cbs.com

Traditional broadcast channels such as CBS are sequestering their content in order to start their dedicated streaming network, CBS All Access. This is an attempt to compete with digital content aggregators such as Hulu and Netflix. CBS has been successful in streaming because of its own original programming, such as "Stark Trek: Discovery," "The Good Fight," and "The Twilight Zone."

I agree that individual networks with less aggregation are not really competitors. However, CBS with its All Access subscription model is able to provide a vast backlog of CBS shows and is the only platform where you can watch its premium content, such as Originals. It?s following a similar model to ESPN+, though buying the entire ESPN+ plan doesn?t make sense to me, but I?d still be ready to pay the subscription fee because I’m a UFC fan. Similarly, fans who love specific CBS shows find the monthly subscription cost really palatable.

History

CBS All Access is an American streaming subscription service provided by CBS Interactive. It offers newly aired content on CBS Network and a backlog of CBS shows, making its vast content library available. Since its launch in 2017, CBS has accrued nearly 5 million subscribers. In 2019, it streamed the Grammy Awards and the first season of Star Trek: Discovery. Two years ago, CBS expanded its All Access service to international markets. Just a few months later, CBS also launched All Access in the Australian market.

Star Trek: Discovery - A game-changer

At the premiere of Star Trek: Discovery on CBS All Access, the network set a new record for the greatest number of single-day, weekly, or monthly sign-ups. This record was earlier held by the 2017 Grammy award ceremony. The banking on the Star Trek fanbase allowed CBS to harness All Access' maximum potential.

Design

When CBS All Access first came out, its design was not up to par. However, in recent updates, it has improved significantly. It features a sleek black and white look with a simple navigation menu featuring Shows, Full Episodes and Live TV options. Aside from that, you can find Schedule, CBS Sports, Movies, and CBS News under a menu which is represented by horizontal ellipsis alongside a search bar and profile icon if you want to access your profile. The homepage for the show is attractive and minimalistic, with an HD banner and sign-up button. Various vertical banners for different genres of shows are available, as well as a horizontal thumbnail for full episodes. Through All Access, users can also access Movies, shop, TV provider, CBS News and CBS Sports.

On the homepage, there are a number of similar pages with clean and dynamic design. If you hover over the vertical banners, they will interact with your mouse pointer and when you click on it, you will be taken to a dedicated page for that particular show. A trailer video plays on the main banner with a blue "Watch Now" button. If you scroll further, you will get the video library which syncs perfectly followed by the synopsis and cast member.

The website's simplicity and flow is a major factor in my enjoyment. The developers have done an excellent job of keeping everything feeling cohesive and dark, as if it were part of one big Netflix show.

Content

If the design doesn't attract you, access to All Access content might well get the job done. First, I'd like to clarify that though the content offered is limited, it offers great quality. Dramas such as "NCIS," "Elementary," "Blue Bloods" are very popular and are available on the network. If you like news, you can stay updated with CBS Evening News, Face the nation and 60 Minutes. If you're into comedy, you have Man with a Plan, The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon. Not only that you can access classic shows such as "The Twilight Zone," "Star Trek Series," "Hawaii 5-0" and "Late Night TV Shows" featuring James Corden and Stephen Colbert.

CBS All Access Originals make it worth it

Though these offerings are good, it is the new and original content that sets CBS All Access apart. "Strange Angel Tell Me a Story?" "No Activity?" "Why Women Kill?" and "Star Trek Discovery?" are few of the shows which will keep you glued to the network. There are more than 200+ content titles for you to choose from.

Lacks a comprehensive sports package

Although All-Access Sports does offer some desired content, such as NFL games aired on CBS, it is not recommended if you are a huge NFL fan. Other sports events that are available through All-Access Sports do not have the same viewership as NFL games.

Lack of movies and sufficient titles

I know that the quantity of movies offered by CBS All Access is nowhere near those offered by Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. As of the movie section, there are only 30 titles, which puts it way back in the pecking order against the likes of HBO Now, Starz, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and Showtime. Thus, if you enjoy watching movies, I would not recommend CBS All Access to you.

Desktop/Mobile experience

CBS All Access does not offer features that are offered by its competitors, such as stream restarting and DVR capabilities. However, the desktop and mobile experience is sleek with bright blue accents. There is a search bar and you can adjust the streaming quality or download the content (a standard offering in most of the streaming platforms). The app lags a little when you try to open each page, however, that does not affect the solid streaming experience. The mobile app launches quickly and does not require you to login initially. You can sign-in or sign-up for a new account. Similar to the website interface, you have a top navigation bar on mobile as well. An eye-catching element on the website is the shop section which is bundled between Shows, Live TV, Movies, Schedule, and Settings. You can use this to buy DVDs, Apparel and other gifts. I will not deny that the shop option does feel out of place on a streaming network.

Through the CBS All Access Android or iOS app, you can download an episode for offline viewing. To do so, all you need to do is hit the download icon next to any episode. What you must know is that not every show supports this feature and mostly only the originals are eligible. CBS has set a download limit of up to 25 videos and you can keep the videos on up to five devices only. Once you download them, the videos will be deleted within 48 hours from playback and if not played would stay in your playlist for 30 days max.

Streaming Quality

Although the streaming quality on CBS All Access isn't on par with Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, it still offers decent HD quality videos. If you're watching All Access without Wi-Fi, you'll experience a shaky performance, with quality dipping and video timing out. However, compared to other leading streaming sites, you won't find such significant troubles.

Plans & Pricing

CBS All Access is simplicity itself. Its basic plan starts at $5.99/mo, which comes with limited commercials. If you want a commercial-free experience, you'll need to pay $9.99/per mo. Remember that even if you pay the premium price, you are not exempt from Live TV advertisement. Thus, promotional messaging will be a part of Live TV regardless of the amount you pay. In addition to that, $5.99 does not allow offline downloads while $9.99 plan does.

In comparison, the entry-level plan for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video is $8.99/per month, while Hulu costs $5.99/per month, Starz costs $8.99/per month and HBO Now costs $14.99/per month.

Suggestions I have for CBS All Access

I believe that the monthly fee of $9.99 for CBS All Access is quite expensive. If you can get Netflix for a dollar less than that and Hulu for just $4.99/month, I do not see why you would choose CBS All Access over those other services. The only reason why I feel people have subscribed to All Access is because of its Star Trek content and news coverage, basic sports coverage, and Live TV. I would like CBS All Access to tie-up with different networks so they can justify the price tag of $5.99 or $9.99 which seems too high at this point.

Conclusion

CBS All Access continues to improve its streaming service, but movies and TV shows are not enough to justify the high price tag.