Toy maker Mattel is teaming up with Samsung on several new free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels, the companies announced on Thursday.
The new channels will be distributed on Samsung’s streaming TV platform Samsung TV Plus, which is available on Samsung’s line-up of TVs, smartphones, tablets, computers, smart screens and other devices.
“The three new channels from Mattel will feature content inspired by globally beloved brands such as American Girl, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, classic Monster High, Thomas & Friends, and more,” a Mattel spokesperson said in a statement.
The new channels launching from Mattel on Samsung TV Plus are:
- Barbie and Friends
- Hot Wheels Action
- Mattel, Jr.
The channels are set to go live later this year, though no specific date or time were announced.
The content streams mark the first time Mattel has franchised its globally-recognized intellectual property into free, ad-supported streaming content.
“We always aim to engage our fans in new ways with their favorite Mattel characters and storylines,” Michelle Mendelovitz, the Global Head of Mattel Television Studios, said in a statement. “We are pleased to partner with Samsung TV Plus to advance Mattel’s content strategy and provide audiences with a premium viewing experience.”
“With the global appeal of Mattel’s brand portfolio and our expanding content offering, we are thrilled to partner with Samsung TV Plus to establish our first-ever FAST channels,” Jason Horowitz, the Head of Marketing and Media at Mattel, said on Thursday. “In launching these channels, we gain the opportunity to deepen our relationship with existing Mattel fans and connect with all-new audiences.”
Sarah Nelson Uberto, the Head of Business Development and Partnerships at Samsung TV Plus, said Mattel’s decision to launch its first three FAST channels via Samsung’s streaming platform was a “testament to the service and audiences we have built.”
“Barbie and Friends, Hot Wheels Action and Mattel Jr. add even more choice to Samsung TV Plus’ stable of family-friendly, brand-safe content we know both viewers and advertisers will love,” Nelson Uberto said on Thursday.
When the channels launch, they will be relegated to a dedicated “Kids” section of Samsung TV Plus.
