The CBS Catchup streaming app, which lets viewers watch TV shows and films from CBS Reality, Legend and more free-to-air channels, is getting a revamp, while also coming to several new devices and platforms.
The linear CBS channels, which are operated in the UK by AMC Networks International, are available on Freeview, Freesat, YouView, Sky and Virgin Media.
A few months ago, the CBS Channels portfolio underwent a big change, with the long-running ‘Horror Channel’ changing to ‘Legend’, and CBS Justice shutting down.
The CBS Catchup app, which lets viewers stream content from CBS’ channels on-demand, has long been available on Freeview Play and a few other platforms – but is now available on even more devices, such as iOS and Amazon’s Fire TV (see the full list below).
Furthermore, the app – on all platforms – is getting a fresh new coat of paint, a new user-friendly interface and functionality, and plans to add a login functionality in the coming months.
With a single login, viewers will be able to personalise their viewing experience with a Favourites and Recommended rail across different devices (so you can start watching a series on your Freeview Play device – and continue on your phone).
Freeview Play is a platform that combines over-the-air Freeview channels with over 40,000 hours of on-demand content that you stream via the internet.
Unlike the “linear” version of Freeview, which only requires an aerial and a Freeview tuner (either on your TV on via a set-top Freeview box), Freeview Play also requires an internet connection.
To watch Freeview Play, you also need a compatible Smart TV or a set-top box, such as the Manhattan T3-R.
Once you have everything connected, both Freeview and Freeview Play are free to watch, without any monthly subscriptions (though you would still need to pay the TV Licence in most cases).
On Freeview Play, the CBS Catchup app is one of several other streaming players: BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub (soon to become ITVX), All 4, My5, UKTV Play and more.
It’s worth noting that Freeview Play (both on TVs and on the Freeview smartphone app), doesn’t do any streaming of its own – instead, it’s a hub that shows you content recommendations and shortcuts that lead to each broadcaster’s own streaming app, such as BBC iPlayer or the CBS Catchup app.
On Freesat, the app is available on the platform’s internet-connected devices, such as the 4K Freesat players/recorders.
The New CBS Catchup App
With the CBS Catch Up Channels UK app, viewers can watch free (with adverts), on-demand shows from a variety of genres:
LEGEND brings all the classics from action to thriller, and suspense to Sci-Fi, including Knight Rider and Walker, Texas Ranger.
It’s worth noting that Freeview Play also has a separate app for the on-demand content from Legend. We’re told that for now, the Legend app will simply lead to the new CBS Catchup app – and will eventually be removed.
CBS Reality brings gripping true crime, with documentaries such as Murder By The Sea, Donal MacIntyre’s Released to Kill and The Murder That Changed Britain.
And RealityXtra brings “hard-hitting” legal dramas like NCIS, Matlock, and of course – Judge Judy, which has become somewhat of a staple of these channels.
HorrorXtra is only available on Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media – therefore, it looks like it won’t be part of the new CBS Catchup App for now.
The new and improved app is now available on more devices than ever:
- Freeview Play
- Youview
- Freesat
- Android TV
- Apple TV
- iOS
- Android
- Amazon Fire TV
More streaming devices, as well as a web player, will be rolling out over the next few weeks.
Tanya Gugenheim, SVP of Business Development for AMC Networks International UK, said:
“Our new app is a shiny new shop window for all our amazing content and the start of our exciting plans for the digital expansion of our channels, to broaden our viewer base and offer more choice to when and how people view our content”.
Can’t get cbs catchup on my Samsung TV even though its a freeplay TV any advice