(UPDATE) – Showtime has confirmed they will offer a stand-alone subscription to iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple TV users, starting in early July. The service will cost $10.99 per month.
Variety reports today that CBS is in the final stages of preparations to bring a cable-free subscription of their Showtime channel to the Apple TV.
The announcement could come later Wednesday or on Thursday, according to Variety. Like HBO Now, the new Showtime service would be an Apple exclusive at launch, with other platforms gaining access later on.
No word on how long such an exclusivity deal would last, or how much CBS wants to charge for the HBO competitor.
News of Showtime’s streaming service comes on the heels of HBO’s launch of HBO Now in April for $15 a month. While HBO executives have noted the volume of subscribers has exceeded expectations, they have not shared any exact numbers.
Much like HBO, Showtime offers a mix of theatrical movies and original programming. The channel has offered up such popular series as Dexter, Californication, Weeds, and the current Masters of Sex, and Nurse Jackie.
While Variety says the announcement could come as early as this week, it is also possible the official announcement will come on stage next Monday, June 8 at Apple’s keynote for the Worldwide Developers Conference. HBO Now was featured on stage at Apple’s most recent event, so it’s possible CBS may want similar treatment for their Showtime streaming offering.
