Broadband TV News: Funke Digital, AMC and Kinowelt launch FAST Channels on Samsung TV Plus

Story from Broadband TV News:

German service provider Funke Digital, in partnership with AMC Networks International and Kinowelt Television, is expanding the Samsung TV Plus offering in the German-speaking market with two new FAST Channels: AMC Stories and Dating hinter Gittern.

AMC Stories will bring premium US series to German-speaking audiences, many of which have rarely been available on free-to-air television or other streaming services. The channel’s lineup includes acclaimed, star-studded titles such as The Son, Lodge 49, Ride with Norman Reedus, and Dispatches from Elsewhere. Targeting viewers aged 25 to 59, the channel focuses on culturally engaged audiences who appreciate deep character development, strong narratives, and high-quality productions.

The second channel, Dating hinter Gittern (“Dating behind bars”), is set to launch in autumn 2025. It features the reality TV format Love after Lockup from the US, offering an intimate look at the complex relationships of couples in which one partner is in prison. The series explores the emotional highs and lows of these unconventional partnerships, highlighting love, conflict, and the struggle to bridge distance.

Rasheedat Iginla, Teamlead Content Partnerships & Programming at Funke Digital, said: “We are delighted to launch two unique FAST channels with Kinowelt Television and AMC Networks International: AMC Stories with its premium scripted series, and Dating hinter Gittern, a compelling reality format that expands our Funke Channels portfolio into the growing reality genre. Both channels deliver high-quality entertainment, and we see significant potential in this partnership for long-term growth.”

Stefan Westphal, Managing Director of Kinowelt Television, part of AMC Networks International CNE, added: “FAST represents a dynamic growth market, and together with Funke and Samsung TV Plus, we are bringing the first FAST Channels to Germany. This allows us to make our internationally successful content accessible to a broader audience in this important market, with further expansion planned in line with AMC’s goal of reaching viewers in all territories with stories and characters they will love.”

Benedikt Frey, Country Lead DACH & BeNeLux at Samsung TV Plus, commented: “Expanding our partnership with Funke Digital is another milestone for Samsung TV Plus in Germany. We are proud to continue growing the Funke Digital channels on our platform, offering German viewers even greater value.”

Funke Digital has partnered with Samsung TV Plus since 2016, providing its FAST Channels as a full-service provider under its Funke Channels brand across Europe. Its curated portfolio spans more than 40 channels in 15 countries across various platforms, covering multiple genres.