Amazon Prime to Stream Showtime & Starz

SEATTLE: Amazon Prime customers can now manage standalone OTT services from providers such as Showtime and Starz via Amazon’s new Streaming Partners Program, which launched today.

The hub allows outside SVOD providers to market their platforms to Prime subscribers, delivering their video through Amazon’s streaming infrastructure. Billing would also take place through the retail giant’s payment system. Customers will be able to use one watchlist to browse across all subscriptions, with special Prime member pricing available for the Showtime and Starz services.

Besides those two platforms, 16 other partners have signed up for the program at launch, among them A+E Networks’ Lifetime Movie Club, AMC’s Shudder and SundanceNow Doc Club, and RLJ Entertainment’s Acorn TV.

“The way people watch TV is changing, and customers need an easier way to subscribe to and enjoy multiple streaming subscriptions,” said Michael Paull, the VP of digital video at Amazon. “With the Streaming Partners Program, we’re making it easy for video providers to reach highly engaged Prime members, many of whom are already frequent streamers, and we’re making it easier for viewers to watch their favorite shows and channels.”

“We’re excited to work with Amazon to offer our streaming service featuring all of our award-winning original series, plus our exclusive sports, news-making documentaries and blockbuster movies, to millions of Prime users,” said David Nevins, the president of Showtime Networks. “By marrying Showtime with the powerhouse retail capabilities of Amazon, we continue to greatly expand our footprint, making sure our service is available to new subscribers whenever and however they want to watch us.”

“Starz is excited to offer subscriptions to our premium hit shows like Outlander and Power, as well as our thousands of movies, to Amazon Prime customers,” added Chris Albrecht, the CEO of Starz. “This is a terrific product for customers to conveniently navigate their entertainment options quickly, easily and anywhere.”