UK’s Channel 4 enters domestic FAST market with ‘Married At First Sight’

Married At First Sight (Source: Red Arrow)

UK public broadcaster Channel 4 has launched its first domestic FAST channel, which focuses on the local version of Red Arrow Studios International’s reality format Married At First Sight.

It will feature episodes from seasons 6-8 and makes its debut on the Channel 4 streaming platform today, launching as a pilot until 7 February.

The launch aims to gauge viewer appetite for the FAST format and will be available on Channel 4 streaming across web browsers, mobile devices and tablets.

The move comes three months since C4 unveiled plans to launch FAST channels in the US, with the broadcaster looking for alternative revenue sources amid a weakening UK ad market.

Alex Wall, C4’s head of streaming editorial for UK & International,  said the launch would allow viewers “to enjoy non-stop hours of their favourite show.”

He added: “After a successful launch in the summer, we are continuing to grow our FAST strategy in the US in partnership with a number of platforms, with our most recent launch this week on Google TV.”