Orange Cinema Series (OCS) is to become the exclusive broadcaster of HBO programmes in France, the broadcaster has announced.
It comes as Orange renews its contract with HBO, which was due to expire in late 2018. Over time HBO shows including Big Little Lies, the final season of Girls, the last two seasons of Game of Thrones, the new seasons of Westworld, will be exclusive to the French premium channel.
Commenting on the announcement Paolo Pescatore, Vice President of Multiplay and Media, CCS Insight said: “This is a significant deal for both parties and once again underlines the importance of content. It will also be a major blow to rivals especially Canal+ who is struggling to maintain its position in the market.
“However, SFR, through its parent Altice, has been forging numerous partnerships with content providers and poses a considerable threat to Orange. With this in mind, securing exclusivity of key TV shows will be paramount in driving and maintaining subscribers. Content represents the next battleground as telcos prepare to battle to differentiate their offerings and lure subscribers to fibre broadband bundles.”
OCS has made a number of innovations involving US content. In 2012, OCS innovated by offering the US+24 service, making it possible to watch series just 24 hours after broadcast in the United States.
Then since April 2015, OCS have subscribers the possibility of watching seasons 5 and 6 of Game of Thrones at the same time as in the US – Day&Date – a first in France.
