CASE STUDY

Watch Free UK is a free streaming service part of the portfolio of brands owned and operated by the CBS AMC Networks UK Channels Partnership (a joint venture between Paramount Global and AMC Networks International UK). Relaunched as part of a general rebrand, the on-demand service (formerly known as CBS Catch Up) combines hundreds of hours of factual entertainment from True Crime and Legend, channels that are part of the UK portfolio.

Simplestream, a long-standing tech provider for the CBS Catch Up brand, was appointed to refresh the existing set of applications for Watch Free UK, including web, iOS, Android, tvOS, Android TV, Fire TV, LG, Samsung, Roku, and hybrid apps for Freeview, Freesat, and YouView.

As an existing customer of Simplestream’s App Platform, making branding and UI changes was easy, the applications are design first with a focus on low code frontend development, instead using configuration changes via cloud hosted API’s. The frontend solution is built in direct correlation with Simplestream’s Media Manager, which leverages its core modules (CMS, Live2VOD) to provide CBS AMC Networks International with the most efficient framework to manage its content for distribution.

Beside the rebrand of existing applications for hybrid platform such as Freeview, Freesat, and YouView, Watch Free UK was launched also on web, iOS, Android and a variety of Connected TV platforms.

Among the main enhancements within the infrastructure developed for Watch Free UK is also a seamless EPG ingestion workflow for a more premium use of content metadata. This must consider the presence of different sources, including EPG and content rights, among the new channels offered by the customer, especially on hybrid platforms such as Freeview and YouView.

The rebrand and relaunch of a set of channels under the new brand of Watch Free UK has coincided with an impactful campaign powered by CBS AMC Networks International. Viewers are now able to access the on-demand service on a variety of platforms.

Watch Free UK was relaunched on web, iOS, Android, tvOS, Freeview, and YouView, bringing many hours of content to UK households from the channels True Crime (an expert-led documentary and series channel analysing authentic criminal cases with an in-depth journey from the crime scene, through the investigative process to the courtroom) and Legend (home to action-packed movies and series).