• by Wayne Friedman , August 7, 2017

DirecTV Now, the live TV streaming service, has added the CBS network and CBS Corp. cable channels to its platform -- a big missing piece to its growing service that began in November.

CBS, Showtime, The CW, Pop, and CBS Sports network will be added to its lineup. DirecTV, with more than 120 channels, launched with other major broadcasters.

DirecTV Now has nearly 500,000 subscribers; it started with 260,000. In the second quarter, it added 152,000 subscribers.

Its entry-level package begins at $35 per month for more than 60 channels, including, in some markets, major broadcasters like NBC, ABC and Fox.

The AT&T-owned live streaming platform will have CBS-owned local television stations in many of the largest U.S. markets at launch. The company says “all affiliates of CBS and The CW will have the opportunity to participate going forward, as well.”

DirecTV Now is behind industry leader Sling TV, the oldest of the live streaming TV services, started in January 2015. Sling TV has 1.3 million subscribers, according to estimates.

Other recent competitors entering the business include YouTube TV, which began in April, and Hulu Live TV, which began in July.