Veteran Entertainment Television, more commonly referenced as VET Tv, is an American vertically integrated over-the-top (OTT) media service that specializes in producing and distributing military comedy films and television series whose primary audience is the military and veteran community. VET Tv was founded by Donny O’Malley in June 2016 and is based in San Diego, California.[3]
 | |
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | San Diego, California |
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | English |
| Ownership | |
| Key people | Waco Hoover (CEO)[1] |
| History | |
| Launched | 23 June 2017 |
| Founder | Donny O’Malley[2] |
| Links | |
| Website | veterantv |
History edit
Prior to VET Tv, Donny O’Malley wrote the best seller, “Embarrassing Confessions of a Marine Lieutenant” and started Irreverent Warriors,[4] a non-profit designated as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service. O’Malley created original home-made videos to market both ventures and saw an opportunity to create a film production company after receiving feedback from his audience that they would pay for his content.[5]
In July 2016, Donny O’Malley founded VET Tv and based it on the idea of producing micro-budget films made specifically for the veteran and military community “using pitch-black comedy as a tool for processing the horrors of war.”[5] O'Malley claims, “There is tangible proof that healing from the trauma of war can be achieved through comedy." This was O'Malley's goal when he created VET Tv.[6]
VET Tv was first conceptualized in May 2016 and on October 12, 2016, VET Tv launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter with a goal of $250,000. After 35 days and with the support of 3,609 backers, the campaign raised $296,331,[7] becoming the third highest funded campaign in the Comedy Category, behind Mystery Science Theater 3000 and Flight of the Conchords.
The company, described as a “ragtag team of aspiring filmmakers”, launched the OTT platform on June 23, 2017.[5]
Programming edit
In June 2018, VICE investigated VET Tv's mission and audience with interviews of actual veterans as well as a documentary.[8][9]
During the COVID pandemic there was a 20% increase in veteran suicides. O’Malley discussed in a television interview with KSNV Las Vegas how VET Tv aims to connect with veterans to reduce the effects of isolation due to the pandemic.[10]
VET Tv has also used its programming to point out flaws in the military. In June 2021, V for Valor debuted, a satire which criticizes the military's broken award system.[11]
Filmography edit
List of VET Tv's original television series and episodes:[12]
- Kill, Die, Laugh (2017)
- The Let Down (2017)
- A Grunt’s Life (2017)
- Department of Offense (2018)
- Meanwhile, in the Barracks (2018)
- Kill, Die, Laugh 2.0 (2018)
- The Shop (2018)
- Checkpoint Charlie (2019)
- Drunken Debriefs (2019)
- Recruiters: Mission First (2019)
- Team BAMF (2019)
- Combat Sports Network (2019)
- The Bet (2019)
- Mental Hell and Wellness (2020)
- V for Valor (2021)
References edit
- ^ "MILITARY MAKEOVER: VET Tv (Veteran Television) Unveils a New, Modern Look & Grunt Style Collab". prnewswire.com (Press release). PR Newswire. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- ^ Rogers, Nate (5 March 2020). "At Vet Tv, 'don't expect anything to be politically correct, professional or honorable'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ "Marine vet creates VET Tv, the Comedy Central of the military". USMC Life. 2017-06-23. Retrieved 2019-03-19.
- ^ "Marines march in silkies to raise suicide awarness". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2019-03-19.
- ^ a b c Raphael, Rina (2017-10-11). "Does This Controversial TV Network For Vets Help Or Hurt Those Who Served?". Fast Company. Retrieved 2019-03-19.
- ^ Griffin, Rick (8 Nov 2020). "Carlsbad-Based Vet TV Draws Humor from War's Worst to Heal Veterans". Times of San Diego. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- ^ Lafayette, Jon (19 Oct 2020). "The Five Spot: Donny O'Malley Founder and CEO, Vet TV". Next TV. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- ^ Staff, VICE (2018-06-12). "Inside the Dark, Depraved Comedy Channel Targeted at Military Veterans". Vice. Retrieved 2019-03-19.
- ^ "Inside Veteran TV's Dark and Controversial Humor". Video. Retrieved 2019-03-19.
- ^ "VET Tv aims to help veterans connect, fight isolation". CBS. KSNV Los Vegas. 17 Feb 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- ^ Yoffe, Scott (2 June 2021). "V For Valor, a Hard-Hitting Satire of the Broken Awards System of the U.S. Military, Premieres Tonight on VET Tv". Ein Press Wire. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- ^ "Original Series". VET Tv - Veteran Television. Retrieved 2019-03-19.