Singapore, 24 March 2016 – BBC Worldwide Asia and StarHub today announced the inaugural launch of BBC First (StarHub TV Channel 522) in Singapore, the first country in Southeast Asia where the brand will launch.
BBC First will be the home of premium and original drama from the BBC. With award-winning talent in front of and behind the camera, BBC First gives audiences the chance to see the best new BBC dramas – from the latest episodes of Sherlock, to the critically acclaimed adaptation of Tolstoy’s War and Peace – unforgettable stories that challenge, immerse and entertain, from a distinctly British perspective.
It will launch as a subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service on Singapore’s largest pay TV operator, StarHub on 4 April 2016. The service will be available to StarHub’s Basic Entertainment HD Upsize customers who will be able to watch it all at their own convenience and on their mobile devices. Non-StarHub TV customers can also catch BBC First through the Go Premium Pack on StarHub’s online streaming service, StarHub Go.
BBC First, part of BBC Wordwide’s global brand strategy, is created and shaped by research into audience demand. It is BBC Worldwide’s brand for premium, original British drama – unmissable content that challenges perceptions and exceeds expectations.
Monty Ghai, SVP and GM of BBC Worldwide Southeast Asia, said: “We are very excited to have Singapore as the inaugural launch of BBC First in South East Asia. Viewers in Singapore recognise and appreciate the intelligent and distinctive content of BBC drama. BBC First is the ideal platform for us to deliver the best and latest BBC dramas to Singapore fans to watch anytime they want. And soon, viewers will be able to watch some of our most popular and biggest dramas within 24 hours of their original transmission.”
“We are delighted that StarHub TV customers will be the first in Southeast Asia to catch the latest BBC dramas on BBC First. The BBC is known for its commitment to high quality productions and our customers can look forward to watching entire seasons of their favourite critically acclaimed dramas in High Definition, at any time and on any device,” said Ms Lee Soo Hui, Head of Media Business Unit, StarHub.
From 4 April onwards, StarHub TV’s subscribers can look forward to highly rated and star-studded BBC drama offerings including:
Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
What if the world's most famous consulting detective and his best friend lived in a Baker Street of steam trains, hansom cabs, top hats and frock-coats? Welcome to Sherlock in 1895! Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, some things, remain reassuringly the same. Friendship, adventure and especially, MURDER...
War and Peace
Adapted by leading screenwriter Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice) and produced by BBC Wales and The Weinstein Company, this is a modern take on one of the most famous and epic stories of all time. Encompassing huge themes of love and war, life and death, the series features a star-studded line-up including Paul Dano, Lily James and James Norton. The series was filmed in Russia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Luther (Series 4)
The Golden Globe-winning series starring Screen Actors Guild award-winning actor Idris Elba returns. Still reeling from Ripley’s death, John Luther has left the force and retired to a remote clifftop. When he discovers the one person he still loves might be dead, Luther has one aim – find whoever’s responsible and make them pay. Meanwhile, a savagely intelligent killer is leaving a trail of bodies but no trace of his identity. Luther realises he must return to the job – only he can immerse himself in the killer’s complex psychosis and anticipate his next move. But John’s personal problems are stacking up too, and he will need to compromise his moral code once more. This is his toughest test yet – one that will push him closer to the edge than he’s ever been before.
BBC First is also available in Australia, Middle East, North Africa, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Belgium and the Netherlands. It is also available as a block in Japan.
