Pluto TV Revives Classic Movie Nights for Digital Age

Starting August 21, Pluto TV will debut 'Double Feature Fridays,' a new programming initiative designed to recreate the appeal of classic hosted movie nights for a contemporary audience. This series will present two themed films back-to-back each Friday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

The first film each week will be a recognized classic from a major studio, followed by an independent feature making its premiere on a free-streaming platform. Entertainment Tonight correspondent Emily Curl will host, incorporating interviews from ET's extensive library to introduce the films. The initial broadcast on Pluto TV's Spotlight channel will be followed by on-demand availability.

Pluto TV aims to 'event-ize' Friday nights, offering a distinct programming tentpole akin to traditional television strategies. The service, a pioneer in the FAST (free, ad-supported TV) model, is leveraging its expertise in curated linear-like channels. This new format is described as the platform's first original, recurring series.

The 'Double Feature Fridays' concept was developed with input from Paramount-owned Entertainment Tonight, contributing creative and visual elements. While the initial segments will be short, the service is open to evolving the format based on viewer data and engagement. The film selections will draw from various studios, including those outside the Paramount ecosystem, ensuring a broad appeal across different genres and demographics.