Pluto TV launches in Canada with dedicated Cancon channels

Canadian programs such as Property Brothers, Bake with Anna Olson, Max and Ruby and Private Eyes are part of the initial launch slate.

Canadian lifestyle, drama and kids series are among the newly-announced offerings for Pluto TV as the ad-supported streaming platform launches in Canada.

There are more than 30 free, ad-supported TV (FAST) channels dedicated to Canadian content out of more than 110 channels available as of Thursday’s (Dec. 1) launch, according to a news release.

The Canadian debut was first announced in June as a partnership between Corus Entertainment and parentco Paramount Global, with the broadcaster acting as the ad representative for Pluto TV in Canada, as well as providing an array of Canadian programming.

Nearly a dozen channels are dedicated to Canadian lifestyle content for home renovation and DIY, as well as food. Newly announced titles available at launch include Property Brothers (pictured), Home to Win, Sarah Off the Grid, Bryan Inc., Bake with Anna Olson, Carnival Eats and Iron Chef Canada.

Another five channels are dedicated to Canadian kids programming, including Nelvana brands Max and Ruby and Franklin, as well as popular teen series Degrassi: The Next Generation.

There is also a French-language channel dedicated to the Degrassi franchise, in addition to other French channels dedicated to long-running international series such as South Park and Doctor Who.

Global News will have multiple channels available on Pluto TV, both national and local, in addition to CBS News.

Canadian content will also be featured across other channels, such as Departure and Private Eyes, which will be available on the Nonstop Drama Channel along with other U.S. and international programming. The streaming service says it has more than 20,000 hours of content available, with FAST channels spanning classic sitcoms, dramas, comedies, crime procedurals, film and reality TV.

Olivier Jollet, EVP and international general manager for Pluto TV, previously told Playback Daily that Pluto TV would continue to add more Cancon to its channels following the launch, and will work with other Canadian partners to build out its slate.

Troy Reeb, EVP, broadcast networks at Corus, said in a statement that the launch “marks the next evolution of streaming in Canada,” adding that the partnership “further advances” their goal of bringing Corus original content to new platforms. “We are also thrilled to expand our offering for advertisers with the addition of Pluto TV’s huge inventory of premium video,” he said.

Jollet added that the recent launches in the Nordics and Canada have led to “tremendous growth for Pluto TV,” which is “now in more than 30 countries and territories.”