The Wait Is Over: CBS All Access Finally Hits Microsoft's Xbox Console

CBS has finally announced that its streaming service is now available on Microsoft's Xbox console. For $5.99 a month, subscribers can delve into more than 7,500 on-demand episodes and stream local CBS stations live in various US markets.

Perfectly timed for Xbox fans, as the anticipated January, 2017 premier of the All Access-exclusive Star Trek series is only months away. The CBS app, which is technically CBS All Access, is similar to Netflix and Amazon Prime in that it offers thousands of on-demand episodes from the network's old and new shows such as The Big Bang Theory, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, NCIS, 2 Broke Girls, Big Brother, and more.

"Expanding the service to Xbox One gives CBS Television fans even more ways to watch their favorite programming on their device of choice," Rob Gelick, senior vice president of digital platforms, said in a statement.

More about the App

Beyond Microsoft's console, customers can use the service on Windows 10, Android, and iOS devices via the CBS app, online at CBS.com, and through Xbox 360, Chromecast, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku players, and Roku TV. More connected devices will be added soon.

CBS in October 2014 announced its new digital subscription service, with full seasons of 15 then-current primetime shows (episodes available the day after they air), as well as special events and CBS classics.

Subscription Charges

CBS All Access does cost $5.99 a month though some rumors suggest that CBS may let you tie it into your cable subscription like how FOX and other channels operate. "Star Trek: Discovery" will also premier exclusively on CBS All Access in early 2017 making it a must-have for Trek fans (those outside the US can watch it on Netflix). The bad news is that even while paying you may see the occasional 15-second ad although it is nothing like broadcast that of normal TV at the moment.