The Showtime app is available on Roku – but Comcast isn’t on board

Showtime Networks has launched its authenticated video streaming service on Roku broadband set-top boxes, providing access to hundreds of hours of on-demand content and live TV channels available to subscribers of several major pay-TV partners.

For the first time, Showtime’s online video service is available on a device connected to your TV. But Comcast customers are out of luck: The nation’s largest cable operator won’t let its Showtime subscribers watch premium cable content through Roku devices. Similarly, Comcast blocks customers from accessing HBO Go on Roku devices.

When asked about Comcast’s policy of excluding cable applications for Roku, a representative of the cable operator said the issue was related to the development of support for individual devices. “For every new website, device or player we authenticate, we must perform technical integration and customer support, which takes time and resources,” Comcast spokesman Steven Restivo said. “Going forward, we will continue to prioritize by working with a variety of players.”

Currently, Showtime Anytime on Roku is available through DirecTV, Time Warner Cable, AT&T U-verse, Verizon FiOS, and Optimum TV by Cablevision Systems. CBS cable’s “TV Everywhere” service is available at no additional cost to Showtime subscribers of these pay-TV providers.

Programs available on Showtime Anytime include original series from the current and past seasons, including “Homeland,” “Ray Donovan,” “Masters of Sex,” “Californication,” “House of Lies,” “Dexter,” “Web Therapy,” “Episodes” and “Nurse Jackie.” Additionally, customers can access Showtime’s live linear channels from the East and West Coast, as well as comedy specials, documentaries and sports programming on their Roku player.

Features of the Showtime Anytime app on Roku include a “my list” feature where subscribers can organize and browse their favorite shows; play shifting, to resume watching a paused program on another device; and the ability to share selected viewing options Facebook and Twitter.

Showtime Anytime is also available on the web, on Apple iOS and Android devices, and on Amazon’s Kindle tablet.