Premium cable network Epix has plans to launch a standalone, direct-to-consumer video subscription service, revealed the network’s executive VP and GM Monty Sahran in a conversation with Variety this week. “Direct-to-consumer is very important,” he said. “We will be in that space.”

Sahran made these remarks during a conversation about Epix’s upcoming support for 4K Ultra HD video, which is scheduled to launch this year. He didn’t commit to a launch date for the standalone offering, or comment on any pricing plans, and said that Epix was currently prioritizing extending its existing distribution agreements with traditional TV operators with a goal of full distribution across U.S. TV homes.

However, he also made no secret out of his desire to ultimately sell Epix directly as well. “It’s on our roadmap and we are working towards it,” he said.

Such a move would mimic efforts of competing premium cable networks, most of which have launched their own Netflix-like online video subscription services in recent years. HBO, Starz and Showtime all sell their own branded standalone streaming services, both through the digital storefronts of companies like Amazon, Google and Apple as well as with the help of internet service operators.

Some of these efforts have been quite successful: HBO Now reportedly has more than 5 million subscribers, and CBS has said that its digital services Showtime Now and CBS All Access have a combined 5 million subscribers.

Epix, which launched in late 2009 as a joint-venture between MGM, Paramount and Lionsgate, has instead thus far opted to work with existing online video services. The network struck an early distribution deal with Netflix in 2010, and subsequently licensed its catalog to Hulu and Amazon. “We were born with digital DNA,” said Sahran about these early partnerships with online video services. Epix was a streaming pioneer by licensing its content on a white-label basis, he said. “People forget that we were there first.”

Last year, MGM bought out Lionsgate and Paramount to become the sole owner of Epix. Sahran said that both companies shared a similar culture, including a clear focus on movies as the centerpiece of Epix’s programming. “We have been committed to a big movie strategy,” he said. In addition, MGM is going to supply Epix with original series that will help to acquire new customers. To this end, Epix recently hired TV veteran Nancy Cotton to head original programming.

Epix is also looking to differentiate itself from the competition by being early to embrace 4K. The network announced Tuesday that Epix subscribers will be able to watch movies and TV shows in 4K some time this year. Subscribers will be able to stream 4K titles via video on demand through Epix’s apps on select devices.


First titles available in 4K will include James Bond films including “Die Another Day,” “Goldeneye,” and “The Spy Who Loved Me” as well as movies like “Star Trek Beyond” and “Transformers: The Last Knight.” The network is also going to make the Epix original series “Get Shorty” available in 4K.


Sahran said that Epix was the first TV network to offer 4K through its apps, and hinted at support for HDR down the line as well. “We are really excited about the future,” he said.

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EPIX, the premium TV network owned by Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), has launched EPIX NOW, the network’s new streaming service available through partner app stores.

Starting today, the service features MGM’s full library of original programming and blockbuster movies. The app is available for download today in the App store for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV, and in Google Play for Android phones and tablets. It will also be coming soon to Roku devices and Amazon Fire TV. The service will continue rolling out across additional devices over the course of the year.

EPIX NOW costs $5.99 per month and will also give subscribers the ability to access the network’s new original series, including Pennyworth, which tells the origin story of Batman’s butler, Alfred; Godfather of Harlem, starring Forest Whitaker; Perpetual Grace, LTD. from MGM featuring Sir Ben Kingsley; docu-series PUNK from Iggy Pop; and Elvis Goes There, with Elvis Mitchell.


Subscribers will also be able to watch returning seasons of the original series Get Shorty, Berlin Station and Deep State, as well as thousands of hit Hollywood movies and classic film franchises. New customers can subscribe directly from their iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Android device through in-app purchase in the EPIX NOW app.

Users will have the ability to stream content from the app to any connected TV screen, download movies and episodes for offline viewing, and have access to continually updated curated collections, trailers and more, as well as 4K Ultra HD streaming on supported devices. All four EPIX linear live channels are also available today through EPIX NOW on select connected TV devices, including Apple TV.

“2019 is poised to be an incredible year of growth for our network,” said Michael Wright, President, EPIX. “Launching EPIX Now and providing consumers nationwide with access to our premium original programming and blockbuster movies is an exciting moment for our company and solidifies our commitment to bring high-level storytelling to as many people as possible. We look forward to welcoming new audiences to our network.”

“EPIX has always been committed to reaching consumers wherever and however they want to watch content,” added EPIX EVP and General Manager, Monty Sarhan. “We’re incredibly excited that EPIX NOW expands our national footprint through new partnerships and allows EPIX fans to continue to watch the shows they know and love anywhere, anytime.”