The BBC and ITV’s joint streaming subscription service BritBox will launch later this year.
The joint venture aims to showcase existing content from the two British broadcasters, including ITV hits like Love Island, Broadchurch and Benidorm and BBC classics including Gavin & Stacey, Happy Valley and The Office.
As well as box sets, it will feature new shows commissioned especially for the service, which is billed as “truly British”.
The launch comes after global giants such as Netflix and Amazon have made their mark on British homes.
BBC Director General Tony Hall said: “Together, we have been responsible for delivering the majority of ‘must see’ moments on British TV over the last decade. That ‘must see’ content will now be on BritBox…
“With a remit to be daring and different, many future classics will be commissioned and live on BritBox for the future.”
BritBox bosses claim it will cost “less than other streaming services” – but are they correct?
BritBox
The new service will cost £5.99 a month and will include both HD viewing and multi-screen, the BBC says.
Netflix
The streaming giant’s basic plan costs £5.99 – the same as BritBox – but this does not include HD viewing or multi-screen.
A standard plan, which includes HD viewing and allows you to watch on two screens simultaneously, costs £8.99. A premium plan, which includes Ultra HD and allows you to watch on four screens simultaneously, costs £11.99.
Amazon Prime Video
Access to Amazon’s library of TV and film costs £5.99 a month – matching BritBox for price – and lets you to watch on three screens simultaneously.
However, by paying £7.99 a month customers will receive the full perks of Amazon Prime, which include same-day delivery from the e-commerce company.
Now TV
Sky’s contribution to the streaming market offers a more customisable, and therefore complex, menu of options. Now TV comprises five individual passes – Entertainment, Movies, Sport, Kids and the reality TV pass called hayu.
The passes are separate monthly subscriptions that grant access to either live broadcasts, such as with the sports pass, or a library of TV shows or movies. The service allows you to watch on two screens simultaneously.
- Entertainment Pass costs £7.99 a month.
- Sky Cinema Pass costs £11.99 a month.
- Sky Sports Pass costs £33.99 a month, £14.99 for seven days, or £8.99 for a one-day pass.
- Kids Pass costs £3.99 a month.
- hayu Month Pass costs £3.99 a month.
Britbox has already enjoyed success across the pond, where it has gathered half a million subscribers in North America.
It will launch in the UK between October and December.
Those interested in subscribing to BritBox when it becomes available can do so now at www.britbox.co.uk.