TV streaming platform provider Roku is taking on Netflix with the debut of 30 “Roku Originals”, a collection of original TV series, documentaries and reality TV programs that will be available exclusively on The Roku Channel later this month.
The company said the Roku Originals debut is timed to coincide with “Streaming Day” on May 20, an event it has created that commemorates of the launch of the very first Roku streaming player way back in 2008.
Roku has quite a collection to look forward too, with one of the most anticipated titles being the action comedy thriller Die Hart, in which comedian Kevin Hart plays a fictionalized version of himself on a quest to land the action-movie role of a lifetime.
“I’m excited that Die Hart, from LOL Studios, will be available to viewers of The Roku Channel, bringing laughs to millions of viewers on Roku.” Hart said in a statement.
The documentary Big Rad Wolfmeanwhile, tells the story of the famed American Apparel brand that was celebrated for its highly provocative advertising and message of social change before it later imploded. Meanwhile, fans of the old Judge Judy show may appreciate Chrissy’s Court, which is a comedic arbitration-based TV court show that stars TV personality and model Chrissy Teigen and her mum, Vilailuck “Pepper Thai” Teigen as they handle real-life small claims cases and make legally-binding rulings on them.
“Will the record reflect that my mom/head bailiff in charge, Pepper, and I are beyond excited to bring Chrissy’s Court to the biggest screen in the home,” Chrissy Teigen said. “There’s no more hung jury on Chrissy’s Court – justice is getting served on The Roku Channel!”
There’s a very promising new series too in the shape of #FreeRayshawnstarring Stephan James as Rayshawn Morris as an Iraq war veteran holed up in his apartment along with his family with a SWAT team outside, who uses social media to try and prove his innocence before the police storm in to try and arrest him.
“The launch of Roku Originals will bring incredible, premium entertainment that has breadth, depth and diversity to the millions of streamers who regularly visit The Roku Channel and to many new viewers who may not even have a Roku device, and it’s all available for free,” said Sweta Patel, Vice President of Engagement Growth Marketing, Roku.
What’s more, Roku has announced a series of promotional offers providing discounts on some of its most popular streaming devices for customers in the U.K. From now until May 25, the company is offering a £5 discount on its Roku Express device and £10 off of the Roku Streaming Stick. And the Roky Streambar will get a £30 discount from May 19 until June 8, the company said.
Roku said the Roku Channel can be accessed through all Roku streaming players and Roku TVs, as well as NOW TV and Sky Q devices.