In a landmark move that reshapes the landscape of streaming services in North America, Kino Lorber has announced the merger of its MHz Choice and Topic streaming platforms. This strategic fusion is set to create the ultimate destination for aficionados of international series, offering an unrivaled collection of European drama, mysteries, and the much-coveted Nordic noir genre to audiences in the US and Canada.
A New Home for “Babylon Berlin” and More
Leading the charge in this exciting new offering is the critically acclaimed German series “Babylon Berlin.” MHz Choice will become the exclusive US home to this groundbreaking show, starting with its first season in April. Fans can also look forward to the North American premiere of the eagerly awaited fourth season on June 25. “Babylon Berlin” joins a stellar lineup of classic and exclusive international series such as “The Killing,” “The Bridge,” “Detective Montalbano,” and “A French Village,” to name just a few, along with the latest global releases.
Created, written, and directed by the talented trio of Tom Tykwer, Achim von Borries, and Hendrik Handloegten, and based on Volker Kutscher’s novels, “Babylon Berlin” is distributed by Beta Film. The series has garnered international praise for its intricate storytelling and rich historical backdrop, making it a jewel in the crown of television drama.
Seamless Transition for Subscribers
Subscribers of both MHz Choice and Topic will be migrated to the newly combined service over the coming months. They will gain access to an expanded library of content at the current MHz Choice subscription rate of $7.99 per month. This enhanced service will now feature hundreds more series, providing unparalleled value and variety.
The integrated platform will be managed by a seasoned team of Kino Lorber executives. Martha Benyam serves as the Chief Operating Officer, with Lisa Schwartz as the Chief Revenue Officer responsible for distribution and partnerships. Lance Schwulst will continue to guide content strategy as Executive Vice President, while Monica Bloom, transitioning from Topic, will maintain her role as Chief Marketing Officer.
MHZ Choice is a Destination for International Series Lovers
“MHz Choice is now the definitive haven for enthusiasts of international series, particularly those drawn to European mysteries and Nordic noir,” stated Ed Carroll, President of Kino Lorber Media Group. He further highlighted the universal appeal of “Babylon Berlin,” comparing its transcendent themes to other iconic series like “Downton Abbey” and “Mad Men.”
This merger not only signifies a significant expansion in content but also reinforces MHz Choice’s position as a leader in the streaming service sector. Subscribers can look forward to diving into the early seasons of “Babylon Berlin” and the premiere of its fourth season, among hundreds of other acclaimed international series.
