Amazon Expands Streaming Programming With CBS Partnership

Star Trek fans can now stream their favorite show on Amazon Channels thanks to a new deal just announced between Amazon and CBS, reports TechCrunch. The new series, “Star Trek: Discovery,” is hosted by CBS on its All Access over-the-top streaming service.

CBS All Access will now be available on Amazon’s a la carte TV subscription service, which has grown popular as an alternative to TV subscription bundles. More and more customers are cutting the cord and looking for ways to build their own lineup bundle, featuring only the channels they want to watch.

The current U.S. lineup, available only to Prime subscribers and Prime Video members, includes more than 140 channels: HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz, PBS Kids and Sundance Now, just to name a few. Other channels feature niche lifestyle content, workout and health videos, educational content, horror films, et cetera.

Amazon Channels has struggled to compete with Sling TV, Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV and other streaming services that offer “skinny bundles” of channels that are popularly purchased together. Unable to forge deals with broadcast and cable TV networks, Amazon instead turned its focus to the a la carte approach. CBS All Access adds a significant channel draw with “Star Trek: Discovery.”

The subscription reportedly includes the network’s back catalog as well as current broadcast programming and, in some markets, live TV streams — which will give football fans access to NFL games on CBS and pave the way for viewers to tune into major live events, like the GRAMMY Awards.

Other CBS originals now available through Amazon include “The Good Fight,” “No Activity” and, soon, a new “The Twilight Zone.”

For starters, only the commercial-free $9.99 per month subscription will be offered for CBS All Access. The lower-cost Limited Commercials plan will debut at $5.99 per month in the coming months, according to CBS.