ABS-CBN joins forces with Viu to deliver Kapamilya shows

The deal has been finally sealed.

In October 2021, during a digital conference, ABS-CBN bared its efforts to continue widening its reach a year after when its request for a free-to-air legislative franchise was denied. Among other platforms, top Asian streamer Viu was mentioned, but with no words with regards to the specifics of the said deal.

But on January 15, 2022, ABS-CBN and Viu have formally announced the partnership. In the said deal, Kapamilya entertainment programs will begin to be streamed on Viu in the country.

For its initial offering, Viu will become home to the Philippine adaptation of BBC’s Doctor Foster, The Broken Marriage Vow, which stars Jodi Sta. Maria, Zanjoe Marudo, Sue Ramirez, and Zaijian Jaranilla. Users will be able to watch the program’s episodes 48 hours before its television broadcast. Meaning, TBMV will be aired on Viu starting January 22, alongside ABS-CBN-owned iWantTFC.

While no numerical data is available, in 2020, Viu stated that the Philippines accounts for its highest base in terms of monthly active users. Thus, effectively increasing the impression rate for ABS-CBN.

Prior to this partnership, 2021 saw the Kapamilya network teaming up with other streamers in the region like WeTV iFlix and iQiyi. Also, more ABS-CBN shows were added to global streaming platform Netflix. Its own iWantTFC is also constantly being expanded, which has since (according to the platform) has breached 14 million users last year.

Meanwhile, for Viu, this would be their first foray into licensed local content from the Philippines. The streaming platform has already entered into such in other Southeast Asian territories like Singapore and Thailand. Aside from that, Viu also continues to curate East Asian titles — most notably, Korean dramas.

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