CNN's All Access Streaming: What's Included, How Much It Costs

Get ready to dive into the world of news, documentaries, and exclusive content! CNN is making another big splash in the streaming pool with its new "All Access" subscription, launching very soon.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on CNN All Access

• CNN's new "All Access" streaming service launches on October 28.
• It costs $6.99 per month or $69.99 annually, with a special introductory annual price of $41.99 if you sign up by January 5, 2026.
• Subscribers get a mix of live U.S. and international programming, over 1,000 hours of CNN Originals, CNN Films, new journalist-led content, exclusive live events, and full access to CNN.com articles.

CNN Is Back in the Streaming Game with "All Access"

Alright, news junkies and documentary lovers, listen up! CNN is officially making its next big move into the streaming universe with a brand-new subscription service called "All Access." Mark your calendars, because it's set to launch on October 28. This isn't just another small add-on; it's being touted as a "centralized destination" for everything CNN has to offer, from breaking news to those deep-dive original series we've come to expect.

After a couple of previous ventures into the streaming world that didn't quite stick the landing (we're looking at you, CNN+, and even CNN Max on HBO Max), the network is trying again. This time, they're aiming to deliver a comprehensive experience that truly reflects how we all consume news and information in today's digital age. It's a clear signal that CNN, a long-standing titan of traditional television, is serious about its digital future.

Unpacking the Content You'll Get with CNN All Access

So, what exactly are you getting for your money with "All Access"? This new tier is designed to be your one-stop shop for all things CNN, blending their renowned journalism with a hefty dose of video content. Here’s a breakdown of what’s in store:

• Live U.S. and International Programming: You'll be able to stream a selection of CNN’s live broadcasts from both their domestic and international feeds. This is huge for anyone who wants real-time news without needing a traditional cable subscription.
• A Massive Library of CNN Originals and Films: Get ready to binge! "All Access" offers access to over 1,000 hours of content from the CNN Originals library. This includes their critically acclaimed documentary series and CNN Films. Plus, new episodes of CNN Original Series and Films will be available the day after they air on TV. So, no more waiting around to catch up on those compelling stories!
• Exclusive Video-on-Demand Programming: Beyond the main library, expect new and exclusive content crafted by CNN's journalists specifically for the streaming service. This could mean unique reports, interviews, or special features you won't find anywhere else.
• Live Events and Subscriber-Only Content: The service promises access to exclusive live events. Imagine tuning into special coverage or panels that are just for subscribers. You'll also unlock all articles on CNN.com and within the mobile app, including subscriber-only features and distinctive reporting.

CNN has stated that a full schedule and more detailed content offerings will be revealed closer to the October 28 launch. But from what we know so far, it sounds like a robust package for anyone who values in-depth news and documentary storytelling.

Breaking Down the Cost: Is CNN All Access Worth It?

Let's talk brass tacks: pricing. CNN has laid out a clear structure for its "All Access" tier, along with an enticing early-bird offer. Here’s what you need to know:

• Monthly Subscription: You can snag "All Access" for $6.99 per month. This is a pretty standard price point for a standalone news or niche streaming service these days.
• Annual Subscription: If you're ready to commit, the yearly plan comes in at $69.99. This works out to roughly $5.83 per month, saving you a bit of cash over the course of the year compared to the monthly option.
• Limited-Time Introductory Offer: This is where it gets interesting! If you sign up for the annual plan by January 5, 2026, you can get your first year for a special discounted price of $41.99. That's a significant saving and brings the monthly average down to about $3.50 for that first year. Definitely something to consider if you're on the fence!

This new "All Access" tier builds on CNN's existing digital subscription, which they've now rebranded as the "Basic" tier. The Basic plan, launched in October 2024, gives users unlimited access to CNN articles and some subscriber-only content for $3.99 per month, but it doesn't include video. So, "All Access" is definitely the beefed-up option if you're looking for that full video experience.

From CNN+ Fails to a New Path Forward

If you're thinking, "Didn't CNN try this before?" you're not wrong! This isn't CNN's first rodeo in the direct-to-consumer streaming space, and they've definitely learned some lessons along the way.

Rewind to March 2022, and we saw the launch of CNN+. It was a big deal, with a lot of hype, new personalities like Chris Wallace, and a significant investment (reportedly $300 million!). Priced at $2.99 a month, it aimed to offer a mix of live news, on-demand shows, and lifestyle programming. However, its life was incredibly short-lived. Within a month of its debut, the new parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), decided to shut it down, citing disappointing subscriber numbers (around 150,000) and internal challenges. The quick closure became a cautionary tale in the streaming wars.

After that, in 2023, CNN launched CNN Max, a 24/7 live news feed available on the HBO Max streaming hub. This service primarily relied on CNN's international feed and was a more limited offering. However, with "All Access" on the horizon, CNN Max is now being phased out, with its content expected to be removed from Max by November 17. It seems WBD is consolidating its news streaming efforts under this new, dedicated "All Access" umbrella.

"No one covers the world like CNN. With this new subscription offering, our audience will now have access to the best of CNN across platforms, including multiple live stream channels, our signature video-led journalism and all articles on CNN.com and in the mobile app. 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, Executive Vice President, Digital Products and Services, CNN Worldwide

The Vision Behind "All Access": A New Era for CNN

So, why try again, and why now? This push for "All Access" comes directly from CNN CEO Mark Thompson, who has been a strong advocate for merging CNN's traditional linear television operations with its digital newsgathering. He sees this as a "crucial" step, especially as news consumers increasingly turn to mobile devices and connected TVs for their information fix.

The goal isn't just to put CNN content online; it's to create a "true news streaming service" that offers a "complete CNN experience." For a long time, CNN, unlike some of its rivals like NBC News and CBS News (who have content on platforms like Amazon Fire and YouTube), struggled to develop a truly sustainable digital-video product that stood on its own. "All Access" is designed to be that product – a streamlined, centralized hub that makes it simple to access CNN's vast journalistic output.

It's also worth noting the larger corporate context. Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN's parent company, is currently planning to split into two separate public entities by 2026. One will focus on streaming and studio assets (like movies and HBO Max), while the other will house its global networks, including CNN. This move makes a dedicated, successful CNN streaming product even more important, potentially allowing for new bundling considerations with other broadband offerings down the line.

Who Can Get "All Access" and On What Devices?

Good news for existing cable subscribers! If you already pay for CNN as part of your cable or satellite package, you'll be able to log in and access the new "All Access" streaming product at no additional cost. However, a small caveat: if you want unlimited access to CNN.com articles, you'll still need to subscribe to the "Basic" tier for that.

The service is initially launching in the U.S. and is being built for audiences using "mobile devices or connected TVs." While the articles don't specify every single device at launch, it's safe to assume it will be widely available across popular streaming platforms and mobile operating systems, much like other major streaming services.

This is CNN's commitment to giving you the full picture, wherever and whenever you want it. It's a challenging, competitive landscape out there, but with "All Access," CNN is clearly making a bold play to stay at the forefront of news delivery in the digital age.

Frequently Asked Questions About CNN All Access

When does CNN All Access officially launch?

CNN All Access is set to launch on Tuesday, October 28th in the United States.

How much does CNN All Access cost?

The service will cost $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year. There's also a special introductory annual price of $41.99 for the first year if you sign up by January 5, 2026.

What kind of content is included with CNN All Access?

Subscribers will get a selection of live U.S. and international CNN programming, access to over 1,000 hours of CNN Originals and Films (with new episodes available the day after TV airing), exclusive new video-on-demand content, live events, and full, unlimited access to all articles on CNN.com and its mobile app.

Is CNN All Access replacing CNN Max on HBO Max?

Yes, CNN's live programming and much of its library content are being removed from HBO Max in anticipation of the "All Access" launch. The CNN Max feed on HBO Max is expected to be phased out by November 17.

Sources:

• CNN to Launch Streaming Subscription Tier for $6.99 Per Month (Variety)
• CNN Announces Plans, Pricing for ‘All Access’ Streaming Platform (Barrett Media)
• CNN’s Subscription Service To Launch October 28 At $6.99 Per Month (Deadline)
• CNN to try streaming again with 'All Access' tier (A.V. Club)
• CNN All Access Subscription Service Launches on Oct. 28, Priced at $6.99 Monthly (Media Play News)
• CNN announces details, price for new all-access streaming tier (MLive.com)
• CNN Announces New ‘All Access’ Subscription Service Launch Date & Pricing (TV Insider)
• CNN Launches “All Access” Streaming Tier for $6.99 a Month (TVNewser)