Showtime Adds Content to iTunes

CBS' premium movie channel Showtime launched its content in the iTunes Music Store Tuesday, adding three of its network-produced television shows to over 50 television shows already available from the service. As with other programming, the videos are available for $1.99 USD each.

Along with allowing subscribers of the premium channel another option to view programs from the network, company executives see it as a way to draw new viewers in. Several television shows have seen increased ratings as a result of adding their programming to the service.

"iTunes allows fans of these hit Showtime programs to purchase and watch them in an innovative way," Showtime chairman Matthew Blank said. "It is also a tremendous opportunity for non-subscribers to sample Showtime's programming."

Showtime will make available the full first seasons of "Sleeper Cell," "Weeds" starring Mary Louise Parker, and "Fat Actress" starring a now much slimmer Kirstie Alley. New episodes of these shows will be added the day after they are shown on television.

Apple has sold over 12 million videos since the launch of video content in October of last year. With the addition of the Showtime network, programming from 13 networks is available through the service. One network, NBC, has even used it to give classic television shows new life.

While Showtime is owned by CBS, no announcement was made regarding bringing the network's programming to iTunes. However, last week MarketWatch reported that President Larry Kramer had confirmed the network was in talks with Apple to add it's programming.