Streaming growth and merchandising success help to underline the multi-generational appeal of Anderson properties.
Anderson Entertainment is continuing to attract new fans through a growing number of streaming services.
Most recently, subscription-based streaming service BritBox has announced an expansion of its Gerry Anderson offering as part of its popular ‘Old School’ collection of cult kids’ TV shows.
BritBox is the home for great British TV from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 as well as iconic films, remastered classics and BritBox Originals.
Now the success of four Anderson shows – the original Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, UFO and Space 1999 – has led to BritBox adding more classics to its Gerry Anderson output.
2021 has seen the addition of 1964’s Stingray – one of the earliest Anderson hits and the first British TV series to be made entirely in colour – and 1969’s The Secret Service, a quirky mix of live action and puppetry that was the last Anderson series to use puppets before the arrival of Terrahawks in 1983. Further expansion is expected in the course of the year.
Multiple international SVOD platforms have underlined the enduring popularity of classic Anderson Entertainment series. Terrahawks on Amazon Prime and shows on other platforms like Shout Factory, Comet and Pluto, as well as BritBox, are helping to build a new, younger following alongside the longer-term fanbase. Linear programming is also getting in on the act through Forces TV and the Horror Channel, while shows on DVD and Blu-Ray continue to enjoy strong sales.
The growth in broadcast and streaming partners will combine with the arrival of new content and an expanded direct to consumer and retail merchandising offering to grow the company’s market presence throughout 2021.
The strategy is being led by the company’s successful ecommerce site, the Gerry Anderson Store, which boasts an expanding list both of licensee-supplied product and new items developed and created by Anderson Entertainment.
A new corporate website – www.anderson-entertainment.co.uk – was launched in 2021 to support the ongoing expansion.
“We’re thrilled that BritBox, the premier home for the best of British creativity has extended its Gerry Anderson offering,” commented Jamie Anderson, md of Anderson Entertainment. “This confirms the continuing strength of the Anderson brand among viewers of all ages, a strength that will underpin our ongoing expansion strategy for the coming year.”
Craig Morris, programming and scheduling lead for BritBox added: “We’ve been delighted with the huge popularity of Gerry Anderson’s shows on BritBox and are proud to be working with the team at Anderson Entertainment to bring these beloved TV classics together on a streaming platform for the first time.”
Want to read more news like this? Simply sign up to our daily digest by clicking here. You can also follow @LicensingSource on Twitter and @licensing_source on Instagram.
