MGM-owned Epix is joining other premium networks like HBO, Showtime, and Starz with the launch of its own, over-the-top streaming service aimed at cord cutters. The service, called Epix Now, offers access to Epix’s original series and thousands of Hollywood movies and class films for $5.99 per month, and supports offline viewing and 4K video, the company says.
Initially, Epix Now is available on Apple TV, iOS and Android devices, but Roku and Amazon Fire TV apps are arriving soon.
Epix has been working for some time to reposition its network to better compete in the streaming market.
Following MGM’s $1 billion acquisition of Epix in 2017, the company last year announced plans to enhance the service’s offerings with a variety of original series. MGM said by spring 2019, it aimed to have 50 to 60 hours of original scripted content, and 70 to 80 hours of scripted fare, in addition to its first-run theatrical and library film content, according to Deadline.
As of today’s launch of Epix Now, the network has been making good on those promises.
Its service now includes access to several new original shows, including: “Pennyworth,” the origin story of Batman’s butler, Alfred; “Godfather of Harlem” starring Forest Whitaker; “Perpetual Grace, LTD.” featuring Sir Ben Kingsley; the docu-series “PUNK” from Iggy Pop; and “Elvis Goes There with Elvis Mitchell.”
Returning originals include “Get Shorty,” starring Chris O’Dowd and Ray Romano; “Berlin Station,” starring Richard Armitage, Ashley Judd and Richard Jenkins; and “Deep State,” starring Mark Strong and Joe Dempsie.
Epix also features unscripted series and films like the late-night comedy docuseries “Unprotected Sets” from Wanda Sykes; Mark Burnett’s boxing competition “The Contender;” 2018 Sundance audience award winner “This Is Home: A Refugee Story;” and sports documentary “Serena.”
Meanwhile, the network’s film library includes both new and classic movies, like “A Quiet Place,” “Daddy’s Home,” “Transformers: The Last Knight,” “Fences,” “Barbershop: The Next Cut, “Me Before You,” and franchises like James Bond, Rocky, Mission Impossible and Star Trek.
On connected TV devices, Epix Now users can also stream all four Epix linear live channels, and on mobile, they can download content to watch offline.
This is not the first time that Epix has made its content available for streaming, however.
In addition to offering a way for authenticated pay TV customers to stream its shows and movies online, the company had also offered access through streaming TV services like Sling TV and Playstation Vue, as an add-on.
In February, Epix said it would launch a standalone subscription service at some point the future, but had declined to share a timeframe for those plans.
Though new to the standalone streaming market, the company believes there’s plenty of room for growth as more consumers cut the cord with traditional pay TV.
For example, HBO had grown its streaming service to over 5 million subscribers, as of last year. And CBS’s streaming properties, CBS All Access and Showtime, had grown to a combined over 5 million subscribers as of that time, as well.
Epix additionally believes its support for 4K Ultra HD streaming will help to differentiate it from others.
“2019 is poised to be an incredible year of growth for our network,” said Michael Wright, Epix President, in a statement. “Launching Epix Now and providing consumers nationwide with access to our premium original programming and blockbuster movies is an exciting moment for our company and solidifies our commitment to bring high-level storytelling to as many people as possible. We look forward to welcoming new audiences to our network,” he said.
Source: TechCrunch http://j.mp/2N0QeMd
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