When HBO launched its standalone streaming service, HBO Now earlier this year, it was inevitable that Showtime and the other premium cable networks would eventually follow the same strategy.
Today, Showtime made it official by announcing the launch of its standalone service; which will also be called Showtime. For $10.99 a month, anyone with an internet connection can subscribe to Showtime. And it will cost $4 less than HBO Now’s $14.99 rate.
Showtime is set to begin the service in early July, just in time for the new seasons of Ray Donovan and Masters of Sex. HBO Now had the benefit of launching near Game of Thrones’ fifth season premiere, but Showtime doesn’t currently have an equivalent blockbuster series. But the new Twin Peaks miniseries in 2016 may fill that void.
Related: HBO Now Streaming Service To Launch
Like HBO Now, the Showtime streaming service will debut through Apple TV. However, Showtime is not exclusively tied to Apple, which means that more distribution agreements for Showtime are currently underway.
Showtime has repeatedly said that it is targeting younger viewers who don’t subscribe to cable or satellite providers. But this will inevitably lead to some consumers cutting their cable completely because the streaming deals for premium networks are more affordable and even popular networks like ESPN can be seen cheaply on Sling TV.
Is the $10.99 price enough to entice you to join Showtime’s streaming service? Let us know in the comment section below!
