‘Portlandia’ Preview on New IFC Streaming App

A full episode from the upcoming season of Portlandia is available for streaming to viewers who download and install IFC’s new mobile app.

The new app will give users access to IFC’s original programing, a selection of movies and some short-form original comedy series.

“The app is just a much better viewing experience,” said Blake Callaway, IFC’s head of marketing. “We’re driving a quality viewing experience by tying it to the launch of our highest rated, most beloved show.”

IFC has used off-channel, over-the top, sneak peeks at new episodes as a way to drive awareness and anticipation for new seasons of Portlandia. Callaway says Portlandia’s highest-rated episode ever was one that it previewed.

The new season will premiere Jan 21.  The season 6 episode “Going Gray,” will also be available on cable operator’s VOD systems, on IFC’s YouTube channels, at IFC.com and for free on Google Play and the iTunes store.

“We think we can drive a lot of attention and awareness for the show and get people into the new season, and also drive some installs for the app,” Callaway said.

Once the app is launched, it will start to show up in more of IFC’s on air promotions and in social media posts. The app is available in iOS and Android. Users need to authenticate to view content that’s on the cable network. Other content is available to everyone.

IFC also has a Portlandia emoji keyboard available at the app store. It allows users to put a bird, or a bike, or Fred and Carrie, in their texts.

Jon Lafayette

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.