Endemol Shine Beyond’s ICON Network Celebrates First Anniversary With New Slate of Programming & Additional Global Launches

Lifestyle Network Creatively Led by Michelle Phan to Launch in Multiple Global Territories By End of 2016 Including Germany, France and Across Asia

Amsterdam, Netherlands(31 Mar 2016)

Endemol Shine Beyond’s ICON Network, which is creatively led by digital pioneer Michelle Phan, is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a slate of new and original programming, as the digital lifestyle network is getting set to expand into multiple new global territories by year’s end.

After having launched simultaneously in the U.S. and UK on March 31, 2015, ICON is now headed to multiple new global territories and across Asia in 2016. At the end of last year, ICON launched successfully in France and more recently in Germany, where it debuted under the Flip-powered by ICON banner, which also included the network’s first linear broadcast deal.

Starting this week, ICON Network is rolling out a number of new programs over the next several months including a series of fashion, fitness and beauty collaborations from top ICON U.S. and UK creators including Jamie Greenberg (“Pretty Little Pranksters”), Sonya Esman (“Culture Chic”) and Danielle Peazer (ICON UK).

Additional new original programming includes “#LifeStyleGoals,” which is led by digital sensations Promise Phan, Natalies Outlet and Sofia Styled; “5 Uses,” a fresh new series that will make you look differently at what you have in your kitchen pantry; “Beauty Newbies” which features makeup virgins attempting to replicate top digital beauty tutorials and Michelle Phan explores Vietnam in a way that only she can in an exclusive set of new video diaries.

Since last March, many of ICON’s creators have experienced astronomical viewership growth including Natalies Outlet, who has seen a jump of 48,139% (23,543 starting monthly views vs. 11,356,830 current monthly views) since coming aboard the network. Cloudy Apples has enjoyed a 198% jump (647,228 vs. 1,926,303), Sonya Esman’s U.S. channel has also grown by 198% (243,092 vs 887,949) and JKissa Makeup is up 1209% (24,327 vs. 318,365). 

“Since launching ICON Network a year ago as the first-ever global lifestyle network, our mission was to give a diverse, worldwide collection of talented creators an exciting new platform to share their individual visions,” said Vivi Zigler, President, Digital, Brand & Audience Development, Endemol Shine North America. “Thanks in large part to Michelle Phan’s passion and guidance, ICON is now successfully expanding into numerous new global territories, launching exciting new content and helping uncover new lifestyle talent from all across the world.”    

Added Michelle Phan, "From the very beginning, ICON has blazed its own trail, serving as the fastest-growing premium lifestyle network in the world. By kicking things off with new fresh original programming and international expansion, I'm thrilled to help strengthen our global reach and support more content creators everywhere."

The U.S./UK ICON collaborations kick off this week with “What’s in Danielle Peazer’s Bag” featuring Jamie Greenberg. Other collaborations include “Secret Beauty Weapons” with Peazer and Sonya Esman, as well as “Travel Essentials” and “UK/London Quiz” that both feature Peazer and Greenberg.

Since its debut last March, ICON has launched more than two dozen original series and introduced more than 25 different creators/talent under the ICON banner including Cassey Ho (Blogilates), Ann Le (AnneorShine), Charis Lincoln (CharismaStarTV) and Rae from The Raeviewer. Original ICON programming launched during the network’s first year includes “Pretty Little Pranksters,” “Trash to Fab,” “Fascinating Women,” “The FAQs,” “World at Your Finger Tips,” “Everyday Luxe” and “Skinside Out.” 

ICON Studios also recently created three original series exclusively for Verizon’s go90 social entertainment platform--“Culture Chic,” “Be Transformed” and “Everyday Guide.” 

Formerly Endemol Beyond, Endemol Shine Beyond is an award-winning global digital production and distribution studio specializing in premium online content and channels, as well as brand integration and talent partnerships. Endemol Shine Beyond is part of global content creator, producer and distributor Endemol Shine Group. In addition to ICON Network, Endemol Shine Beyond USA recently launched eSports and gaming SMASHER Network with flagship series “Legends of Gaming,” which is set to debut its second season next month.  Endemol Shine Beyond USA content is available across more than 20 platforms including YouTube, Roku, TiVo, DailyMotion, Vessel and Amazon Fire TV.

About Endemol Shine North America

Endemol Shine North America delivers world-class content and compelling storytelling to multiple platforms in the U.S. and across the globe. Endemol Shine North America is part of Endemol Shine Group, the newly launched global content creator, producer and distributor with a diverse portfolio of companies that are behind some of the most prominent hit television formats and series in the world.