The Stream Report
Posts
ICYMI: Philo Adds Epix and Starz

ICYMI: Philo Adds Epix and Starz

ICYMI: Philo Adds Philo and Starz

June 23, 2020

Live TV streaming service Philo hit an incredible milestone this week after the company announced its first-ever premium movie channel offer. Epix and Starz are now available on Philo for an additional cost. While perhaps not the most exciting for all subscribers, it may be an indication that Philo is ready to branch out into even more add-on package options.This week, we take a look at Philo's new offering, as well as highlight several other news and TV broadcast dates you may want to check out.

Streamer's Spotlight: Philo Adds Premium Movie Channels

Since it first branched beyond college campuses in late 2017, Philo has been proven that offering a sports-free, network TV-free streaming package was a viable option in the cord-cutting market. And unlike many of its competitors, Philo has gone that entire time without offering any add-on channels for an additional cost.

That all changed last week after Philo announced that subscribers could now add Epix or Starz (or both) to their streaming package at an additional cost.

So I Can Now Add Epix and Starz to Philo?

Yes, you can! Philo now offers both Epix and Starz as add-on channels. These are the first package add-ons that Philo has ever offered, making the biggest change-up in the company's offering since it dropped the $16/month package option last summer.

You can now add Epix to Philo for $6 per month, or Starz for $9 per month. Philo is also giving subscribers a limited-time-offer. Promotional pricing on Epix is just $3 per month for the first 3 months, while you can add Starz for $5 per month for the first 3 months.

Are These Really Philo's Only Add-on Channels?

They are! To date, Philo has never offered add-on channels. The most choice subscribers have ever had with a Philo subscription was when the service had two pricing tiers at $16/month and $20/month. That ended in 2019 when the company dropped the $16 package of channels.

It's important to note that Philo's modus operandi has always been on offering a slim and low-cost package. To do that, the company launched its US service with just a selection of cable TV networks, but without sports channels. It also does not carry broadcast networks like FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC, etc. These networks cost much more to provide in a streaming package, so Philo's low cost has always been because it provides primarily entertainment and lifestyle cable TV networks.

What Does This Mean for Philo?

Our best guess is that Philo is testing the waters with add-on channel options. That could mean one of two things:

1. Philo will be adding in more entertainment channels in the future as available add-ons. This could potentially mean add-ons for sports channels and (possibly) even broadcast networks.

2. Philo is about to launch more all-inclusive package options, while still maintaining their single $20/month package for the minimalist among us.

But we're in "wait and see" mode for now. However, the fact that Philo is branching out with even a few add-on packages offers some interesting prospects.

Check here to learn more about Philo