Roku Original “Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas” Soars to #1 on The Roku Channel During Opening Weekend

Rhea-AI Summary

Roku, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROKU) announced that its first original film, Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas, became the most viewed program globally on The Roku Channel during its opening weekend. The film also achieved the highest movie premiere viewership in Canada. Additionally, it received a nomination for the Critics Choice Award for Best Movie Made for Television, marking Roku's first nomination in this category. Roku Originals has been a significant audience driver, with plans for 50 new original programs in the next 24 months.

Positive

• Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas became the #1 viewed program on The Roku Channel during its opening weekend.
• The film had the most watched movie premiere in Canada.
• The film received a Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Movie Made for Television.
• Roku Originals has been an important audience driver for The Roku Channel.
• The Roku Channel is expected to premiere 50 new original programs in the next 24 months.

Negative

• None.

Heartfelt Holiday Film Claims Top Spot as the Most Viewed Program Globally on The Roku Channel;

Roku’s First Original Film Earns Nomination at the 27th Annual Critics Choice Awards

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Roku, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROKU) today announced its first original movie, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas,” in partnership with Lionsgate Television, was the #1 viewed program globally on The Roku Channel during its opening weekend, and the most watched movie premiere ever in Canada on The Roku Channel. ¹ In addition to the strong opening weekend results, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas” was nominated for a Critics Choice Award for “Best Movie Made for Television.” This is Roku’s first Critics Choice nomination.

"Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas" on The Roku Channel. (Graphic: Business Wire)

“The Roku Channel is the home for standout entertainment,” said Colin Davis, Roku’s Head of Original Scripted Programming. “It is amazing to see such a strong affinity for the film, not only from fans of the series, but also from first time viewers. The fans deserved a moment to come together again to let their collective heart songs celebrate the holiday season and we are thrilled to bring this special movie to streamers on The Roku Channel. To have our first original film be the top viewed program on The Roku Channel, plus picking up a Critics Choice nomination all within the opening week, is the best early holiday present we could have asked for.”

Creator Austin Winsberg said, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas is one big ol’ heart song to the fans. From minute one - Roku has been an absolutely incredible partner who has shared our vision and supported the show and movie in ways I never even imagined. Together, we set out to create something joyous, hopeful and heartfelt during a holiday season that we knew may be challenging for some. Seeing how Roku viewers around the world have responded to a story that is so deeply personal to me has been beyond gratifying. I’m so excited and grateful to celebrate the movie’s success with all the fans during the most wonderful time of the year.”

Since launching in May, Roku Originals has been an important audience driver for The Roku Channel. From award-winning scripted entertainment and engaging documentaries to new breakout unscripted series, Roku Originals gives viewers free access to bold, fresh entertainment from the biggest names in Hollywood. In the next 24 months, The Roku Channel is expected to premiere 50 new original programs.

The Roku Channel is the exclusive home of Roku Originals. Launched in 2017, The Roku Channel is the home of free and premium entertainment on the Roku platform. This year, The Roku Channel saw record growth, reaching U.S. households with an estimated 70 million people in Q1 2021. In Q3, The Roku Channel was a top five channel on the Roku platform in the U.S. by active account reach. Today, The Roku Channel features a diverse lineup of more than 80,000 free movies and programs and 200+ free live linear television channels. It licenses and distributes content from more than 200 partners. In addition to Roku devices, The Roku Channel is available on Web, iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire TV and select Samsung TVs and can be accessed internationally in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

For more information, visit https://therokuchannel.roku.com.

About Roku, Inc.

Roku pioneered streaming to the TV. We connect users to the streaming content they love, enable content publishers to build and monetize large audiences, and provide advertisers with unique capabilities to engage consumers. Roku streaming players and TV-related audio devices are available in the U.S. and in select countries through direct retail sales and licensing arrangements with service operators. Roku TV™ models are available in the U.S. and in select countries through licensing arrangements with TV brands. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. U.S.A.

This press release contains “forward-looking” statements that are based on our beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to us on the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements include but are not limited to the content, benefits, features, timing, and availability of Roku Originals on The Roku Channel; trends related to TV streaming; and the features, benefits, growth and reach of The Roku Channel and the Roku platform. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially are detailed from time to time in the reports Roku, Inc. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on Roku’s website and are available from Roku without charge.

Roku is a registered trademark of Roku, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries. Trade names, trademarks and service marks of other companies appearing in this press release are the property of their respective holders.  

---

¹ In each case, by "unique views." A "unique view" is streaming by a distinct account for any period of time. A "movie premiere" is a movie's first 5 days on The Roku Channel.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211208005291/en/

U.S. Media Contact:

Roku, Inc.

Abby Reyes

areyes@roku.com

Canada Media Contact:

Roku, Inc.

Eleni Tenuta

etenuta@roku.com

U.K. Media Contact:

Roku, Inc.

Mike Duin

mduin@roku.com

Source: Roku, Inc.

FAQ

What is Roku's first original film?

Roku's first original film is 'Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas.'

How did 'Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas' perform on its opening weekend?

It became the #1 viewed program globally on The Roku Channel during its opening weekend.

What achievement did 'Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas' reach in Canada?

It had the most watched movie premiere ever in Canada on The Roku Channel.

Has 'Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas' received any awards nominations?

'Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas' received a nomination for the Critics Choice Award for Best Movie Made for Television.

How many new original programs does Roku plan to premiere?

Roku plans to premiere 50 new original programs in the next 24 months.