Reelz is an American digital cable and satellitetelevision network that is owned by Hubbard Broadcasting. The network's programming was formerly devoted to entertainment-oriented programming focusing on the Hollywood film and entertainment industry, with programs featuring information on theatrical film releases as well as information on movies released on DVD and airing on cable television. Currently, outside a few entertainment programs, repeats of the Oxygen series Snapped, and some reality series and films, the network mainly airs original and acquired films, series, and documentaries about celebrity scandals. As of February 2015, Reelz is available to approximately 68.2 million pay television households in the United States.
The network launched on September 27, 2006 as ReelzChannel, initially available on satellite providers DirecTV and Dish Network. The network originally maintained a programming focus similar to the original format of E!, focusing on programs about the entertainment industry including movie review and junket interview series. The network eventually signed carriage agreements with various cable providers including Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Charter Communications and Altice. In early 2009, ReelzChannel moved its operations from Los Angeles, California, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Hubbard owns that city's NBC-affiliated television stationKOB. At that point, the network shifted its programming focus to incorporate acquired series alongside its entertainment news programs. In August 2011, ReelzChannel debuted its first miniseries, The Kennedys. An unauthorized biopic centering on President John F. Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy and the Camelot empire, ReelzChannel acquired the rights to the film after it was passed by History. In November 2012, the network shortened its name to simply Reelz.
Programming
Reelz airs 95% original programming produced both in the US and internationally. For example, the network premiered a docudrama in 2017, Titanic: Sinking The Myths, starring Ed Asner, examining the circumstances surrounding the ocean liner disaster. Although some programming is internationally acquired, most is produced by Reelz. The network also runs segments twice each hour called REELZ Recommends, which highlighted programs available via video on demand. These segments are hosted by REELZ talent and celebrity experts.
Reelz HD is a high definition simulcast of Reelz broadcasting in the 720p resolution format, which launched on August 1, 2010. The first provider to carry the feed was AT&T U-verse, which began carrying ReelzChannel HD on September 27, 2010; Dish Network carried the HD feed as a free preview from March 30 to May 4, 2011. DirecTV began carrying the HD feed on September 26, 2014. DirecTV also carries ReelzChannel's video on demand content in HD. Verizon Fios began carrying the HD feed on March 25, 2017.
Reelz formerly operated a service for hotels in partnership with LodgeNet, called ReelzChannel In Your Room. This featured a mix of Reelz's original programming with reviews of films available on a hotel's video on demand service.
