Buyer Database · Buyer / Distributor · Updated
Crave
Crave, Bell Media's profitable Canadian SVoD, is actively commissioning originals and format adaptations while anchoring its slate around landmark talent deals and cross-border co-production partnerships.
Current mandate
Crave is currently operating from a position of unusual strength for a Canadian streamer, described as "a rare example of an SVoD turning a profit" and reportedly on track to break its own streaming record. Its most visible recent landmark is a multi-year content deal with Jared Keeso and New Metric Media targeting approximately 49 episodes of Letterkenny spin-offs, including Shoresy, at a loose pace of around 18 episodes per year. Executives have been explicit that the arrangement is not an exclusive Hollywood-style lock-in, calling it "probably the only deal that has ever been done like this in Canada." A separate October deal with Fox pairs Crave and CTV with Fox Entertainment Global for shows distributed across both U.S. and Canadian platforms, with FEG handling international sales.
Over the past 12 months, Crave has moved across documentary, unscripted, format adaptation, and international drama. Commissions include a four-part docuseries on Canada's national women's rugby team tied to the 2025 Rugby World Cup, the unscripted paranormal series "Snooki: Paranormal Rookie," and the first international adaptation of Banijay Rights' physical comedy gameshow format "Let's Play Ball." On the scripted side, Crave co-produced the Leonard Cohen drama "So Long, Marianne" with Norway's NRK; that project was subsequently picked up by ITVX. Core output deals with HBO, Sony, and the Drag Race franchise continue to complement originals, though those pipelines were impacted by recent U.S. labor strikes. Bell Media reports more than 200 original productions underway across its English and French business, many destined for Crave, involving more than 100 different Canadian production companies.
Crave does not operate an open submissions portal. Access runs through established Canadian production companies and, increasingly, through international co-production structures. The Fox partnership and the NRK collaboration signal that Crave is receptive to cross-border arrangements where Bell Media or an affiliated sales entity retains Canadian rights. Producers seeking entry are best positioned by attaching a recognized Canadian element and approaching through Bell Media's content development channels or a sales agent with an existing Bell relationship.
Signature peaks
- 49 episodes Keeso/New Metric Pact — Multi-year Letterkenny spin-off deal; ~18 eps/year target
- Oct. 2025 Fox Co-Production Deal — Joint development for Fox U.S. and Bell platforms; FEG handles international sales
- 100+ companies Production Partners — Canadian production companies active across Bell Media's English and French slate
Mandate dimensions
- Genre focus
- Not disclosed
- Territory focus
- Not disclosed
- Budget tier (observed)
- Not disclosed
- Access pattern
- Established Canadian production companies; international co-production structures with Canadian rights retained by Bell Media; sales agents with existing Bell Media relationships.
- Deal structure
- Multi-year content pacts (non-exclusive talent deals); format adaptation orders; international co-productions with Bell Media or affiliated entity retaining Canadian rights; output deals with major studios and franchises. Distribution handled by Bell Media; New Metric Media cited as exclusive sales agent on the Keeso pact. All recent acquisition budgets not publicly disclosed.
Recent acquisitions
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All Heart: Canada Women's Rugby and the Quest ...
Bell Media's Crave has commissioned a four-part docuseries on Canada's national women's rugby team and their journey to the 2025 Rugby World Cup final.
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Let's Play Ball (Canadian adaptation)
Bell Media's Canadian streamer Crave has ordered the first international adaptation of Banijay Rights entertainment format Let's Play Ball
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[Snooki-led paranormal unscripted series; title not provided]
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Snooki: Paranormal Rookie
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So Long, Marianne
Market context
"We see him as amazing Canadian talent and want to make sure that Crave is his home."
Crave is currently operating from a position of unusual strength for a Canadian streamer, described as "a rare example of an SVoD turning a profit" and reportedly on track to break its own streaming record. Its most visible recent landmark is a multi-year content deal with Jared Keeso and New Metric Media targeting approximately 49 episodes of Letterkenny spin-offs, including Shoresy, at a loose pace of around 18 episodes per year. Executives have been explicit that the arrangement is not an exclusive Hollywood-style lock-in, calling it "probably the only deal that has ever been done like this in Canada." A separate October deal with Fox pairs Crave and CTV with Fox Entertainment Global for shows distributed across both U.S. and Canadian platforms, with FEG handling international sales.
Common questions about Crave
Does Crave accept unsolicited scripts?
Crave does not publicize an open submissions process. The platform's originals pipeline runs through established Canadian production companies; Bell Media reports more than 100 such partners active across its English and French business. Unsolicited material from unrepresented writers is unlikely to receive a formal review. Producers are advised to attach a recognized Canadian production company or sales agent with an existing Bell Media relationship before approaching the streamer.
What budgets does Crave commission at?
No specific per-episode or per-project budget figures have been disclosed publicly for Crave originals. All recent acquisitions in available records list budget as 'not disclosed.' What is known is that Crave operates as part of Bell Media, a large media company with linear channels and distribution infrastructure, which executives credit for enabling the platform to turn a profit. Budget conversations are handled directly in development, not signaled in advance.
Does Crave acquire from film festivals?
Festival acquisition is not a prominently documented pathway for Crave based on recent coverage. The platform's activity skews toward commissioned originals, format adaptations, and co-productions rather than festival pickups. The Leonard Cohen drama 'So Long, Marianne,' co-produced with Norway's NRK and later picked up by ITVX, is the closest recent example of a prestige project with potential festival exposure, but it originated as a co-production rather than a festival acquisition.
How do you reach Crave's acquisitions team?
Crave's acquisitions and development activity sits within Bell Media. The most documented access pathway is through established Canadian production companies; Bell Media works with more than 100 across its English and French business. International producers have reached Crave via co-production structures, as seen with NRK on 'So Long, Marianne' and the Fox Entertainment Global partnership. Sales agents with existing Bell relationships are the recommended intermediary for producers without a direct Bell Media contact.
What genres is Crave prioritizing right now?
Recent commissions span documentary (a four-part docuseries on Canada's women's rugby team), unscripted paranormal ('Snooki: Paranormal Rookie'), physical comedy format adaptation ('Let's Play Ball,' the first international adaptation of a Banijay Rights format), and prestige international drama ('So Long, Marianne' with NRK). Canadian content is a strategic priority, reinforced by Crave's public stance on Canada's Online Streaming Act and its multi-year commitment to Jared Keeso's Letterkenny universe.
Is Crave currently active in the market?
Yes. Crave's most recent tracked order dates to June 2026, with 57 total records logged in the past 12 months. The platform is described as on track to break its own streaming record and has active co-production and output arrangements with Fox Entertainment Global, HBO, Sony, and the Drag Race franchise. Bell Media reports more than 200 original productions underway across its business, many of which are destined for Crave, indicating sustained commissioning activity.
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