Lionsgate Launches FAST Channels for 'Hunger Games,' 'Saw,' 'John Wick'

Lionsgate has partnered with LG Channels to launch a series of dedicated Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels in the United States and Canada. These new channels will feature content from some of Lionsgate's most popular film and television franchises. Among the initial offerings are channels dedicated to the "Hunger Games" saga, the "Saw" horror series, and the "John Wick" action films. This strategic move by Lionsgate aims to expand the reach of its extensive content library through the rapidly growing FAST market.

In addition to these high-profile franchise channels, Lionsgate and LG Channels will also introduce dedicated FAST channels for the popular television series "Rookie Blue" and "Ghosts." Further diversifying its content offerings, Lionsgate is launching a medical drama-themed channel named "Pulse." The "Lionsgate Network" will also be available, featuring a curated selection of content programmed by the studio. These launches signify Lionsgate's commitment to leveraging diverse distribution platforms to engage audiences with its intellectual property.

The FAST model, which offers consumers free access to content supported by advertising, has seen significant growth in recent years. Major media companies are increasingly investing in this sector to monetize their back catalogs and reach a wider audience without the subscription overheads associated with traditional streaming services. LG Channels, integrated into LG smart televisions, provides a platform for content providers to distribute their programming directly to consumers. This collaboration allows Lionsgate to tap into LG's substantial smart TV user base.

The "Hunger Games" franchise, which began with the 2012 film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' novel, has spawned multiple successful films and a prequel, "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes." The "Saw" franchise, known for its intricate traps and horror elements, has generated numerous sequels since its debut in 2004. The "John Wick" series, starring Keanu Reeves, has become a benchmark for modern action cinema, praised for its stylized fight choreography and world-building. The inclusion of "Rookie Blue," a police procedural drama, and "Ghosts," a supernatural comedy, alongside the medical drama "Pulse," indicates a broad content strategy designed to appeal to a wide demographic range within the FAST ecosystem. The "Lionsgate Network" is expected to serve as a catch-all for other studio content not assigned to a specific franchise channel.