shomi™ just got better with shomi Exclusives, bringing critically acclaimed Original Series to Canadians for the first time. Ever.

Includes two-time Golden Globe-winner Transparent

TORONTO, Jan. 22, 2015 /CNW/ - Canada's best streaming service just got better with shomi Exclusives, a new selection of never-before-seen titles in Canada.

As part of the shomi Exclusives launch, shomi has signed an agreement with Sony Pictures Television in Canada that provides Canadians with exclusive SVOD access to a lineup of Amazon Original Series, never-before-seen north of the border.  The agreement includes the award-winning series Transparent – a groundbreaking drama from creator, writer and director Jill Soloway (Six Feet Under) that just won a pair of Golden Globes – as well as Betas, Alpha House and Mozart in the Jungle.  Currently, these groundbreaking series are unavailable on any other linear TV channel or SVOD service in Canada.

"The thing that's most exciting about Amazon Originals is the level of talent their series are attracting," said Marni Shulman, Head of Content & Programming, shomi. "Some real Hollywood heavyweights have signed on and the results are clear. These are incredible stories with multidimensional characters you can't help but love and root for. The production value is second to none - Transparent's recent two-time Golden Globe win proves just how good they are."

All 10 episodes of Transparent will be available on shomi tomorrow. Launch dates for Mozart in the Jungle, Alpha House, and Betas will be announced in the coming weeks.

Here's what's new for shomi members, as part of the shomi Exclusives' lineup of Amazon Original Series:

Transparent
When Maura, who has spent her life as Mort, the Pfefferman family patriarch, reintroduces herself to her family, everyone's secrets finally start to come out. Her children – meandering Ali, record producer Josh, and sexually conflicted Sarah – start to spin in different directions as they begin to figure out who they are.

Stars Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development, The Hangover), Gaby Hoffman (Veronica Mars, Field of Dreams), Jay Duplass (The Mindy Project), Amy Landecker (Dan in Real Life), and Judith Light (Ugly Betty, Who's The Boss?).

Mozart in the Jungle
Mozart in the Jungle is a half hour comedic drama that draws back the curtain at the New York Symphony, where artistic dedication and creativity collide with mind games, politicking and survival instincts. Based on the critically acclaimed memoir by Blair Tindall, the series is seen through the eyes of a young oboist, Hailey, who tries to navigate through the egos and eccentricities of a world-renowned orchestra, and new conductor Rodrigo, an enfant terrible whose passion for purity threatens the plans of the orchestra's old guard.

Stars Gael Garcia Bernal (The Motorcycle Diaries), Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange), Lola Kirke (Flores Rares), Saffron Burrows (Boston Legal), Peter Vick (As the World Turns), and Bernadette Peters (Smash).

Alpha House
Re-election battles, looming indictments, parties, their Party… these four Washington D.C. senators need a drink. And a new housemate. This political comedy stars John Goodman and is based on four real-life members of congress who live together in their own "man cave."

Stars John Goodman (Damages), Mark Consuelos (American Horror Story), Clark Johnson (The Wire), and Matt Mallory (Royal Pains).

Betas
In Silicon Valley, the right algorithm can make you a king, and these four friends think they have finally cracked the code. Trey and his guys have an app, and a plan – now they need an investor.

Stars Joe Dinicol (The L.A. Complex), Karen Soni (Mighty Med), Jon Daly (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty), Charlie Saxton (Workaholics), Maya Erskine (Hart of Dixie), and Ed Begley Jr. (Arrested Development).

shomi is available now in beta first to Rogers and Shaw Internet or cable customers, while conversations continue with other BDUs. With an all-star lineup of exclusive past-seasons of many of the hottest shows on television as well as movie favourites, Canadians are able to enjoy shomi online and on select tablets, mobile devices, and set top boxes (on Rogers Channel 300 or through the Shaw On Demand menu) and Xbox 360. shomi will also be coming soon to Chromecast.

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About shomi
shomi is a brand new kind of subscription video streaming service that makes getting video entertainment nearly as enjoyable as watching it.  Curated by people who love popcorn and magic, shomi combines the passion and knowledge of our entertainment experts with the power of technology to offer recommendations and Collections that help our members always find something good to watch.  We are made in Canada.  shomi is a joint venture owned equally by Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications.  Want more information? Visit www.shomi.com.

About Sony Pictures Television
Sony Pictures Television (http://www.sonypicturestelevision.com), a Sony Pictures Entertainment company, is one of the television industry's leading content providers. It produces and distributes programming in every genre, around the world and for a multitude of platforms.  In addition to one of the industry's largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) boasts a current program slate that includes top-rated daytime dramas and game shows, landmark off-network series, original animated series and critically acclaimed primetime dramas, comedies and telefilms. In addition to its US production business, SPT has 19 wholly-owned or joint venture production companies in 13 countries and also maintains offices in 31 countries. SPT's worldwide television networks portfolio includes 148 channel feeds available in 178 countries, reaching more than 1.2 billion cumulative households worldwide.  SPT also creates original content for and manages SPE's premium video website, Crackle. Additionally, SPT owns US production company Embassy Row and is a part owner of cable channel Game Show Network (GSN) and national U.S media sales company ITN Networks, Inc.  SPT advertiser sales is one of the premier national advertising sales companies and handles the commercial inventory in SPT's syndicated series as well as the Rural Media Group and DoctorOz.com.

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