BBC Studios, which first entered the FAST space in 2019, announced a deal with ad-supported video-on-demand streamer Amazon Freevee, which will exclusively provide five new FAST channels for U.S. audiences starting October 17. The editorially-curated FAST channels will feature more than 1,000 hours of content across categories including comedy, science fiction, game shows, travel and crime dramas. Thus far, BBC has launched 17 FAST channels in the U.S. Freevee content is available via its Android and iOS apps in addition to Fire TV, Prime Video and numerous smart TVs and delivery platforms.

“With an extensive catalog spanning countless genres, we’re uniquely positioned to curate new entertainment experiences that leverage the best of our fan-favored British content, for every type of audience,” said Beth Anderson, GM and SVP of FAST & VOD Sales at BBC Studios.

“As more and more viewers discover the joys of discovering classic TV shows on FAST platforms, we’re delighted to debut our new suite of customized channels on Amazon Freevee in the U.S.,” she added. “FAST is becoming a larger part of the TV-viewing landscape, and we’re committed to meeting the demand and growing our FAST footprint here in the U.S.”

According to the press release, BBC Studios is introducing the following five channels:

• BBC Comedy: Laugh your way through 300+ hours of comedy content featuring Catherine Tate, Stephen Fry, and Hugh Laurie. From talk shows to sketch to stand-up, this channel offers the best in British comedy.
• BBC Game Shows: Test your trivia mettle with BBC Game Shows, featuring the best British quiz and competition programming. With big money and bragging rights on the line, play along with contestants in games of strategy, chance, and cunning, with celebrity special guests.
• BBC Sci-Fi: Travel to a new dimension with 200+ hours of mind-bending science fiction. Embark on a cosmic journey across genres, including hilarious space comedies, sci-fi panel shows, supernatural teen dramas, and cutting-edge scientific documentaries.
• BBC Travel: Journey to diverse destinations across the globe with BBC Travel. With a host of celebrity presenters like Stephen Fry and Ewan McGregor, programs range from the funny to the fantastic, showcasing the captivating people and places of our world.
• Silent Witness/New Tricks: Crack the case with these beloved long-running crime dramas. Follow teams of pathologists and retired detectives as they work to unravel mysterious murders — everybody tells a story.