Move over, Netflix, there’s a new streaming service coming to Canada that will deliver recent seasons of TV’s top shows, as well as a wide-ranging array of viewing choices ranging from iconic TV classics to blockbuster movies to cult favourites… shomi.
shomi is more than just another streaming service, hearkening back to the days when bleary-eyed video-store clerks would offer recommendations by providing users with suggestions and expert advice on what they should watch from the more than 14,000 titles offered, a number which will grow continually as shomi evolves. shomi will assist viewers with the help of its staff of programming experts and a unique algorithmic technology that will help viewers find the shows they actually want to watch, whether it’s uncovering hidden gems or rediscovering old favourites.
This new video portal, a joint venture between Shaw and Rogers, will be available to customers of both companies in November, offering exclusive content you just won’t see anywhere else. In fact, shomi’s initial offerings include such TV hits as Modern Family, Vikings, Sleepy Hollow, Sons of Anarchy, New Girl, 24: Live Another Day, Tyrant and American Horror Story, to name just a few.
shomi will be available on set-top boxes, but can also be viewed on other platforms, including tablets (both iPads and Android), smartphones (iPhones and Android), online (on both PC and Mac) and the XBox 360.
“We’ve taken the time to talk with Canadians to find out what they want and to create an unbelievable user experience,” said Keith Pelley, President, Rogers Media. “They told us loud and clear — they want all the past seasons of the most popular, current TV shows and they want it to be easy. shomi takes the guesswork out of finding what to watch, acting like a new-age video clerk serving up all the best content based on individual viewing habits.”
“We keenly understand the media landscape is rapidly changing and that viewers are looking for greater flexibility when it comes to what they watch and how they watch it,” added Barbara Williams, Senior Vice President, Content, Shaw Media. “shomi is our first step into the new world of content streaming and we’re so pleased to be able to bring this made in Canada service to the market.”
shomi was unveiled this morning during a special Toronto launch hosted by ET Canada“s Rick Campanelli and Dina Pugliese of Toronto’s Breakfast Television. This exciting new service will be available for Rogers and Shaw customers in the first week of November for a suggested retail price of $8.99 per month.
