CBS All Access

Definition

CBS All Access was a streaming subscription service that allowed users to access live and on-demand content from CBS, including television shows, movies, and original programming. Launched in 2014, it marked a significant shift in how traditional networks engaged with viewers, offering a more flexible viewing experience in the rapidly evolving landscape of streaming and on-demand services.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CBS All Access rebranded as Paramount+ in March 2021, expanding its content library and features.
2. The service offered exclusive original series like 'The Good Fight' and 'Star Trek: Discovery', attracting subscribers with unique content.
3. Users could stream live CBS broadcasts, making it one of the few services that combined on-demand content with live TV.
4. CBS All Access was available on multiple platforms, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and game consoles.
5. The introduction of CBS All Access highlighted the trend of traditional networks pivoting towards digital platforms to compete with other streaming giants.

Review Questions

• How did CBS All Access change the traditional viewing experience for audiences?
  • CBS All Access transformed the traditional viewing experience by allowing audiences to access both live broadcasts and on-demand content whenever they wanted. This flexibility enabled viewers to watch their favorite CBS shows at their convenience, breaking away from the typical schedule of broadcast television. By incorporating original programming and live TV into its offerings, CBS All Access created a more comprehensive streaming platform that appealed to changing consumer preferences.
• Evaluate the impact of CBS All Access's original programming on its subscriber growth and market position compared to other streaming services.
  • The introduction of original programming on CBS All Access significantly impacted its subscriber growth and competitive positioning in the streaming market. Unique shows like 'Star Trek: Discovery' not only attracted fans of the franchise but also helped establish the platform's identity as a provider of exclusive content. This strategy was crucial in differentiating CBS All Access from competitors like Netflix and Hulu, enabling it to carve out a niche within a crowded market.
• Discuss the implications of CBS All Access's transition to Paramount+ for the future of streaming services and traditional networks.
  • The transition of CBS All Access to Paramount+ reflects broader trends in the streaming industry where traditional networks are increasingly merging their identities with digital platforms. This move suggests that networks recognize the necessity of adapting to viewer habits that favor on-demand access over linear television. As Paramount+ aims to offer a richer content library and enhanced features, it sets a precedent for other networks to innovate their strategies. This could lead to further consolidation in the industry, as companies seek to remain relevant and competitive against major players like Netflix and Disney+.

Related terms

Streaming Service: An online platform that allows users to watch video content in real-time or on-demand without needing to download the files.

Original Programming: Content produced specifically for a streaming service or network, often exclusive to that platform.

Subscription Model: A business model where users pay a recurring fee to gain access to a product or service, common in streaming services.