Skip to main content

Why wait? Showtime to let viewers stream Shameless, Billions before TV premieres

Shameless season six and Billions are coming to Showtime in January, but the premium network isn’t going to make viewers wait for the shows’ premiere dates. Showtime announced Monday that the shows will be available on multiple streaming platforms starting on Friday, January 1. Among viewers’ streaming options will be YouTube, Facebook, Hulu, Roku, PlayStation Vue, iTunes, Sho.com, cable VOD, and the Showtime Anytime service, according to Variety.

The official premiere date for Shameless season six is January 10 at 9 p.m. ET, while Billions is set to debut on January 17 at 10 p.m. ET. By allowing viewers to stream the shows early, Showtime is shortening the wait time for each by over a week and hopefully creating buzz that will encourage more viewers to tune in. It’s especially exciting for Shameless fans, given that the show is currently between seasons.

Recommended Videos

A remake of a British comedy-drama series, Shameless follows a dysfunctional family, headed by a single Frank Gallagher (played by William H. Macy). Thanks to their father’s drinking problem, Frank’s kids have been largely left to fend for themselves, resulting in a variety of shenanigans. The series also stars Emmy Rossum, Justin Chatwin, Emma Kenney, and more.

Billions is an upcoming drama series about hedge fund king Bobby “Axe” Axelrod (Damian Lewis) and U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti), two players in New York’s world of high finance. Each will try to strategically outmaneuver the other over the course of the 12-episode first season. The series co-stars Maggie Siff and Malin Ackerman, among others.

As Variety points out, it’s becoming increasingly common for shows to get online premieres prior to their TV debut or shortly thereafter. The premiere of HBO’s Ballers this summer, for example, was the network’s most watched comedy episode (based on live plus same-day numbers) since the finale of Entourage in 2011, garnering some 5.6 million views on star Dwayne Johnson’s Facebook page.

Showtime has also tested making episodes available via online platforms in the past. After the Halloween premiere of Ash vs. Evil Dead, for example, the show posted the first episode on its Facebook page.

Stephanie Topacio Long
Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…
Sling TV vs. Fubo: Which live streaming service is better?
Sling TV vs Fubo.B

When it comes to streaming live television in the U.S., viewers have several options, with Sling TV and Fubo being two prominent contenders. Although they may not lead the market in terms of total subscribers, both services offer unique features that warrant consideration.

Fubo TV provides a traditional viewing experience. Users select a specific plan that suits their preferences, pay the associated fees, and gain immediate access to a range of channels tailored for their enjoyment. However, with three different subscription tiers available, it can be somewhat challenging to determine which channels are most relevant to your viewing habits.

Read more
Hulu + Live TV vs. YouTube TV: how to pick the best live-streaming service
The Hulu home screen on a TV.

If you’re having trouble choosing the best live TV streaming service for your needs, we don’t blame you — viewers today have more choices than ever. Whether you're looking for a big on-demand content library or a reliable live TV streaming platform, there's no shortage of solid options to explore.

Two of the most popular choices — YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV — stand out for their reasonable pricing, similar features, and strong channel lineups. But when it comes down to it, which one should you pick?

Read more
What is Philo? Everything to know about the live TV streaming service
The Philo streaming app.

With the rise of streaming services, cutting the cord on cable TV is easier than ever. While the most popular streamers like Netflix and Max have gigantic catalogs of video on demand (VOD) content, they don't tend to offer much access to live programming. That's where live TV streaming services like Philo shine.

Philo delivers more than 70 live channels, including options like AMC, HGTV & Nickelodeon. It competes with other live streamers like Sling TV, providing a budget-friendly choice that doesn't sacrifice access to the shows you want to watch.

Read more