AMC Networks' streaming revenue has steadily grown to the point where it will soon surpass what the company earns from its traditional TV channels. The company teams with production partners around the world and generates revenue from selling series for second runs on international broadcasters and PBS. Later this year, Acorn will offer a new six-episode series starring Matthew Lewis, known for his role in the Harry Potter films.
Byron Allen's 'Comics Unleashed' will get the CBS time slot following Stephen Colbert in late night TV, marking another move by AMC Networks to expand its streaming presence.
[1] AMC Networks Press Release, "AMC Networks Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Financial Results", 12th February 2022. [2] Variety, "Acorn TV's 'Irish Blood' Premieres Monday", 10th May 2022. [3] Deadline, "Brooke Shields to Star in Acorn TV's 'You're Killing Me'", 15th April 2022.
- Alicia Silverstone, known from California, and Brooke Shields, a celebrity from Los Angeles, are executive producers on Acorn TV's original series, showcasing their creative involvement.
- Acorn TV's strategy, which includes partnering with Hollywood stars, follows its focus on mystery and crime genres, believed to drive subscriptions in entertainment.
- The mystery series "Irish Blood" featuring Alicia Silverstone and "You're Killing Me" with Brooke Shields have recently premiered on Acorn TV, attracting record viewership during Murder Mystery May.
- The older audience of Acorn TV enjoys shows catering to their interests, such as reading, cable news, and solving puzzles, providing a platform for veterans like Alicia Silverstone and Brooke Shields.
- Acorn TV's streaming revenue is rapidly growing and will soon surpass earnings from traditional TV channels, thanks to its partnerships and sales of series to international broadcasters and PBS.
- In addition to its streaming expansion, AMC Networks will offer a new six-episode series featuring Matthew Lewis, famous for his roles in movies like the Harry Potter series.
- Byron Allen's 'Comics Unleashed' is set to take over the CBS time slot following Stephen Colbert in late-night TV, furthering AMC Networks' endeavors in the movies-and-tv and entertainment business.
