VRV (streaming service)
{{short description|Over-the-top streaming service}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox dot-com company
| name = VRV
| logo = VRV logo black.png
| company_type =
| foundation = {{ubl|{{Start date|2016|11|14}}|San Francisco, California}}
| dissolved = {{End date and age|2023|04|29}}
| location_city =
| location_country =
| screenshot =
| caption =
| area_served = United States
| owner = {{ubl|AT&T (2016–2021)|Sony (2021–2023)}}
| parent = {{ubl|WarnerMedia (2018–2021)|Crunchyroll, LLC (2021–2023)}}
| location = {{ubl|San Francisco, California (main)|New York City, New York (secondary)}}
| key_people = {{ubl|Arlen Marmel (VRV GM)|Tom Pickett (Crunchyroll CEO)}}
| industry = Video on demand
| subsid =
| url = {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404151347/https://vrv.co/|title=Archived official website}}
| registration = Optional
| num_users =
| current_status = Defunct (shut down and absorbed into Crunchyroll)
| alexa =
| website_type = Video streaming service
}}
VRV (officially pronounced "verve", though it is also referred to by its letters) was an American over-the-top streaming service launched in November 2016 by AT&T and the Chernin Group. Owned by Crunchyroll, LLC, run by Sony through a joint venture between Sony Pictures and Sony Music Entertainment Japan's Aniplex, the service bundled together anime, speculative fiction, educational, and gaming-related channels aimed at fans of such content.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurenorsini/2017/01/19/streaming-app-vrv-wants-to-be-netflix-for-geeks/#3a0795f8620d|title=Streaming App VRV Wants To Be Netflix For Geeks|first=Lauren|last=Orsini|website=Forbes|date=January 19, 2017|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828201828/https://www.forbes.com/blaize/account#3a0795f8620d|url-status=live}}
Some of VRV's content could be streamed for free, while other content required a subscription. The subscriptions to its channels were available for purchase individually, or in a premium bundle. VRV was available only in the United States, despite some of its partnered content being available for viewing worldwide outside the platform.
In April 2023, it was announced VRV would merge with Crunchyroll, which was completed later that month.{{cite web|first=Rafael Antonio|last=Pineda|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-04-05/vrv-streaming-service-bundle-merges-with-crunchyroll/.196787|title=VRV Streaming Service Bundle Merges with Crunchyroll|website=Anime News Network|date=April 4, 2023|access-date=April 5, 2023|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828201817/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-04-05/vrv-streaming-service-bundle-merges-with-crunchyroll/.196787|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=MAKE THIS GOODBYE MORE OF A SEE YOU SOON.|url=https://vrv.co/?modal=welcome_to_crunchyroll|website=VRV|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430013229/https://vrv.co/?modal=welcome_to_crunchyroll|archivedate=April 30, 2023|access-date=July 5, 2023}}
History
Ellation, owners of Crunchyroll, formally announced the launch of VRV on June 14, 2016. Its initial partners included Rooster Teeth, Seeso, Nerdist, Geek & Sundry, and Frederator's Cartoon Hangover.{{cite web|first=Jeff|last=Baumgartner|title=Ellation's 'VRV' Platform Sets Sights on SVOD Surge|url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/ellation-s-vrv-platform-sets-sights-svod-surge-405677|publisher=Multichannel News|date=June 14, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829212227/https://www.multichannel.com/news/ellation-s-vrv-platform-sets-sights-svod-surge-405677|archivedate=August 29, 2018|access-date=August 29, 2018}} On September 29, 2016, Funimation, Adam Savage's Tested, RiffTrax, CollegeHumor, Machinima, Ginx TV, Shudder, and Mondo Media were announced as new partners.{{cite web|title=Ellation Announces Eight New Channel Partners for VRV, a Video Platform Built for Fans|url=http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/ellation-announces-eight-new-channel-partners-vrv-video-platform-built-fans-2162796.htm|publisher=Marketwired|date=September 29, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404230322/http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/ellation-announces-eight-new-channel-partners-vrv-video-platform-built-fans-2162796.htm|archivedate=April 4, 2017|access-date=August 29, 2018}} VRV would officially launch on November 14, 2016.{{cite web|first=Aja|last=Romano|title=New streaming app VRV aims to unite the best of the geek internet under one roof|url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2016/11/17/13633944/vrv-streaming-launch-overview|publisher=Vox|date=November 17, 2016|access-date=August 29, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828201820/https://www.vox.com/culture/2016/11/17/13633944/vrv-streaming-launch-overview|url-status=live}}
On August 9, 2017, the VRV Select channel was launched, featuring content from other sources. It was also announced that Machinima, Ginx, and Rifftrax were being dropped from the service.{{cite web|first=Jeff|last=Baumgartner|title=VRV Tunes In New Curated OTT Channel|url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/vrv-tunes-free-curated-ott-channel-414508|publisher=Multichannel News|date=August 9, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829212132/https://www.multichannel.com/news/vrv-tunes-free-curated-ott-channel-414508|archivedate=August 29, 2018|access-date=August 29, 2018}} On the same day as VRV Select's announcement, Seeso announced via its Facebook page that it would be shutting down by the end of 2017.{{cite web|first=Anthony|last=Ha|title=NBCUniversal is shutting down Seeso, its streaming service for comedy fans|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/08/09/seeso-shutdown/|website=TechCrunch|date=August 9, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2023|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828201840/https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GettyImages-1471314808.jpg?w=600|url-status=live}} Though RiffTrax, Machinima and Seeso's channels were dropped, some of their content, including Seeso's The Cyanide & Happiness Show, HarmonQuest, Hidden America with Jonah Ray, and My Brother, My Brother and Me would migrate to VRV Select.{{cite web|first=Denise|last=Petski|title=Seeso Makes It Official: Will Shut Down "Later This Year"|url=https://deadline.com/2017/08/seeso-shut-down-1202145753/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=August 9, 2017|access-date=July 6, 2023|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828201827/https://deadline.com/2017/08/seeso-shut-down-1202145753/|url-status=live}}
On November 21, 2017, CuriosityStream and Mubi joined VRV.{{cite web|first=Dave|last=Trumbore|title=VRV to Add MUBI and CuriosityStream, Along with Offline Viewing|website=Collider|url=http://collider.com/vrv-mubi-curiosity-stream/|date=November 21, 2017|access-date=August 29, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828201831/https://collider.com/vrv-mubi-curiosity-stream/|url-status=live}}
On December 12, 2017, DramaFever joined VRV.{{cite web|first=Jeff|last=Baumgartner|title=VRV Adds DramaFever to SVOD Lineup|url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/vrv-adds-dramafever-svod-lineup-417015|publisher=Multichannel News|date=December 12, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829212220/https://www.multichannel.com/news/vrv-adds-dramafever-svod-lineup-417015|archivedate=August 29, 2018|access-date=August 29, 2018}}
On May 3, 2018, it was announced that Tested was being dropped, with its content moving to VRV Select.{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Yasushi|title=Tested Changes on VRV|url=https://help.vrv.co/hc/en-us/articles/360000762046-Tested-Changes-on-VRV|publisher=VRV|date=May 4, 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901044508/https://help.vrv.co/hc/en-us/articles/360000762046-Tested-Changes-on-VRV|archivedate=September 1, 2018|access-date=August 29, 2018}}
On August 28, 2018, VRV launched NickSplat, named after the TeenNick programming block, featuring classic Nickelodeon series from the 1990s and early 2000s.{{cite web|title=Nickelodeon and VRV Launch NickSplat SVOD Channel|url=https://www.awn.com/news/nickelodeon-and-vrv-launch-nicksplat-svod-channel|publisher=Animation World Network|date=August 28, 2018|access-date=August 29, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828202429/https://www.awn.com/news/nickelodeon-and-vrv-launch-nicksplat-svod-channel|url-status=live}}
On October 12, 2018, Shout! Factory's content, such as Mystery Science Theater 3000 and ReBoot, were made available to watch on VRV Select.{{cite tweet|author=VRV|user=WatchVRV|number=1050867011616563200|title=A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR FRIENDS AT @ShoutFactory FOR ALL THIS AND MORE!|date=October 12, 2018|access-date=October 12, 2018}}
On October 18, 2018, Funimation announced that they would be leaving VRV, as their partnership with Crunchyroll ended, and all of their titles would disappear on November 9, 2018. On that same day, VRV announced that Hidive would be joining the service to replace Funimation.{{cite web|first=Karen|last=Ressler|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-10-18/funimation-crunchyroll-end-content-sharing-partnership/.138330|title=Funimation, Crunchyroll End Content-Sharing Partnership (Update)|website=Anime News Network|date=October 18, 2018|access-date=October 18, 2018|archive-date=October 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018221008/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-10-18/funimation-crunchyroll-end-content-sharing-partnership/.138330|url-status=live}}
On November 1, 2018, Hidive was launched on VRV and it was announced that Boomerang would be joining the service on November 13, 2018.{{cite web|first=Luke|last=Bouma|url=https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/vrv-adds-classic-cartoons-thanks-to-a-partnership-with-boomerang/|title=VRV Adds Classic Cartoons Thanks to a Partnership With Boomerang|website=Cord Cutters News|date=November 1, 2018|access-date=November 1, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828202338/https://cordcuttersnews.com/vrv-adds-classic-cartoons-thanks-to-a-partnership-with-boomerang/|url-status=live}}
On November 7, 2018, season 1 of TBS's Final Space was made available to watch on VRV Select.{{cite web|first=Dave|last=Trumbore|url=http://collider.com/final-space-watch-online-vrv/|title='Final Space' Season 1 Now Available to Stream Exclusively on VRV|website=Collider|date=November 7, 2018|access-date=November 7, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828202448/https://collider.com/final-space-watch-online-vrv/|url-status=live}}
On the same day, Otter Media announced Mike Tyson Mysteries and Jabberjaw were also going to be added to VRV in 2018.{{cite web|first=Mercedes|last=Milligan|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2018/11/vrv-adds-final-space-mike-tyson-mysteries-jabberjaw-from-warnermedia/|title=VRV Adds 'Final Space,' 'Mike Tyson Mysteries,' 'Jabberjaw' from WarnerMedia|website=Animation Magazine|date=November 7, 2018|access-date=November 14, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828203857/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2018/11/vrv-adds-final-space-mike-tyson-mysteries-jabberjaw-from-warnermedia/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/conan-obriens-final-space-finds-exclusive-svod-home-vrv|title=Conan O'Brien's 'Final Space' Finds Exclusive SVOD Home on VRV|website=Animation World Network|date=November 7, 2018|access-date=November 14, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828203853/https://www.awn.com/news/conan-obriens-final-space-finds-exclusive-svod-home-vrv|url-status=live}}
On August 9, 2021, Crunchyroll was acquired by Sony-owned Funimation, making Sony the new owner of VRV.{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|date=August 9, 2021|title=Sony's Funimation Global Group Completes Acquisition of Crunchyroll from AT&T|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-08-09/sony-funimation-global-group-completes-acquisition-of-crunchyroll-from-at-t/.176073|access-date=August 9, 2021|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=August 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809205048/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-08-09/sony-funimation-global-group-completes-acquisition-of-crunchyroll-from-at-t/.176073|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Crunchyroll Confirms VRV as Part of Sony Following Acquisition|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-08-13/crunchyroll-confirms-vrv-as-part-of-sony-following-acquisition/.176220|website=Anime News Network|last=Mateo|first=Alex|date=August 13, 2021|access-date=August 13, 2021|archive-date=August 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815071722/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-08-13/crunchyroll-confirms-vrv-as-part-of-sony-following-acquisition/.176220|url-status=live}}
On September 8, 2021, Hidive announced that it would be leaving VRV on September 30, 2021.{{Cite web|date=September 8, 2021|title=WHAT DOES HIDIVE'S VRV EXIT MEAN FOR YOU? START WITH OUR FAQ|url=https://www.hidive.com/news/2021/9/8/what-does-hidives-vrv-exit-mean-for-you-start-with-our-faq|url-status=live|access-date=September 8, 2021|website=HIDIVE|archive-date=September 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908235036/https://www.hidive.com/news/2021/9/8/what-does-hidives-vrv-exit-mean-for-you-start-with-our-faq}} On December 13, 2021, Rooster Teeth left VRV.{{cite web|author=Nick N.|url=https://help.vrv.co/hc/en-us/articles/4412852690708-What-is-happening-to-Rooster-Teeth-|title=What is happening to Rooster Teeth|website=VRV|date=December 13, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102044816/https://help.vrv.co/hc/en-us/articles/4412852690708-What-is-happening-to-Rooster-Teeth-|archivedate=January 2, 2022|access-date=July 5, 2023}} Cartoon Hangover was also removed at the same time.{{cite web|author=Nick N.|url=https://help.vrv.co/hc/en-us/articles/4412839159956-What-is-happening-to-Cartoon-Hangover-|title=What is happening to Cartoon Hangover?|website=VRV|date=December 13, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102044805/https://help.vrv.co/hc/en-us/articles/4412839159956-What-is-happening-to-Cartoon-Hangover-|archivedate=January 2, 2022|access-date=January 1, 2022}}
On March 1, 2022, it was announced that VRV would be merged into Crunchyroll itself, alongside Funimation and Wakanim.{{cite web|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2022/03/01/funimation-content-moving-to-crunchyroll-for-worlds-largest-anime-library|title=Funimation Content Moving to Crunchyroll for World's Largest Anime Library|date=March 1, 2022|website=Crunchyroll|accessdate=March 1, 2022|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828203859/https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2022/3/1/funimation-content-moving-to-crunchyroll|url-status=live}} VRV ceased operations on April 29, 2023.
Channels
- Boomerang–Cartoons from Warner Bros. (left December 1, 2020)
- Cartoon Hangover—Web-original cartoons from Frederator Studios (left December 13, 2021)
- Crunchyroll—Anime and simulcasts (left April 29, 2023)
- CuriosityStream—Non-fiction documentaries relating to science, technology, nature, and world history (left November 19, 2019)
- DramaFever—Korean dramas (shut down on October 16, 2018, subsequently left VRV days after)
- Funimation—Japanese anime dubbed into English (left November 9, 2018)
- Geek & Sundry—Geek culture and lifestyle programming (left April 1, 2019)
- Ginx TV—Esports-related content
- Hidive—Dubbed and subtitled anime (left September 30, 2021)
- Machinima—gaming-related content (some content was still available via VRV Select)
- Mondo Media—Adult animation (left May 8, 2023)
- Mubi—Curates classic and arthouse films (left October 2018)
- Nerdist—Fandom-related news, podcasts, and comedy programming (left April 1, 2019)
- NickRewind—Television series from Nickelodeon that aired in the 1990s and early 2000s (left August 29, 2020)
- RiffTrax—MST3K-style movie commentaries (some content was still available via VRV Select)
- Rooster Teeth—Web animation and gaming-related content (left December 13, 2021)
- Seeso—original and licensed comedy programming (shut down on November 8, 2017, some original programming were migrated to VRV Select)
- Shudder—Horror films (left August 1, 2019)
- Tested (left May 3, 2018, some content was still available via VRV Select)
- VRV Select—A curated selection of movies and shows for premium subscribers (left April 29, 2023)
Original programming
=Series=
| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;" |
| Title
! Genre ! Premiere ! Seasons/episodes ! Status |
|---|
| Shadowstone Park{{efn|name=cartoon hangover select|Was available through Cartoon Hangover Select.}}
| December 15, 2017 | 1 season, 3 episodes | Ended |
| Slug Riot
| Animation | January 5, 2018 | 1 season, 5 episodes | Ended |
| (not) Hero{{efn|name=cartoon hangover select|Was available through Cartoon Hangover Select.}}
| February 9, 2018 | 1 season, 3 episodes | Ended |
| Paradigms: How We Know What We Know
| rowspan=2|March 2, 2018 | 1 season, 1 episodes | Ended |
| Chris P. Duck
| Animated comedy/Slice of life | 1 season, 6 episodes | Ended |
| Gary and His Demons{{efn|name=mondo|Was available through Mondo's VRV channel.}}
| April 15, 2018 | 1 season, 16 episodes | Moved to Prime Video (internationally) and Freevee (United States){{cite web|last=Layton|first=Mark|title=Amazon expands Canadian originals, with 'Gary And His Demons' revival & Tragically Hip docuseries|url=https://tbivision.com/2022/04/14/amazon-expands-canadian-originals-with-gary-and-his-demons-revival-tragically-hip-docuseries/|website=Television Business International|access-date=April 15, 2022|date=April 13, 2022}} |
| Daddy and the Big Boy{{efn|name=mondo|Was available through Mondo's VRV channel.}}
| rowspan=2|October 16, 2018 | 1 season, 13 episodes | Ended |
| Allen's Pole
| 1 season, 4 episodes | Ended |
| Brogan: Master of Castles{{efn|name=mondo|Was available through Mondo's VRV channel.}}
| March 26, 2019 | 1 season, 6 episodes | Ended |
| Live From WZRD
| March 31, 2019 | 1 season, 8 episodes | Ended |
| Bigfoot{{efn|name=mondo|Was available through Mondo's VRV channel.}}
| September 29, 2019 | 1 season, 8 episodes | Ended |
| Epithet Erased{{efn|name=youtube|Episodes were uploaded to YouTube two weeks after they premiered on VRV.}}
| November 8, 2019 | 1 season, 7 episodes | Ended |
=Continuations=
| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;" |
| Title
! Genre ! Previous network ! Premiere ! Seasons/episodes ! Status |
|---|
| HarmonQuest (seasons 2–3)
| Adult animation/Live improvisation | rowspan="1" | Seeso | September 15, 2017 | 2 seasons, 20 episodes | Ended |
| Deep Space 69 (season 4)
| YouTube | December 22, 2017 | 1 season, 8 episodes | Ended |
| Bravest Warriors (seasons 3–4)
| Animated comedy/Science fiction | YouTube | December 25, 2017 | 2 seasons, 58 episodes | Ended |
| Turbo Fantasy (season 2)
| YouTube | August 27, 2018 | 1 season, 3 episodes | Ended |
| The Cyanide & Happiness Show (season 4)
| Seeso | September 18, 2019 | 1 season, 10 episodes | Ended |
See also
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20230404151347/https://vrv.co/ Official website] (archive)
{{Sony Pictures}}
{{VOD services}}
Category:2018 mergers and acquisitions
Category:2021 mergers and acquisitions
Category:Advertising video on demand
Category:American companies disestablished in 2023
Category:American companies established in 2016
Category:Android (operating system) software
Category:Companies based in San Francisco
Category:Defunct subscription services
Category:Defunct video on demand services
Category:Former AT&T subsidiaries
Category:Former Sony subsidiaries
Category:Internet properties disestablished in 2023
Category:Internet properties established in 2016
Category:Internet television streaming services
Category:Mass media companies disestablished in 2023
Category:Mass media companies established in 2016
Category:PlayStation 4 software
Category:Streaming television in the United States