NBCUniversal launching reality TV streaming platform in Canada called Hayu

NBCUniversal has revealed plans to launch a new subscription video on demand streaming service in Canada called Hayu by the end of 2018.

The streaming platform is set to be reality TV focused, according to a statement from NBCUniversal. This means that popular reality shows like Keeping Up With the Kardashians and associated spin-offs, along with The Real Housewives and Million Dollar Listing, will be available on the streaming platform.

“Given that reality content is hugely popular in Canada, we are pleased to be readying Hayu — an SVOD product with a proven track record — specifically curating the service for Canadian fans of the genre,” said Hendrik McDermott, senior vp branded on-demand at NBCUniversal, said in a statement sent to MobileSyrup.

In terms of the Canadian market, Hayu faces stiff competition, including platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and even Bell Media’s CraveTV. CBS also recently launched its All Access streaming platform north of the U.S. border.

Other NBCU shows set to stream on Hayu include Top Chef, I Am Cait, Made in Chelsea, Shahs of Sunset and the Millionaire Matchmaker. Content on the platform can be also be downloaded to devices in order to be viewed offline, says NBCU.

There’s currently no word on pricing yet, but in Australia Hayu is priced at $5.99 per month. It’s also unclear exactly what devices Hayu is set to be available to stream on. New episodes of almost all Hayu content will be added to the Canadian streaming platform the same day it airs in the U.S. in most cases.

Hayu first launched in the U.K., Ireland and Australia in spring 2016 before also expanding to Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark in Late 2017. The platform currently features 150 different television shows.