Burnett, Downey Looking to Raise $100 Million for Religious Streaming Service

Mark Burnett, the TV producer behind “The Apprentice” and “Survivor,” and his actress wife Roma Downey are trying to raise $100 million to launch a subscription-based streaming service for Christian viewers, according to people familiar with the situation. 

The fundraising effort comes as the number of streaming services is about to explode. On Friday, Apple launched its Apple TV Plus service, while Disney launches Disney Plus on Nov. 12. Next spring both AT&T’s WarnerMedia and Comcast’s NBCUniversal are due to launch their own services. All are jumping into a market dominated by Netflix but where Amazon, Hulu and various niche services have long operated. Still, a Christian-themed service is likely to resonate with at least some viewers where high-profile services may not.