Philo subscribers on Friday got some surprising good news courtesy of AMC Networks.
While reporting its fourth-quarter results, AMC Networks also announced that it had struck a deal to include the ad-based version of AMC+ for free for all Philo subscribers.
The surprise announcement means Philo customers will get a service that normally costs $4.99 a month as a freebie on top of its packages.
A spokesperson for Philo said the company was excited by the partnership and that it’ll have more to share in the future. But she confirmed that no authentication would be needed, and it was part of the base package.
Philo is one of a myriad of live-TV streaming services that have popped up over the last few years to address cord cutters who still want the cable TV experience. The company offers a more limited bundle of cable channels, as well as free, ad-supported streaming channels for $25 a month, with the option to pay more for additional premium channels.
AMC+ gives users access to AMC shows, including The Walking Dead Universe, horror films from Shudder, Sundance Now, BBC America and IFC Films. An ad-free subscription cost $8.99 a month and an annual ad-free plan costs $83.88 a year.
AMC is seeing more growth in its subscription business, with subscribers up 1% and revenue from the segment up 4% to $145 million.