Hotstar Brings Showtime to India

The Indian streaming platform Hotstar has clinched a deal with CBS Corporation to bring the Showtime brand to the country for the first time.

Hotstar Premium subscribers will be able to access upcoming Showtime titles like the comedy Smilf and the limited series Escape at Dannemora, as well as Twin Peaks, The Affair, Billions, Ray Donovan and I’m Dying Up Here, among other shows.

“Over the last year, we have established Hotstar Premium as the most exciting destination for American TV shows and movies in India on demand,” said Ajit Mohan, CEO of Hotstar. “We have been continuously raising the bar on what is already the best streaming service for an Indian audience interested in international stories. The deal with CBS is in line with our strategy of bringing the best of new shows and movies from around the world to our Premium subscribers. Today, Showtime joins an exciting slate on Hotstar. It is clear that there is no equivalent service like this in India, or, frankly, anywhere in the world. It is clear that we are building Hotstar Premium as the most compelling subscription service that will showcase the best storytellers from around the world.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Hotstar to bring critically-acclaimed programming from Showtime to Indian audiences,” said Armando Nuñez, president and CEO of CBS Studios International. “Thanks to this agreement and other partnerships with top platforms around the world, the footprint of the Showtime brand and programming continues to expand in the global marketplace.”

Hotstar Premium also has content deals with Disney, Fox and HBO. It is available for Rs. 199 per month.