CBS All Access launches in Canada

Primetime programming like NCIS and Seal Team won't be available on the SVOD until seven days after its Canadian linear broadcast.

CBS has officially launched its SVOD in Canada, marking CBS All Access’ first expansion outside of the U.S.

The streamer offers full seasons of CBS programming – both current and classic shows. But, unlike their American counterparts, Canadian subscribers don’t have immediate access to new episodes of primetime programming.

CBS primetime series will be available on the SVOD seven days after the Canadian broadcast date. Maria Hale, SVP, Global entertainment and content acquisition at Corus Entertainment told Playback Daily that Corus, which licenses CBS series such as NCIS and Seal Team, has been working with the U.S. net on the launch of their SVOD in Canada and continues to “be good partners” with the company.

“Global’s CBS-acquired shows continue to be available for free, day-and-date with the U.S. telecast on Global and GlobalTV.com, and across all BDU platforms, including Global GO,” she said.

CBS has numerous and longstanding licensing deals with Canadian broadcasters. CBS declined to comment on how the SVOD’s launch in Canada will affect future multi-platform content deals with Canadian broadcasters, with a source saying only that it would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

In 2016, Bell Media signed a deal with CBS for its Star Trek: Discovery reboot. The series, which was exclusive to CBS All Access in the U.S., aired on Space (in English) and Z (in French), before streaming on CraveTV.

Bell Media also has an exclusive output deal with CBS for Showtime programming, which is not included on the CBS All Access platform.

CBS All Access is available to subscribers for $5.99 per month. In addition to its current and classic programming, daytime and late night CBS shows, the SVOD also offers subscribers access to CBSN and CBS News’ 24/7 streaming news service.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Big Bang Theory would be available on CBS All Access. Bell Media has SVOD rights to the series. Playback regrets the error.