Turner, Nine Network ink Adult Swim deal

Turner and Nine Network in Australia have struck a programming deal that will see an Adult Swim branded block run on the 9GO! digital channel.

The one-hour branded block will run on Sunday evenings on the Nine digital net, starting this week (July 10).

It will feature hit shows including Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Harvey Birdman, Robot Chicken, Squidbillies and The Venture Bros.

The deal also hands Nine the catch-up and streaming rights to the shows. The broadcaster has also acquired local format rights to Adult Swim’s FishCentre, which will introduce the block each week.

The deal marks the free-to-air debut for many of the Adult Swim shows, including Rick and Morty (pictured), which will debut on the channel later in the year.

Robi Stanton, Turner Australia’s general manager, said: “This partnership announcement with Nine will no doubt excite comedy-craving late teens and young adults across the country.”

Adult Swim is already on pay TV in Australia, on The Comedy Channel on Foxtel. SVOD service Netflix, meanwhile, carries Rick and Morty.

Turner is actively pushing out the Adult Swim content and channel internationally. Late last year Turner’s EMEA boss, Giorgio Stock, told TBI that its expansion is a priority for the channels business.