Roku is creating original shows to rival Apple and Netflix
- Roku hires a team to produce original shows and films.
- They would give you an extra reason to buy Roku players and televisions.
- The shows could be for the Roku Channel.
Roku’s content plans apparently involve a lot more than purchasing Quibi’s material. Revealera and protocol learned that Roku is hiring a team to create original shows and films for their platform.
A lead production attorney position that has since been closed is asking for someone who can help with Roku’s “original episode and feature film productions,” including actor, producer and crew arrangements. Roku wouldn’t just record shows from other companies.
The shows themselves are a mystery, and Roku hasn’t hinted when originals might be ready or how you would access them. The Roku free channel is a strong contender, but we wouldn’t rule out a paid subscription. A spokesman declined to comment.
Continue reading: The buying guide for Roku devices
Original shows could help Roku hold its own against Amazon and Netflix, but the most direct competitor could be Apple. The tech giant introduced Apple TV Plus not only to get a steadier flow of money, but also to make its devices more attractive. You can buy an iPhone or Apple TV if you know you can easily watch it Ted Lasso. In theory, you’re more likely to buy a Roku TV or player knowing there is content out there that you can’t get anywhere else.
Whether or not these productions are enough is another question. Roku is one of the most popular platforms for streaming video in the living room, but it doesn’t match Apple’s hardware sales or the Hollywood clout of Amazon or Netflix. It may have to deliver particularly strong series and films that have to be seen to gain a competitive advantage.
