CNN All Access: Is the Third Time the Charm for CNN's New Streaming Service?

After a couple of false starts, CNN is diving back into the streaming world with "All Access," a new subscription service launching October 28, 2025, that aims to bring you the best of CNN, digitally.

TL;DR

• CNN All Access launches October 28, 2025, priced at $6.99/month or $69.99/year.
• It includes a selection of live US & International programming, 1,000+ hours of CNN Originals, Films, and full access to CNN.com articles.
• This is CNN's third streaming attempt, following the short-lived CNN+ and the soon-to-be-phased-out CNN Max.

Alright, news junkies and cord-cutters, get ready! CNN is giving the whole streaming thing another shot. You might remember the short-lived CNN+ from 2022, which lasted about as long as a TikTok trend, or even CNN Max on HBO Max, which is on its way out. Well, hold onto your remotes, because the network is back with Cnn All Access, launching on October 28, 2025.

This isn't just a rehash; it's being pitched as a more integrated, comprehensive experience for anyone who wants their news straight from CNN, no cable required (mostly). But will this third attempt stick, or will it join its predecessors in the streaming graveyard?

What You'll Actually Get with CNN All Access on Day One

So, what exactly does this shiny new subscription bring to the table? For starters, it’s a beefed-up version of CNN's digital offerings. Subscribers will get a selection of CNN's live U.S. and International programming, which is pretty cool for those without traditional cable. Important note: this isn't a full, 24/7 live feed of the main CNN cable channel, but a curated selection.

Beyond the live bits, you're looking at a treasure trove of on-demand content. This includes a massive library with over 1,000 hours of CNN Originals and CNN Films. Plus, new CNN Original Series and Films will be available the day after they air on TV, so you won't be too far behind. There will also be exclusive live on-demand content and special live events – perfect for those breaking news moments.

And for those who love to read, the "All Access" tier finally gives you the complete package: full, unlimited access to all articles and subscriber-only content on CNN.com. This builds on their existing "Basic" digital subscription, which launched last year for just website articles.

Breaking Down the Price Tag: Is It Worth Your Hard-Earned Cash?

Let's talk money, because that's always a big factor. CNN All Access will cost you $6.99 per month, or you can save a bit by opting for the $69.99 annual plan. But wait, there's a launch special! If you sign up by January 5, 2026, you can snag your first year for a discounted rate of $41.99. That's a pretty sweet deal, bringing the monthly cost down to about $3.50 for the first year.

For existing cable or satellite TV subscribers who already get CNN, you’ll get access to the streaming video perks of All Access for free. However, if you want those unlimited CNN.com articles, you’ll still need to subscribe to the "Basic" tier for digital content.

"It’s an essential step in CNN’s evolution as we work to give audiences the complete CNN experience in a format that reflects how audiences engage with the news today."

— Alex MacCallum, CNN Worldwide’s Executive Vice President of Digital Products and Services

A Look Back at CNN's Rocky Streaming Journey

This isn't CNN's first rodeo. The network has been trying to crack the direct-to-consumer streaming code for a while now, with mixed (mostly disastrous) results:

• CNN+ (March 2022): This was the big, splashy debut, featuring new programming from personalities like Chris Wallace. It launched with much fanfare and a $5.99/month price tag but was famously shut down after just 32 days, reportedly costing Warner Bros. Discovery around $300 million. It had about 150,000 subscribers but fewer than 10,000 daily active users in its first couple of weeks. Talk about a quick exit!
• CNN Max (2023): This was CNN's second attempt, a stream launched on HBO Max (now just Max) that largely relied on the network's international feed. It served as a placeholder but is now being phased out, with various reports indicating it will shut down on November 1 or November 17, 2025, to clear the way for All Access.
• CNN.com Basic Tier (October 2024): More recently, CNN launched a paywall for its website content, rebranded as the "Basic" tier, offering unlimited articles for $3.99/month. All Access now wraps this into its premium offering.

The goal, according to CNN Chairman and CEO Mark Thompson (who previously helped digitize the New York Times), is to give audiences "the complete CNN experience in a format that reflects how audiences engage with the news today." Essentially, they want to be where your eyeballs are: on phones, connected TVs, and other digital devices.

Why Now? Big Changes for Warner Bros. Discovery and the News Landscape

CNN's latest streaming push comes at a pretty tumultuous time for its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). WBD is grappling with around $40 billion in debt, and there's chatter about potential mergers (like with Paramount and Skydance) and even a planned split into two public companies by 2026. One entity would handle streaming and studios (HBO Max, Warner films), and the other would focus on global networks, including CNN.

This industry shake-up means traditional cable revenue is declining due to cord-cutting. CNN, like many news outlets, has seen its profits and ratings drop significantly. For example, in a recent week (ending October 12, 2025), CNN averaged 459,000 primetime viewers, trailing Fox News (2.3 million) and MSNBC (814,000). A successful digital offering could be crucial for future revenue streams.

The Crowded News Streaming Arena: Can CNN All Access Compete?

CNN isn't alone in trying to monetize digital news. Fox News launched Fox Nation in 2018, blending news with lifestyle content. MSNBC has a presence on Peacock and is planning its own "MS NOW" rebrand. Even broadcast networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS offer free news streams, though NBC is exploring a subscription news product later this year.

The big question is whether people are willing to pay for news when so much is available for free. A Gallup study from October noted that only 28% of Americans trust traditional media. And a Pew Research Center study showed CNN's trust ratings are split along political lines (21% for Republicans, 58% for Democrats).

Internally, there’s some skepticism among CNN employees. One anonymous producer wondered, "I don't know how we attract people to this product who are not huge CNN fans." Another expressed worry about the service being pulled too quickly if subscriber numbers aren't immediately impressive, given the CNN+ history.

It's a challenging environment, but CNN, led by Mark Thompson, is clearly committed to adapting to how audiences consume news today. Whether "All Access" becomes a long-term success or another stepping stone in their digital evolution remains to be seen.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New CNN All Access

When does CNN All Access launch?

CNN All Access is set to launch in the U.S. on October 28, 2025.

How much does CNN All Access cost?

The service will cost $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year. There's an introductory annual rate of $41.99 if you sign up by January 5, 2026.

Will CNN All Access have a live feed of the main CNN channel?

No, the service will offer a "selection" of CNN's live U.S. and International programming, but it will not include a full, 24/7 live feed of the main CNN cable news channel.

What content is included with a CNN All Access subscription?

Subscribers will get access to a selection of live US & International programming, a library of over 1,000 hours of CNN Originals and Films, new Originals and Films the day after their TV airing, exclusive live events, and unlimited access to all CNN.com articles and subscriber-only content.

Do existing cable TV subscribers get CNN All Access for free?

Yes, current pay TV subscribers will get access to the streaming video channels within All Access for free. However, to access all CNN.com articles and digital features, they would still need the separate "Basic" tier subscription.