Last year, Disney announced it had made a new licensing deal with the British broadcaster, ITV, to make Disney+ Original series,  “Extraordinary” and “Under The Banner Of Heaven” available to ITVX users.

This was part of a new strategy by Disney to license out some original programming from its general entertainment division to other broadcasters around the world on a non-exclusive basis, to raise additional revenue for Disney.

Earlier this month, the Star Original series, “Welcome To Chippendales” was released onto ITVX in the United Kingdom and it’salso been announced that the Star Original series, “Culprits”, will also be coming to ITVX in the UK later this year.

A sprawling true-crime saga, “Welcome to Chippendales” tells the outrageous story of Somen “Steve” Banerjee, an Indian immigrant who became the unlikely founder of the world’s greatest male-stripping empire—and let nothing stand in his way in the process.

The star-studded cast of this series includes Kumail Nanjiani, Murray Bartlett, Juliette Lewis and Annaleigh Ashford, with recurring guest stars Quentin Plair, Robin de Jesús, Andrew Rannells and Spencer Boldman alongside guest stars Nicola Peltz Beckham and Dan Stevens.

The crime thriller “Culprits” centres on Family man Joe Petrus, who is living the American dream with hisfiancé and step-kids. However, unbeknownst to them, Joe was involved in a mysterious crime three years ago and now his dangerous past is about to catch up with him. When a killer starts targeting the crew behind the crime, Joe realises it’s only a matter of time before his family is targeted. He returns to London to track down his old gang and find out who is coming after them.   The stellar British cast includes Nathan Stewart-Jarret, Niamh Algar, Gemma Arteton, Eddie Izzard and Kirby. 

The deal was negotiated by ITV Head of Content Acquisitions Sasha Breslau.

Roger’s Take:  While I’m not 100% sure the idea of licensing out original programs to other streaming services is the best thing to do long-term, in the short term, while Disney was reorganising its streaming business for profitability, it does make sense.  Also, since these shows were originally released over a year ago, it’s unlikely these originals were pulling in many new subscribers, but licensing them out allows the show to reach a larger audience.  I’d also much rather Disney licensed these general entertainment shows out to pull in some revenue, rather than just writing them off as a failed asset and deleting them.

What do you think of Disney licensing out its originals?  Let me know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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