Back in August, it was announced that FX sister network FXX purchased syndication rights to all 530 episodes from seasons 1-24 of The Simpsons. While the deal included streaming and VOD rights, the specifics of FX’s in-the-works online video service were not yet clear until this week’s announcement that all 530 Simpsons episodes will be available on the FXNOW streaming service this August:
Beginning this August, fans will have access to 24 complete seasons of The Simpsons – 530 episodes and counting – via FX Networks’ new advertiser-supported “TV Everywhere†app FXNOW.Encompassing programs from the FX, FXX and FXM suite of channels, the app’s initial rollout will service about half of all FX channel subscribers domestically and is underway, the company announced today.Similar to HBOGO, the FXNOW app is only available to authenticated, paid-service subscribers of participating cable, satellite and telco providers. Currently companies on board include AT&T U-verse, Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Comcast, Suddenlink and WOW!, with others slated for 2015.Viewers may also access FXNOW content via FXNetworks.com, apps for iOS devices, Xbox One, Windows 8 desktop and tablet. Apps for Android, Xbox 360, Roku, and Samsung are set to launch this spring.
While this deal still requires a traditional cable subscription (sorry again, Time Warner customers), this move is a positive indicator of not just the future of Simpsons viewing but of online television viewing for all networks. Hopefully when FXNOW explodes with Simpsons binge-watchers this summer, other networks will begin to take note. [via Uproxx]