NBC Universal Cable Entertainment today announced the launch of Chiller, a 24-hour entertainment cable channel dedicated to the horror genre. DIRECTV will be the first affiliate to carry the new network.
The announcement was made by Jeff Gaspin, President, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment, Digital Content and Cross Network Strategy.
“We continually look at our options for launching new networks,” said Gaspin. “Horror is one of the most reliably successful genres in entertainment today and Chiller seems like a well-timed addition to our portfolio.”
The new multi-platform channel will be offered as a triple pack service, which features a standard definition channel (SD), hi-definition simulcast channel (HD), and a video-on-demand (VOD) channel as well as broadband on demand offerings. Dan Harrison, Senior Vice President Emerging Networks, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment, will oversee day-to-day operations of Chiller. He also runs Sleuth and Universal HD under the Emerging Networks banner.
“DIRECTV is a valued partner of ours, has supported all of our services, and we are thrilled that they are the first affiliate to launch Chiller,” said Bridget Baker, president, NBC Universal Television Networks Distribution. “We believe that Chiller and the horror genre is one that all of our affiliates will embrace.”
Chiller will feature classic horror films and television shows around the clock. At launch, the programming slate will include the television series “Friday the 13th,” “Twin Peaks,” “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” and “Tales from the Crypt.” Feature films in rotation will include The Shining, Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and The Birds, Sphere, The Stephen King mini-series “The Langoliers,” Blade Runner, Believe, The Crew and The Unholy. The specific programming schedule for Chiller will be announced at a later date.
