• by Wayne Friedman , March 14, 2013

Moving a bit more slowly than other TV networks, CBS is starting up CBS App, a full-episode TV player for iPhone and iPad.

Like other TV network apps, it offers consumers an opportunity to catch up on TV episodes missed via traditional TV live viewing or set-top-box time-shifting.  CBS says prime-time programming will be available 8 days after broadcast, with daytime and late-night programming available within 24 hours after initial airing.

Shows include: "NCIS," "The Good Wife," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "How I Met Your Mother," "The Young and the Restless," and "Late Show with David Letterman."

“We have been methodically and strategically finding new ways to satiate the appetite for our content on new platforms, while tapping into the tremendous revenue provided by doing so,” said Leslie Moonves, president and chief executive officer of CBS Corp., in a release. “Our announcement today achieves both of these objectives, while protecting our very healthy current ecosystem."

Buick is the official launch partner for the new CBS app, and initially there will be reduced commercial interruption for the first several weeks after start up.

Back in January, CBS began CBS Connect app, which offered up social media real-time conversation and synced second-screen experiences -- but no full episodes. CBS says the CBS App will merge into CBS Connect in time for the fall TV premieres.

Jim Lanzone, president of CBS Interactive, said: “The new CBS App gives [viewers] the best of both worlds, letting people watch CBS shows on the best screen available for them, with a host of extra features that give them a richer viewing experience whenever and wherever they tune in.”

CBS said the app will expand to other mobile and tablet platforms soon.

Recently CBS made digital video deals with Amazon Prime and Hulu Plus in airing previous seasons of "The Good Wife." It has also made deals for older, library TV shows with Hulu Plus.

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