What’s New On Netflix This Weekend – May 29-31 by Kris Holt

Netflix is about to get a tougher competitor in Canada after it emerged Shomi will roll out to everyone in the country this summer.

Until now, only TV and internet customers of telecom giants Rogers and Shaw had access to the streaming service.

It’s a big and inevitable move that will put Shomi in greater competition with Netflix Canada. For one thing, it’ll let people in Quebec use Shomi, since neither Rogers nor Shaw extend their tentacles there.

The most appealing thing about this deal is that it brings a lot of Shomi exclusive shows to a wider audience. For instance, it has a deal with Amazon for its Amazon Prime Instant original shows, like Transparent. And it has Jane The Virgin and Between, which is a Netflix Original in other territories. It also offers Modern Family, The Americans, and Sons of Anarchy. So some big-ticket shows across the board.

In fact, about 70% of Shomi’s content is exclusive.

For a Canadian audience looking to find more shows, it’s a great move.

I’m happy, because as a dude who lives in a part of Canada where Rogers and Shaw don’t provide TV or internet service, it’s not easy to legally watch the Amazon shows. I’ve seen Transparent and it’s wonderful, but I, uh, had to jump through a few hoops to find a way of catching it. I’m happy that more of my friends will be able to see such a great show. I’m looking forward to finally seeing Jane The Virgin too.

So, a good move all around. Even if I do wish everything was just on Netflix for convenience.