Showtime Announces Subscription-Free Streaming Service

Showtime is rolling out a streaming service that doesn’t require a cable subscription.

The service, which will just be called Showtime, will be a standalone service similar to HBO Now. Previously, Showtime had a streaming service ShoGo that allowed cable subscribers to stream Showtime content but this service opens up Showtime content to customers without the cable subscription, according to Time.

The service will offer access to old Showtime content as well as their current movie catalog, current shows, and live streams of content. Showtime content Dexter, Weeds, Nurse Jackie, Episodes, Homeland, and more will be available to users. It’s set to launch on July 12 in time for the season premiere of Ray Donovan and Masters Of Sex. For now the service is exclusive to Apple and access is restricted to iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Apple TV users. Showtime will announce other providers soon, according to Entertainment Weekly

The service, also known as an over-the-top product, will be priced at $10.99 per month which is lower than HBO Now’s $14.99 a month, according to Entertainment Weekly

“Going over-the-top means Showtime will be much more accessible to tens of millions of potential new subscribers,” said CBS CEO Les Moonves in a statement. “Across CBS, we are constantly finding new ways to monetize our programming by capitalizing on opportunities presented by technology.  This works best when you have outstanding premium content—like we do at Showtime—and when you have a terrific partner like Apple—which continues to innovate and build upon its loyal customer base.”

There will be a free 30-day trial for customers who sign up for Showtime’s streaming service in its debut month.

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