'Walter Presents' heads Stateside as SVoD

As first reported by Broadcast in November, Walter Presents - Channel 4’s foreign-language drama platform - will launch online at WalterPresents.com, and via key digital platforms, with subscriptions costing $6.99 (£5.60) per month for ad-free viewing.

Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham said the US launch of Walter Presents, which represents Channel 4’s first major investment outside the UK, was the “first step in a planned global roll-out.”

Walter Presents will debut with 34 box sets, including Norwegian noir Valkyrien and French political thriller Spin.

More than 500 hours of programming will feature on the platform in its first year. As in the UK, two series are to premiere each month.

Founder and host Walter Iuzzolino and his partners at Global Series Network, former Fox channels boss Jason Thorp and ex-Tiger Aspect exec Jo McGrath, launched the service on Channel 4’s on-demand service All 4 in January 2016.

Iuzzolino said: “For years America has led the way with a string of iconic titles to become the undisputed home of great TV drama. But the rest of the world hasn’t stood still.

“Inspired by the quality of the very best US drama, countries all over the globe are now producing extraordinary TV series - unforgettable stories which are becoming global smash hits. I am excited at the chance to introduce US viewers to this TV treasure trove.”

Channel 4’s Abraham added: “Our partnership with GSN making Walter Presents a phenomenal success in the UK has proved there is a significant market for exceptional non-English subtitled drama and I’m sure US viewers will be equally attracted to its rich content offerings from across the globe.”

GSN International chief executive Jason Thorp said: “The niche SVoD market has huge potential for growth and the US is the perfect starting place for Walter Presents’ international rollout.”

This article first appeared on Screen’s sister publication Broadcast.