Exploring Versant’s Content Strategy: True Crime, A.I., Popular Drama IP, and Reality Shows Featuring Wrestlers
Versant, the upcoming collection of cable networks and digital platforms set to spin off from Comcast early next year, made headlines today with its announcement of a new streaming plan for MS Now, a free streaming service by Fandango. This includes acquisitions of Free TV Networks and Indy Cinema Group.
During an investor day presentation, Val Boreland, President of Entertainment, outlined Versant’s programming strategy, sharing ambitions in both scripted and unscripted content.
USA Network recently premiered an adaptation of John Grisham’s 1995 novel The Rainmaker, led by John Slattery, and has already renewed it for a second season. Additionally, the network will debut Anna Pigeon, a drama series starring Tracy Spiridakos, in 2026.
Boreland expressed interest in developing “recognizable IP and well-known personalities,” while also announcing that the third season of The Ark will air on Syfy next year.
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Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman (USA Network)
On the unscripted front, Versant has launched Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman, a culinary travel show featuring the WWE wrestler sampling various restaurant dishes. Boreland expressed optimism for a second season as the show gears up for its season finale.
Meanwhile, Oxygen continues to enhance its focus on true crime with new series such as Hooters Murders and a spinoff of Snapped.
Similarly, E! is delving deeper into true crime with its recently launched Dirty Rotten Scandals, which includes exposés on America’s Next Top Model, The Dr. Phil Show, and The Price is Right.
Cori Abraham, SVP of Development, Unscripted Content at Versant, and VP of Development Blake Levin recently shared insights with UK producers about their content needs.
The executives revealed a surge of interest in A.I. matchmaking shows. “We’ve been pitched quite a few versions,” Abraham noted, recalling a previous project that explored love between people and robots.
“We’re very open to A.I. in general,” she added. “The interesting thing about Versant is we’re a new company, and the way we did things in the past is not necessarily what we have to do now. So we’re open to pretty much anything.”
However, Abraham cautioned that standard dating shows would not align with E!’s brand. “It has to be very nostalgic or something celebrity-centric. We’re not like ‘everything’. If it’s a general dating show, then that doesn’t feel like it 100% makes sense for E!.”
The search for talent is also evolving, with an emphasis on personalities that bring a sense of humor and entertainment. “If your next-door neighbor is a great talent, then call us,” Boreland joked, urging for “snark, fun, and characters that make you say, ‘Oh, hey, it’s that guy who does that.’”
In addition to its programming developments, Versant announced plans for a free ad-supported streaming service tied to Fandango, set to launch in the second half of next year with original content.
Boreland is developing a content strategy that will utilize Versant’s extensive library, aiming for strategic acquisitions and original programming. “Fandango at Home presents a valuable opportunity to reach streaming audiences,” she explained, highlighting how linear networks could promote the new AVOD service.
Boreland also disclosed that Versant has secured a deal with a “major streamer” to license programming following its split from NBCUniversal’s Peacock. “We’re currently negotiating with multiple streamers about licensing our content library, and just this week, we closed a significant deal with a major streamer that we’ll announce soon,” she stated.
Boreland addressed concerns regarding Versant’s future without NBCUniversal, asserting, “I can’t argue that what we built as part of NBCUniversal wasn’t very successful and profitable, but we weren’t a priority for that company. Now, we get to invest back into our businesses and create more opportunities to experiment and move quickly.”
