Observed Signal · May 19, 2026 · Product Launch · Source: DWDL · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
ARD Plus and High View Launch 'ARD Plus Zoo' FAST Channel
WDR Mediagroup’s commercial streaming subsidiary ARD Plus, together with distribution partner High View, will launch a new FAST (free ad‑supported streaming) channel called ARD Plus Zoo. The channel — ARD Plus’s third FAST offering after Lindenstraße and Krimi — is scheduled to begin distribution on Samsung TV Plus on 2026-05-28. Programming will aggregate long-running ARD zoo documentary series (e.g., "Elefant, Tiger & Co." and spin-offs) and additional animal‑welfare and care formats, with continuous thematic updates and bundled episode blocks. WDR Mediagroup says the channel will be rolled out to further platforms after the Samsung TV Plus debut.
Adds targeted FAST inventory and a new curated genre channel on Samsung TV Plus, expanding CTV/FAST distribution and potential ad placements; relevant to streaming/CTV supply but not industry‑shifting.
Track HIGH VIEW Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time
Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your free Explorer workspace to monitor these entities.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- ARD Plus and High View are launching a new FAST channel named ARD Plus Zoo.
- ARD Plus Zoo will start distribution on Samsung TV Plus on 2026-05-28.
- This is ARD Plus’s third FAST channel, after ARD Plus Lindenstraße and ARD Plus Krimi.
- The channel will feature ARD zoo documentary series such as "Elefant, Tiger & Co." and spin-offs (e.g., "Pinguin, Löwe & Co.", "Eisbär, Affe & Co.").
- WDR Mediagroup plans continuous program updates and intends to expand ARD Plus Zoo to additional platforms beyond Samsung TV Plus.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mappedOntology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
RTLzwei expands FAST business with Samsung TV Plus channels
RTLzwei announced a partnership with Samsung TV Plus to launch two new FAST (Free Ad‑supported Streaming Television) channels that will run its formats "Grip - Das Motormagazin" and "Die Geissens" around the clock. RTLzwei says the move is part of a broader content distribution diversification; programming and technical distribution are supported by Wurl and initial monetisation will run via Samsung Ads, with RTLzwei's Ad Alliance and El Cartel Brothers to follow. RTLzwei already operates FAST channels via a partnership with Waipu.TV but chose Samsung TV Plus rather than its own RTL+ for this expansion. Separately, Autentic is launching a German version of the Wheels & Steel FAST channel across Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, Titan OS and Rakuten TV, expanding its FAST footprint in the German‑language market.
Vodafone expands GigaTV FAST channel offering with 13 new channels
Vodafone has expanded its GigaTV platform with 13 new free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels, bringing the total to 23. The new lineup includes offerings from ARD Plus (a WDR Mediagroup subsidiary), provided via partner High View, such as ARD Plus Krimi, ARD Plus Lindenstraße, and ARD Plus Zoo, plus ZDF kocht, Spiegel TV Konflikte, Top True Crime, 5-Minute Crafts, scooore, Landlust, Curiosity Now, Naruto, Marco Polo TV, and Talk?Now!. AMC Stories and Dating hinter Gittern from AMC Global Media Central Europe will be added shortly. The channels are available on GigaTV Home and GigaTV Home Sound TV boxes, offering a curated, linear-like viewing experience without subscription. Vodafone aims to strengthen GigaTV as a central entertainment platform with a wider and more diverse program.
High View Launches Paramount FAST Channels on Samsung TV Plus
German FAST channel operator High View has signed a licensing deal with Paramount to launch ad-supported streaming channels based on classic series. A dedicated 24/7 "Beverly Hills, 90210" channel is now available on Samsung TV Plus, and additional single-IP channels for "Lucky Dog – Der Hundetrainer" and the Western classic "Rauchende Colts" (Gunsmoke) are also launching. Advertising sales for the channels is handled by High View's subsidiary Goldvertise. High View already operates several ad-supported streaming channels for ARD Plus. The deal is notable because Paramount operates its own FAST platform, Pluto TV, yet is licensing premium library content to an external German operator. Executives from Paramount and High View described the agreement as a partnership to broaden reach and expand High View's FAST business. Samsung TV Plus also welcomed the expanded offering.
Track Real-Time Market Signals & Shifts
Set up custom watchlists to receive automated, evidence-grounded executive digests whenever material signals or shifts occur across your tracked landscape.