Cablevision Optimum Online Adds Showtime & CBS All Access Streaming Options

The cable provider will now offer standalone streaming services for its internet only customers.  

Cablevision and CBS have announced a new deal that will allow Cablevision to distribute CBS All Access and Showtime streaming platforms to its Optimum internet customers without a cable subscription. Previously, Showtime streaming was only available through Apple devices and Roku products, or as an add-on to Hulu Plus and PlayStation Vue.   

"This comprehensive new agreement builds on our strong relationship with CBS and ensures that every Optimum customer gets the highly popular CBS content they want across multiple platforms and screens," said Tom Montemagno, executive vice president, programming, Cablevision. "As the first distributor to agree to provide CBS' new Internet services, Cablevision continues to expand its portfolio of next-generation offerings, connecting customers to the programming they value when and where they want it."

The Showtime standalone OTT platform allows users to subscribe to Showtime streaming without the need for a traditional cable or satellite contract, giving cord-cutting customers access to live feeds, on-demand content, and all of the network's popular movies and shows, including 'Homeland,' 'Shameless,' and 'Penny Dreadful.'

Meanwhile, CBS All Access offers next-day streaming for new episodes of 16 popular shows and a library of 6,500 on-demand episodes, including content from current programs like 'The Good Wife' and 'NCIS,' and classic series like 'The Andy Griffith Show' and 'I Love Lucy.' Likewise, customers will be able to watch live local CBS broadcasts through the service in 14 select markets. Live content and contemporary shows will include commercials, but the classic programming will be presented without ads. Unfortunately, some sporting events, including NFL games, will not be part of the service.

Exact pricing and availability for Showtime and CBS All Access through Optimum Online have not been announced, but current subscriptions cost $11 and $6 per month respectively.

Source: CBS via Engadget

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