TORONTO — Blue Ant Media announced today it has entered into an agreement with The Holmes Group to acquire more than 200 hours of programming from the extensive library of unscripted original series and specials of TV icon and professional contractor Mike Holmes (above).
The deal gives Blue Ant Media ownership of programming from the last two decades, including Holmes on Homes (Seasons 1-7), Holmes Makes it Right (Seasons 1-2), Holmes Inspection (Seasons 1-3), Holmes + Holmes (Seasons 1-2), Holmes for the Holidays, Lien on Me, Best of Holmes on Homes, Holmes in New Orleans, Holmes Family Effect, Holmes 10th Anniversary and Mike’s Ultimate Garage.
Blue Ant Media plans to air the Holmes catalog of programming exclusively on its free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) lifestyle channel Homeful, as the current licences for the shows expire, explains a press release.
Currently, some programs in the library air as reruns on competing broadcasters’ linear channels, including Bell Media’s CTV and Corus Entertainment’s Global.
“Over the coming months, audiences in the US and Canada will see Homeful introduce the Holmes content on platforms such as Roku, LG and Xumo,” the press release says.
As part of the deal, Blue Ant International holds distributions rights to Holmes’ library, which will debut at MIPCOM 2022 this fall, the release adds.
In addition, the new partnership will see Blue Ant Media commission new original programming with Holmes and his son Michael Jr. and daughter Sherry for its Canadian TV platforms and Homeful.
“As we continue to grow our free streaming channels, building our library of acquired and original IP will be a priority so we can bring audiences and platforms exclusive content they can’t find anywhere else,” Jamie Schouela, president of global channels and media at Blue Ant Media, said in the release.
“After more than 20 years in television and helping homeowners I am thrilled to be part of an exciting new future with Blue Ant Media and FAST channels like Homeful,” Holmes said. “The growth of free ad-supported television platforms shows how we are changing what we watch and how we watch and I love being at the forefront of getting more free content to viewers to enjoy wherever they are.”
Photo courtesy of Blue Ant Media.
