Commercial broadcaster Sky is planning to add two new channels to its entertainment portfolio: Sky Crime and Sky Comedy.
Jumping on the true crime bandwagon, Sky Crime – set to launch in October – will feature “emotionally charged” programming including premium US true crime content from Oxygen and HBO.
Meanwhile Sky Comedy, launching in February next year, will broadcast premium scripted US comedy, US talk shows, and favourites such as Parks and Recreation and Will & Grace.
“Sky Crime and Sky Comedy are fantastic additions to our entertainment portfolio, providing our customers with two new destinations for their favourite shows,” said Zai Bennett, managing director of content at Sky.
The new channel brands follow the launch of Sky Studios earlier this year – a Europe-wide development and production capability which Sky claims will see its investment in original content more than double over the next five years.
According to Bennett, by increasing its investment in original drama and comedy and investing in premium US content, Sky aims to become an “unbeatable destination” for the best range of quality TV.
Both Sky Crime and Sky Comedy will be available to customers at no additional cost on linear and on-demand TV, as well as on the broadcaster’s subscription-based streaming service, Now TV.
Sky’s existing entertainment portfolio in the UK and Ireland currently encompasses four channel brands: Sky One, Sky Atlantic, Sky Witness, and Sky Arts.
