Launched in 2014, Shomi (pronounced “show me”) was Canada’s homegrown attempt at building a formidable streaming competitor to Netflix. Jointly owned by Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications, Shomi entered a market that was just beginning to embrace subscription-based video on demand. With a catalogue of over 1,200 films and 11,000 hours of television programming at launch, Shomi positioned itself as a curated streaming platform. Instead of relying on algorithms, it offered handpicked content categories, aiming to provide viewers with a more human-centered discovery experience.
Platform and Access
When it first rolled out in November 2014, Shomi was only available to internet and TV subscribers of Rogers and Shaw, a decision that would prove controversial. The service was priced at $8.99 per month and accessible through the web, mobile devices, and various TV set-top boxes. By August 2015, following criticism and regulatory pressure, Shomi expanded access to all Canadians as a standalone service. Support was also added for platforms like Shaw Direct, game consoles, and smart TVs.
A Diverse Content Library and Originals
Shomi curated a mix of licensed content and original programming. Key content deals included popular Starz originals, such as Power and Spartacus. Shomi also became a surprising partner for Amazon’s Transparent, which was not available on Prime Video in Canada at the time, and even co-produced an original drama, Between, with Netflix. The service offered access to hundreds of series, including genre-defining shows like Sons of Anarchy and The Americans, alongside a growing roster of family and reality programming.
Regulatory Challenges and Exclusive Access Criticism
Shomi faced early scrutiny for its exclusivity to Rogers and Shaw subscribers. Consumer advocacy groups and competitors filed complaints with the CRTC, arguing that restricting access to cable customers amounted to tied selling. The CRTC later proposed a new category of “hybrid VOD” services that would allow for exclusive content but require over-the-top access. This regulatory pressure influenced Shomi’s decision to open its platform to all users, but it may have come too late to shift momentum.
Discontinuation and Financial Losses
Despite these efforts, Shomi struggled to attract enough subscribers. A 2016 Solutions Research Group study estimated that fewer than 700,000 households subscribed to either Shomi or CraveTV, compared to 5.2 million for Netflix. On September 26, 2016, Shomi announced it would shut down on November 30 of that year. Rogers cited greater-than-expected market challenges and losses of $100–140 million. The closure came with sharp criticism from CRTC Chairman Jean-Pierre Blais, who suggested traditional broadcasters were unwilling to fully embrace digital disruption without regulatory support.
Afterlife and Legacy
Following its shutdown, Shomi’s streaming rights were scattered. Shows like Transparent migrated to Amazon Prime Video, which launched in Canada in December 2016. Rogers redirected its digital focus toward authenticated apps like CitytvNow and FXNow Canada, later bundling them into Citytv+ in 2022. Shaw’s successor, Corus Entertainment, would go on to launch StackTV in 2019, a Prime Video channel with live and on-demand content.
When Rogers completed its acquisition of Shaw in 2023, it effectively consolidated all ownership of Shomi’s remaining assets and intellectual property. Although no relaunch was ever attempted, the partnership that birthed Shomi remained intact on paper.
What Shomi Got Right
Shomi had strong content, early ambitions in original programming, and a curated user experience that differentiated it from the algorithmic design of Netflix. Its initial failure wasn’t due to a lack of quality or vision. It was a case of timing, walled-garden access, and a market not quite ready to support multiple streaming subscriptions.
A Missed Opportunity in Canadian Streaming
Shomi’s brief run is now a footnote in Canada’s streaming evolution. Yet its collapse underscored a larger shift in consumer behavior and regulatory expectations. In the age of global streaming giants, it showed how even well-funded regional players need speed, scale, and flexibility to survive. While Crave and newer services like StackTV have built on some of Shomi’s lessons, its early exit remains a cautionary tale of what happens when bold ideas meet rigid ecosystems.
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