RTP has just reinforced its presence in streaming with the launch of RTP Séries, a new area within RTP Play dedicated exclusively to national and international fiction. The platform, free and accessible in Portugal, already offers more than 100 titles organized by genre, including 20 exclusive content, according to the New in Setúbal (NIS) website, a regional lifestyle and current affairs website.
Among the new features, “Normal People” stands out, the multi-award-winning adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel, until now only available on HBO Max.
According to the public station, the new section aims to be a free alternative to paid platforms, offering a catalog that is constantly updated, with new releases every week. The objective is clear: to reinforce the dissemination of national and European production and follow audiovisual consumption trends.
A catalog with more than 100 series
According to RTP, the offer includes Portuguese and international productions, from dramas and comedies to thrillers and anthologies. In addition to “Normal People”, the catalog includes titles such as “Situações Delicadas”, a national series, as well as foreign productions such as “Juice”, “Big Mood”, “Daddy Issues”, “What it feels like for a girl”, “Nurses” and “Obituary”.
The station explains that the premieres will be updated weekly, with the aim of keeping the catalog dynamic and varied. The initiative marks another step for RTP in its digital focus, alongside traditional television and radio programming.
The phenomenon of “Normal People”
Among the featured titles, “Normal People” has attracted special attention. According to NIS, it is a BBC and Hulu co-production that follows Connell (Paul Mescal) and Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones), two young Irish people from different social backgrounds whose relationship evolves between high school and university.
Connell, popular and from a working-class family, contrasts with Marianne, reserved and from a more affluent background. The series, consisting of 12 episodes, explores the dynamics of class, intimacy and emotional growth of the protagonists, being considered one of the most striking productions of 2020.
The work was nominated for four Emmy awards and contributed decisively to the international recognition of Paul Mescal, who would later stand out in the film “Aftersun” and the long-awaited sequel to “Gladiator”.
Free streaming in Portuguese
The launch of RTP Séries represents a commitment to the democratization of access to streaming. The new area involves no costs and is integrated into RTP Play, allowing free viewing, in Portuguese, on any device.
According to the publication, the platform was designed to reach different audiences, combining the offer of international fiction with support for national production.
With this strategy, RTP seeks to assert itself as a quality alternative to paid platforms, taking advantage of its public service mission to provide diverse content. According to NIS, the station has been strengthening its digital presence, following changes in consumption habits and approaching younger audiences.
The investment in RTP Séries confirms public television’s intention to adapt to new ways of watching and discovering audiovisual content, and to do so at no cost to the viewer.
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