Discovery launches US streaming service

Discovery Communications has launched its first US TV everywhere streaming service, Discovery Go, with a content offering spanning nine US channels.

The networks are Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery, Science Channel, Velocity, Destination America, American Heroes Channel and Discovery Life.

The launch of the service was timed to coincide with today’s worldwide premier of flagship documentary Racing Extinction (pictured), which chronicles the plight of the world’s most endangered species.

Discovery Go is currently available in the US via dedicated iOS and Android apps. The TV everywhere service is available to authenticated pay TV subscribers only – Discovery is not going down the route of offering a pure OTT service – and the broadcaster promises additional platform launches in the coming months. Some limited content will be available to non-subscribers.

In addition to Racing Extinction, Discovery Go offers access to titles including Gold Rush, 90 Day Fiance, 7 Little Johnstons, Pit Bulls and Parolees, Survivorman and Homicide Hunter.

Discovery Go is already available in Canada, launching in partnership with multiple operators including Bell Canada, Eastlink and Shaw at the end of October, with 4,500 hours of content and a promise to increase this to 7,000 hours by January.

“The launch of Discovery Go represents an important first step in providing viewers with access to our award-winning content anytime, anywhere on practically any device,” said Paul Guyardo, chief commercial officer, Discovery. “This aggregated TVE streaming service and strong user experience is made possible by Discovery’s 30-year commitment to content ownership and our global learnings in the space, and also serves as an important promotional platform to complement and support our TV brands.”

“Compelling authenticated offerings are essential to our relationships with viewers and distributors, and we are proud to join with our MVPD partners to bring Discovery Go to audiences – providing a robust lineup of programming and even greater value to subscribers across the US,” added Bruce Campbell, Discovery’s chief development, distribution and legal officer.