CNN All Access is Here: What You Get & Why It Matters Now

Guess what, news hounds and cord-cutters! CNN just dropped its brand-new streaming service, All Access, and it’s a big deal. Launched on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, this isn’t just another add-on; it’s CNN’s most ambitious dive yet into the direct-to-consumer streaming world, packed with live news, exclusive shows, and even some never-before-streamed Anthony Bourdain gems!

TL;DR: The Quick Hits on CNN All Access

• CNN All Access officially launched on October 28, 2025, bringing live CNN programming and a massive on-demand library straight to your screens.
• It costs $6.99/month or $69.99/year, with a special introductory offer of $41.99 for the first year if you sign up by January 5.
• Beyond the live linear feed, you'll get exclusive new shows from familiar faces like Anderson Cooper, deep-dive documentaries, and — for the first time ever — previously unstreamed Anthony Bourdain content.

Unpacking Everything You Need to Know About CNN's New All Access Streaming Service

For a while now, news organizations have been figuring out how to connect with viewers who’ve said goodbye to traditional cable. CNN tried it before with CNN+, but that was a blink-and-you-miss-it affair. Now, under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Mark Thompson (who famously steered The New York Times into its digital subscription success) and EVP Alex MacCallum, CNN is trying again with All Access, and this time, they’re bringing the whole arsenal.

This isn't just an "extra"; it's designed to be your primary way to experience CNN, whether you're catching up on your phone or settled in front of your smart TV. The network is putting a huge emphasis on direct relationships with its audience, aiming to serve the millions of former cable subscribers who still crave reliable news.

Getting the Full CNN Experience: Live Broadcasts and Multiple Streams

One of the biggest takeaways for All Access subscribers is the promise of live, linear CNN programming. Unlike its predecessor, Cnn All Access delivers 19 hours of the exact same live broadcast feed that traditional pay-TV subscribers get. That means from 5 a.m. to midnight ET every day, you can tune into the news as it happens, following the linear network schedule closely.

There's a slight tweak here: while you get most of the U.S. cable channel, a few hours will be filled by programming from CNN International and CNN Headlines. This carefully navigated approach is a smart move, respecting existing cable distribution deals while still giving cord-cutters access to the core CNN experience. Plus, you get DVR-style controls like pausing, rewinding, and restarting live broadcasts – a major win for flexible viewing!

But it's not just one stream. All Access offers five live channels to explore:

• CNN Stream: Your main hub for live CNN U.S. programming, sprinkled with select CNN International shows.
• CNN Headlines: A FAST channel (free ad-supported television) with a curated news feed featuring live updates and daily top story roundups.
• CNN International: Dive into global coverage from CNN's international bureaus, available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
• CNN Originals: Another FAST channel, this one is programmed with acclaimed long-form content from the extensive library of CNN Original Series and CNN Films.
• Live Feeds: For the truly engaged, this offers unfiltered, special coverage of breaking news and live events as they unfold.

Beyond the Breaking News: A Deep Dive into What You'll Watch On-Demand

While live news is at its core, CNN All Access also boasts an impressive on-demand library. We're talking more than 1,000 hours of CNN Films and original series, allowing you to binge-watch acclaimed documentaries and captivating shows at your leisure. The service also features a dedicated tab for podcasts and a wealth of video content from CNN's talented journalists reporting from the field or weighing in from the newsroom.

And for fans of travel and food, there's an incredibly tasty surprise: never-before-streamed Anthony Bourdain programming! Yes, you read that right. All Access is the first place you can stream Prime Cuts, the companion series to Bourdain’s iconic Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. These hour-long episodes, which previously aired only once on CNN more than a decade ago, offer revealing interviews with Bourdain himself, giving a behind-the-scenes look at his journeys, the people he met, and the food that defined his legacy.

“These reflective, candid conversations reveal behind the scenes insights and Tony at his best — deeply honest about his travels, his work, and what the journey meant to him.”

— CNN

It’s a huge deal for Bourdain enthusiasts, as the new service will make the entire CNN Anthony Bourdain collection available, including every episode of Parts Unknown, the exclusive Prime Cuts, and even the 2021 film Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain. This alone is a massive draw for many viewers.

Meet Your New Favorite Shows and Interactive Programming

All Access isn't just about existing content; it's also rolling out some fresh new shows and interactive formats designed for the streaming era. Here’s a peek at what’s new:

• All There Is Live with Anderson Cooper: Debuting on October 30, this weekly show is a live companion to Cooper’s popular "All There Is" podcast, which explores grief. What’s cool is Cooper will be able to interact with viewers directly via the online comments section – something he can't do on his nightly TV newscast. And yes, his flagship show, Anderson Cooper 360, will also be streaming live.
• Devoted with Donie O’Sullivan: Senior correspondent Donie O’Sullivan will join people on spiritual journeys, questioning societal norms and searching for new sources of meaning.
• The Enten Scale with Harry Enten: CNN Chief Data Analyst Harry Enten will share his unique statistical insights on the biggest news stories of the day, helping you make sense of complex data.
• 5 Things With Kate Bolduan: CNN anchor Kate Bolduan hosts a daily morning show that offers a quick, bite-sized update on the five biggest stories of the day, perfect for a speedy catch-up.

This push for interactive and specialized content highlights CNN's commitment to making All Access a dynamic and engaging platform, moving beyond just traditional broadcasts.

How to Get Your All Access Pass: Pricing, Perks, & Platforms to Watch On

Ready to jump in? Here's the lowdown on pricing and how to sign up:

• Monthly Cost: $6.99 per month
• Annual Cost: $69.99 per year (effectively $5.83/month)
• Introductory Offer: If you sign up by January 5, you can get the first year for an even sweeter $41.99. That's a solid deal!
• Free Trial: First-time users can kick things off with a seven-day free trial at CNN.com/AllAccess.

Good news for existing CNN pay-TV subscribers: you can access all of All Access at no extra cost by simply authenticating your subscription through your provider. This ensures cable customers still get value while welcoming new streamers.

Where You Can Watch

CNN All Access is designed to be widely available, so you can watch your news pretty much anywhere:

• Connected-TV Apps: Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Google TV, and LG smart televisions (2022 and newer models).
• Mobile Devices: Through the updated CNN mobile apps for iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android.
• Web: CNN.com/AllAccess.

Plus, if you were already a subscriber to CNN's "Basic" digital paywall (which launched in October 2024 for $3.99/month, offering unlimited article access), you automatically get the All Access upgrade and video capabilities at no additional charge!

The service also includes cloud DVR storage, starting at 250 hours, with options for in-app purchases to expand for heavy users. So, you can save your favorite segments or breaking news coverage to rewatch later.

Learning from the Past: Why This Time It's Different for CNN's Streaming Strategy

If this all sounds a bit like déjà vu, you’re not wrong. CNN+ famously launched and shuttered within a month back in 2022, a victim of corporate shifts and, crucially, a lack of its main linear programming. That was a big lesson learned.

This time around, CNN All Access is different because it directly tackles that core issue: getting the live, flagship newscasts to cord-cutters. Longstanding cable and satellite distribution deals used to hamstring CNN, making it difficult to offer its main programming directly to viewers. But as streaming has boomed and cord-cutting became an "existential crisis" for traditional TV, these contracts have been renegotiated across the industry, giving networks more flexibility.

Mark Thompson and Alex MacCallum, who honed their skills building successful digital subscription models at The New York Times, are leading this charge. They're implementing a similar "New York Times-like pivot" for CNN, aiming to build a sustainable business less reliant on declining cable subscriber revenue and more focused on direct relationships with viewers and readers. They understand the value of a comprehensive, multimedia experience.

While other major news outlets like CBS and NBCUniversal have largely focused on free, ad-supported streaming (though NBC News is launching its own subscription product soon), CNN is betting big on the subscription model. Fox News has Fox Nation, but that’s typically more entertainment-focused without the full linear feed. CNN is charting its own course, similar to ESPN's recently beefed-up streaming offering, which blends linear networks with on-demand content.

Connecting with the Future of News: More Than Just Subscriber Numbers

CNN's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, isn't just chasing subscriber numbers as their main objective. Instead, All Access is about providing another vital way to connect with the millions of potential viewers who either never had pay-TV or decided to ditch it. Market research suggests there are 18 million people in the U.S. alone who are CNN fans without cable and are willing to pay for CNN content.

The launch of All Access comes amidst a period of significant uncertainty for WBD, with rumors of potential acquisitions swirling. This makes CNN's move even more strategic, as it seeks to solidify its position and audience in a rapidly changing media landscape. The service is currently live in the U.S., with plans for international expansion in the future, aiming to leverage CNN's "incredible global news reporting capabilities."

As Alex MacCallum put it, "This new streaming offering is unique in the news space — nothing like it exists in the marketplace. We’re delivering all of CNN’s industry-leading journalism in one place, accessible on any device." It’s an ambitious play, but with a full slate of content and a clear strategy, CNN All Access looks ready to carve out its niche in the competitive streaming world.

Frequently Asked Questions About CNN All Access

What is CNN All Access?

CNN All Access is CNN's new subscription streaming service, launched on October 28, 2025. It offers a comprehensive package including live linear CNN programming, multiple live channels, a vast on-demand library of original series and films, exclusive new shows, podcasts, and unique content like never-before-streamed Anthony Bourdain episodes.

How much does CNN All Access cost?

The service is priced at $6.99 per month or $69.99 for an annual subscription. There's also an introductory annual offer of $41.99 for your first year if you sign up by January 5. A seven-day free trial is available for new users.

Can I watch live CNN on All Access?

Yes! CNN All Access provides 19 hours of the live, linear CNN feed daily (from 5 a.m. to midnight ET), closely mirroring the traditional cable network schedule. It also includes other live streams like CNN International and breaking news feeds, plus DVR-style controls.

What special or exclusive content is available on CNN All Access?

Beyond the live news, subscribers get access to over 1,000 hours of CNN Films and original series. Exclusive new programming includes All There Is Live with Anderson Cooper (an interactive companion to his podcast), Devoted with Donie O’Sullivan, and The Enten Scale with Harry Enten. Most excitingly, it's the first place to stream the entire Anthony Bourdain collection, including previously unreleased Prime Cuts episodes, all of Parts Unknown, and the film Roadrunner.

Sources:

• Deadline: CNN Ushers In New Era With Launch Of All Access Subscription Streaming Tier
• Variety: CNN’s New ‘All Access’ Subscription Streamer Puts Bigger Spotlight on Mobile Viewers
• The Hollywood Reporter: CNN Cooks Up Never-Before Streamed Anthony Bourdain Programming to Boost New Subscription Service
• Cord Cutters News: CNN Launches Standalone Streaming Service at $6.99 Per Month But There is a Big Catch
• Mediaite: CNN Launches $6.99 ‘All Access’ Subscription Service With New Shows From Anderson Cooper, Harry Enten