Oprah Winfrey and Apple TV+ have reached their mega global deal, first announced in 2018. Both parties confirmed the development, but declined to comment. It is understood that the two parties have agreed to continue working together, but on a project-by-project basis, now that their previous agreement comes to an end.
Winfrey and Apple TV+ are already currently collaborating on the documentary “Sidney,” about the life of iconic Oscar-winning actor Sidney Poitier. This project, directed by Reggie Hudlin, runs through Apple Original Films and debuted last Friday on Apple TV+.
Winfrey and Apple also continue to collaborate on “Oprah’s Book Club,” which is available on both OprahDaily.com and Apple Books.
Under the pact first signed in 2018, Winfrey and Apple were to create programs to be released as part of Apple’s original content lineup.
But even then, it seemed unclear how this deal would fit into Winfrey’s already busy media empire. The cable channel she formed with Discovery Communications, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, developed and produced hit shows like Ava DuVernay’s “Queen Sugar.” Winfrey renewed her contract with Discovery until 2025, although Discovery increased its stake in OWN to 95% in December 2020.
More recently, some of Winfrey’s most high-profile TV events — the “Oprah with Meghan and Harry” interviews and a special with Adele — aired on CBS.
At the time of the 2018 deal, sources told Variety that Apple’s deal with Winfrey did not conflict with the Discovery deal and that Winfrey remained exclusive in an on-screen capacity to OWN with limited exclusions.
Winfrey also continues to be active through her Harpo Productions banner, which produced “Sidney”. Her other recent release includes “The Color of Care,” a documentary for the Smithsonian Channel, and Marissa Jo Cerar’s upcoming Hulu series “Black Cake” (“Wome of the Movement”).
Over at Apple TV+, Winfrey teamed up with Prince Harry for the documentary series “The Me You Can’t See.” Winfrey also hosts “The Oprah Conversation” and “Oprah’s Book Club” for the streamer.
Puck News first reported the end of the Apple TV+/Oprah Winfrey deal.