Showtime Programming to Get Day-&-Date Premieres on CraveTV

TORONTO: The Canadian streaming service CraveTV has bolstered the amount of exclusive first-run programming it offers with a new deal for Showtime series.

Hit series, specials and documentaries from the U.S. premium cable channel will begin streaming on CraveTV day-and-date with their broadcast premieres on Showtime in the U.S. The new arrangement kicks off with acclaimed drama The Affair on November 20 at 10 p.m.

CraveTV customers can also look forward to upcoming all-new seasons of Billions, Dice, Episodes and Ray Donovan. Brand-new Showtime shows will hit the service in 2017, including the return of Twin Peaks, the dramedy I’m Dying Up Here and the limited series Guerilla. Also coming to CraveTV are season five of Homeland and season four of Masters of Sex.

“Launching Showtime in a first-window on CraveTV is a true game-changer for the service and for Canada’s TV lovers,” said Tracey Pearce, the president of distribution and pay at Bell Media. “Offering subscribers streaming access to one of the best collections of content in the world, without delay, immediately makes CraveTV an unmatched value proposition.”

“Showtime is on a roll, delivering some of the best shows anywhere. Now, with today’s announcement, CraveTV subscribers can enjoy Showtime series first, as part of our newly supercharged Showtime Collection,” added Mike Cosentino, the senior VP of CTV and specialty at Bell Media.