National Film Board of Canada launches TopDocs, a global FAST channel for premium documentary content. New FAST channel from Canada’s leader in documentary storytelling.

October 8, 2025 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is launching TopDocs, a new FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) channel showcasing curated documentary content from its acclaimed catalogue of over 6,000 titles.

The NFB Distribution team will present TopDocs at MIPCOM (October 13–16), with global rights now available.

TopDocs will be available on the Zone-ify app this fall, before expanding soon to other smart TVs and devices. Viewers can explore thousands of hours of documentary programming, anchored by a curated library of at least 150 hours, with 20 hours of new content added monthly.

TopDocs delivers gripping and timely content: from climate change to human rights, NFB documentaries explore real stories that inform, inspire and spark conversation.

TopDocs will launch in English first, followed by a French-language version in the coming months.

Quotes

“TopDocs is a bold step forward in how we connect global audiences with powerful documentary storytelling. FAST channels are transforming the media landscape, and this launch allows us to bring the richness of the NFB collection to viewers in a fresh, accessible way—wherever they are, and whenever they tune in.”

- Nathalie Bourdon, Director of Distribution and Market Development

“We live in a world where truth itself has become harder to recognize, stories harder to trust—and where the role of inspiring, meaningful storytelling has never mattered more. With TopDocs, the NFB is expanding access to stories that matter, amplifying unique and authentic voices, and creating a new global space for conversations that help shape our world.”

- Suzanne Guèvremont, Government Film Commissioner and NFB Chairperson

What is a FAST Channel?

A FAST channel—short for free ad-supported streaming television—is a digital streaming service that delivers scheduled, linear programming over the Internet at no cost to viewers. Unlike traditional on-demand platforms, FAST channels mimic the experience of live TV, offering curated content in real time, supported by advertising rather than subscription fees. These channels are accessible across a wide range of connected devices—including smart TVs, streaming sticks, mobile phones, tablets and web browsers—making it easy for audiences to discover and enjoy programming wherever they are.

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