Showtime Sets Up Free Channel on Pluto TV

By Daniel Frankel
( NextTV )
last updated

Launching Tuesday, ad-supported ’Showtime Selects’ features 250 hours of uncensored episodes from select shows

Showtime
(Image credit: Showtime)

ViacomCBS has set up a permanent sampling platform for its Showtime premium network, establishing the new Showtime Selects channel on its free, ad-supported streaming service, Pluto TV.

Launching Tuesday, Showtime Selects features 250 hours of uncensored episodes from original Showtime series including The Affair, Ray Donovan, Billions, The L Word, Shameless, Your Honor and Californication, among other shows. 

The channel is set up in live-linear format, with limited portions of series available. Users won’t be able to binge, smorgasbord-style, on complete series and seasons, but that’s the point. ViacomCBS wants to funnel users to sign up for the $10.99 premium Showtime service. 

The conglomerate said Pluto TV was up to averaging 28.4 million unique monthly visitors as of the end of the third quarter. 

Daniel Frankel
Daniel Frankel

Daniel Frankel is the managing editor of Next TV, an internet publishing vertical focused on the business of video streaming. A Los Angeles-based writer and editor who has covered the media and technology industries for more than two decades, Daniel has worked on staff for publications including E! Online, Electronic Media, Mediaweek, Variety, paidContent and GigaOm. You can start living a healthier life with greater wealth and prosperity by following Daniel on Twitter today!