This week, we learned when eligible Apple TV users should start seeing the newest software update, tvOS 15. Elsewhere, ViacomCBS shared that it’s planning to offer a bundle that includes Showtime and Paramount+. Meanwhile, Locast suffered another legal blow this week, and Disney has decided to premiere the rest of its 2021 films in movie theaters first before heading to streaming.
Here’s what happened in the world of cord cutting and streaming.
Breaking News
Here are some of the top streaming stories from the past week.
Newest Apple TV Software Update, tvOS 15, Launches Sept. 20 — Here’s What To Expect
Apple held its annual fall product showcase this week and while it didn’t share much streaming device news, we still gleaned some info after the event. The company shared that its next round of software updates, including iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and tvOS 15, should be available starting on Sept. 20. We covered the details in our post linked below as well as a video you can check out here.
See what you can expect in tvOS 15 here.
Judge Permanently Bars Locast From Continuing Its Operations
In another legal setback for Locast, a judge issued a permanent injunction, ordering the service to shut down its operations. The group had already opted to suspend service late last month after a court denied its request for a summary judgment in its ongoing battle with major broadcasters.
Check out Locast’s latest legal developments here.
Streaming Services Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month
Several streaming services have announced new channels, content, destination hubs, and more in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. We’ve compiled a list of ways various services are recognizing the month here:
- YouTube TV Adds Univision Channels to Lineup & Will Launch Two New Add-Ons
- ESPN+ Adds New Permanent Section Dedicated to Hispanic and LatinX Athletes
- Pluto TV Adds 4 New Spanish Language Channels to Its Free Streaming Service
- HBO Max Adds Pa’lante! Spotlight Page in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month
- Disney+ is Highlighting Hispanic and LatinX Stories Like ‘Coco,’ ‘Diary of a Future President,’ and More
- Samsung TV Plus Has Telenovelas, Reality, Dramas, and More for National Hispanic Heritage Month
- Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with a Curated Watchlist on Documentary+
NHL Coverage is Headed Back to ESPN, Hulu & ABC With 103 Exclusive Games Beginning in October
NHL games are returning to Disney’s platforms for the first in years. In all, more than 100 exclusive games are headed to ESPN, Hulu, and ABC during the 2021-2022 season, with more than 1,000 out-of-market matchups coming to ESPN+. You can check out a lengthy schedule in our full post linked below.
Read more about upcoming NHL games here.
The Rest of Disney’s 2021 Film Slate will be Exclusively in Theaters and Not on Premier Access
Disney announced that its remaining slate of 2021 films will head to theaters first before making their way to at-home streaming. The move comes after the company released several new films in theaters and on Disney+ on the same day via Premier Access. It remains to be seen whether Premier Access will be a factor for Disney+ moving forward.
See what Disney has planned for the rest of 2021 here.
Industry Report
What’s the latest on the industry?
A New Showtime and Paramount+ Bundle Will be Available Later This Month
This week, a ViacomCBS exec shared that the company is planning to offer a bundle that packages together Showtime and Paramount+. No pricing details or exact launch date were mentioned, but we’re expecting the bundle to appear later this month.
Learn more about the upcoming Showtime/Paramount+ bundle here.
Netflix Originals are in the Same League as Disney and WarnerMedia for Long-Term Popularity
A new report suggests Netflix rivals Disney and WarnerMedia when it comes to original content enjoying long-term popularity. The data shows Netflix has served as a home to a significant number of hits in recent years, as it looks to invest more in in-house, original content.
See how Netflix Originals stack up here.
Deal Alert
Save some cash with these current and upcoming deals.
Save 50% on HBO Max for 6 Months With This Deal
HBO Max may not be available via Amazon Prime Video Channels, but former subscribers can sign back up directly with HBO Max at a significant discount. The streaming service is offering new and returning customers a 50% discount on the monthly rate for its ad-free plan for six months.