AT&T strikes deal to bring CBS networks, Showtime to DirecTV Now

Along with live streaming video from nearly 25 local CBS and The CW stations, DirecTV customers will gain on-demand access to catalogs from CBS, The CW, Pop and Showtime, according to a press release.

"This is another key milestone in bringing DirecTV Now users access to their favorite entertainment, news and sports from all of the major broadcast networks," said Daniel York, SVP and chief content officer of AT&T Entertainment Group. "As we add more live national and local channels, we know even more people will choose DirecTV Now as their go-to streaming service."

Station availability is determined by subscription tier, with CBS and The CW content accessible on all packages. Subscribers signed up for the "Just Right" plan or higher can watch shows from Pop, while those paying for "Go Big" get access to CBS Sports Network. Showtime, a premium cable channel, is an $8 per month add-on.

Live CBS and The CW coverage is rolling out in stages, with the first batch set to include stations in:

• New York
• Los Angeles
• Chicago
• Philadelphia
• Dallas - Ft. Worth
• San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose
• Boston
• Detroit
• Minneapolis-St. Paul
• Miami-Ft. Lauderdale
• Denver
• Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, Calif.
• Pittsburgh
• Baltimore

Along with the CBS deal, AT&T announced upcoming DirecTV Now availability for at least 30 additional ABC, FOX and NBC affiliates.

DirecTV Now debuted in November 2016, raking in more than 200,000 paying subscribers in just one month. Some believe the rapid uptake can be attributed to AT&T's promotional offer of a free Apple TV for new subscribers.

In related news, CBS today announced a worldwide expansion of its CBS All Access digital video on-demand and live streaming subscription service. Canada will be the first international region to see availability in the first half of 2018, with other regions to follow.