A few months ago when YouTube locked down a deal with CBS for their TV streaming service, the other networks were not all locked in. Today, things are more clear on what to expect from the platform that’s planning to compete with SLING TV, Playstation VUE and DirecTV Now.
The service will reportedly cost $35 dollars a month and will feature all four major networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC), plus up to 40 channels as part of the deal. Channels like FX, USA, ESPN are all set to be included at launch. To sweeten the pot, it will also include a DVR-style recording service with unlimited cloud storage. This to add to YouTube Red (original content) and regular YouTube videos.
The downside? Viacom and Turner Networks were not named in today’s announcement. Which means that Comedy Central, MTV, TBS, CNN, and Cartoon Network are up in the air as far as being part of the service. Other notable channels missing: AMC, Discovery and A+E.
Showtime will be available for an additional fee, but HBO has not come on board as of yet.
As of now, there is no concrete date for the launch of YouTube TV, but you can expect it to make an impact and start competing within the next couple of months.
Check out a live demo of @YouTube TV! pic.twitter.com/xORO4Y2Usq
— Rosy Cordero (@SocialRosy) February 28, 2017