NBC Announces Seeso, a Streaming Service Devoted to Comedy
NBC announced a low-cost streaming service devoted to one of its richest content areas: comedy. Dubbed Seeso, the service will combine new series and specials with a library of successful broadcast shows—some never streamed before—along with a few innovative viewing options.
Seeso will cost $3.99 per month when it launches in January 2016, and will offer a free ad-supported version with limited content, as well.
For comedy fans, Seeso's library of shows might be its strongest asset. It will include Monty Python's Flying Circus, streamed for the first time and remastered for HD video. NBC doesn't mention whether or not it will have the full run of the legendary series, but does say that it will offer Python films and all the Python documentaries and specials. For some, that along is worth $3.99 per month. The library will also include the full run of The Kids in the Hall (also remastered for HD), Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Late Night With Seth Meyers, as well as the full runs of Parks and Recreation and 30 Rock. Brit-com lovers will appreciate that it has The Mighty Boosh, The IT Crowd, and The Young Ones. It will even contain the U.K. and U.S. versions of The Office.
Seeso will launch with several new series, which look just as impressive. Standouts include HarmonQuest, a comedy about fantasy roleplaying created by Dan Harmon; real estate parody Bajillion Dollar Propertie$, executive produced by Kulap Vilaysack, Tom Lennon, Ben Garant, Scott Aukerman and David Jargowsky; and improv show The UCB Show hosted by Upright Citizens Brigade co-founders Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh.
Because finding content to watch can be a chore, Seeso will autoplay recommended videos, and let subscribers hunt for content while watching a video.
“By focusing on a specific, yet large niche, and providing a curated experience, we can help viewers find good stuff they might not or cannot find," says Evan Shapiro, executive vice president of NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises. "Seeso is your neighborhood comedy eatery, with daily specials from a chef you trust.”
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