TNT and TBS both launch universal apps for Windows Phone letting users watch TV anywhere

By Daniel Rubino
last updated

TNT and TBS both launch universal apps for Windows Phone letting users watch TV anywhere

TBS, owned by Turner Broadcasting, has had an app on Windows 8.1 for quite some time now. It only seems apropos that they adapt that app for Windows Phone, letting users watch clips and – after authenticating – whole episodes on the go. For added bonus, Turner could also toss in TNT Drama into the mix as well.

This morning, users can download Watch TNT and TBS for Windows right to their phones. Watch TNT is focused mostly on drama shows, including The Last Ship, Major Crimes, Falling Skies and lets users watch episodes on their phone and continue it on their Windows 8.1 device. For TBS for Windows, you get Conan, Big Bang Theory, and a host of other comedies and lighter fare with the same episode streaming and history abilities.

Once again, it is great to see companies embracing the ability to write apps and adapt them for multiple Microsoft platforms. These universal apps will become more prominent in 2015 with the launch of Windows 10, hopefully increasing adoption rates of both phone and Windows devices.

Grab the links below and let us know what you think. Note, in order to watch full-episodes, as opposed to just lame 'clip's, you need to authenticate with the service and your cable provider.

QR: tnt

QR: tbs

Thanks, Argenys H., for the tip!

Daniel Rubino
Daniel Rubino
Editor-in-chief

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007 when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and for some reason, watches. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.

47 Comments
  • This will be the trend for all TV Networks. They just need to also bring it to Xbox One. On another note, I wish MS would make a mini Xbox One that can just use the video services and apps with or without a mini Kinect for $99. I'd put one in every room and boot I'd get rid of cable if they also released the DTV adapter as well as adding DVR functionality.
  • Replace TV networks with "every company planning to develop an app for Windows" and the expressed opinion is still true. xD =]
  • With Windows 8.1 and baytrail processor based HDMI/USB sticks begining to ship for about $100 - this may be be becoming closer to reality than we think it is. Someone just needs to write a Windows Phone based remote control app for those Windows 8.1 sticks and we will be golden. 
  • The remote inside of SmartGlass for Xbox One is solid.
  • All you need is WIFI, a Windows Phone, and Mouse Without Borders installed.  You can control any other PC with your phone using Mouse Without Borders, it gives you a virtual trackpad/scroll, and keyboard.  All they need to do is add an on-screen remote.  While they are at it, game controls as well.  I can play Asphalt 8 on my Surface that's tethered to my TV with my phone - there is no lag, but the controls are really small.  If they made a way to get the on-screen controls from a game onto the phone it would be amazing.
  • I believe with Windows 10 you'll get your wish, although it may not be necessarily branded Xbox or be made by Microsoft
  • "I wish MS would make a mini Xbox One that can just use the video services and apps with or without a mini Kinect for $99. "
    I think they are hesitant as it would certainly cannibalize some Xbox One sales.
  • Daniell - With Windows 8.1 and baytrail processor based HDMI/USB sticks begining to ship for about $100 - this may be be becoming closer to reality than we think it is. Someone just needs to write a Windows Phone based remote control app for those Windows 8.1 sticks and we will be golden. 
  • It's been frustrating that I can't watch Conan on my big screen TV since IE for Xbox One can't play flash and, for whatever stupid reason (which I'm guessing is the evil cable companies colluding), Play To from IE on Windows 8 to Xbox One for Conan always got blocked. I hate all these separate network apps that still require a cable subscription. Cable is dying. Cable networks would be wise to get out now before their shows become completely irrelevant.
  • http://www.neowin.net/news/intel-bay-trail-based-usb-stick-capable-of-ru... http://www.windowscentral.com/smartphone-sized-windows-81-pc-zotac-zbox-...
  • Second batch of universal television apps. A&E was first. Who's coming next? HBO/Max? Or PBS?
  • PBS has PBS Kids app.. Working wonders with my kids.
  • PBS has put out some surprisingly well made original entertainment and documentaries recently. I guess that's the natural progression of educational entertainment.
    5 billion, 6 billion, 7 billion, o hell I've forgotten how to count
  • Your Welcome I was browsing apps on my Dell VP8 and saw the TBS app was universal, checked on my Nokia Icon and was greeted with both apps.
  • Hopefully CBS and CW are next since they already have Windows apps
  • Hey Daniel, do you know if Microsoft will be present at CES in January? Will they show something new.
  • No and no.
  • WooHoo! NBAonTNT on windows phones!!! just in time! I can sense WatchESPN coming. Can u feel it?
  • I wish, ESPN needs to update their apps!
  • Just downloaded, umm, it doesn't look like you can watch live TV on the TNT app. Awww man! This sux!!
  • Anyone know if the tnt app covers live tv like their website? Need my nba lol
  • American Dad on the go? Yes, please and thank you.
  • This.
  • I refuse to download/use these apps until they offer them without cable/satellite subscription
  • Then you will likely never have them. These companies are not looking to make enemies by undercutting their cable provider partners. HBO is going to try, but they are so massive they can likely charge and get away with it. At least with the Comedy Central app, you can watch episodes one-week in advance before they air on TV. IMO, that is a good deal.
  • "Then you will likely never have them". I don't think so. It's only a matter of time. Cable TV is dying. Other networks are going to have to follow suit with HBO and break off completely within the next few years. Turn the tables on the cable monopolies who then will have no choice but to gladly accept sloppy seconds rather than exclusive control.
  • Yeah okay. So when those "cable" companies, who also own the internet lines, start enforcing data caps, what will you say then? So long as they own the infrastructure, they got us. BUT, many municipalities are planning to build their own fibre networks... therefore reassigning ownership of the infrastructure. Even in those limited number of communities, there are additional hurdles, namely interconnect arrangements. 500 million dollars says the incumbent ISPs will gouge the siht out of these communities for interconnections to and from their gargantuan networks. Also, maintenance will be a monumental logisitcal challenge. Who knows? Perhaps the federal government might take this opportunity to increase their surveilance efforts and build the fibre backbone across the country, delegating municipal rollouts to the states. Regan did it with welfare. Eisenhower did it with the National Highway Project. Another president instituted the National Railway Project. Possible, yes. Likely, no.
  • "So when those "cable" companies, who also own the internet lines, start enforcing data caps, what will you say then?" I'll say "See you Comcast, I'm switching to DSL."
  • Seems slower
  • Amazing news.  Thanks for this update.
  • Yusssss... TNT ftw.. Wait a minute.. Why am i excited? Not like the content is available for those outside the US anyways.. :(
  • NIce!
  • +521, t-mobile....Can't get it...
  • Anywhere anywhere or anywhere with wifi?  Hate video apps that discriminate data vs wifi just because people on Verizon and AT&T without unlimited complain about overages. Put in a kill switch to not run on data when they first install the app problem solved. 
  • TBS not available for India?
  • WatchESPN has got to be next. It's inevitable especially since they already have an app available for the Windows store.
  • Yes finally, I won't miss NBA games when I'm at work.
  • I already have tv anywhere. Download an app, download/watch/transfer to PC and just like that you skip commercials and costly cable bills.
  • Oh and there is an app for sports as well.
  • (Simpsons Mr. Burns voice) Excellent! Let the universal app dominance begin!! Muhahahaha
  • All welcome additions
  • Cannot believe with that huge list of cable providers, mine is not listed. Smh
  • Do not download, the crap does not work...neither of them. Login and click an episode and all it does is bring me back to login. The same thing keeps happening over and over again.
  • Nice to see another BS channel app making it to the store, I just now need the one where the C precedes it.
  • AWESOME.....KEEP EM COMING!!!!!!!! WatchESPN, where you at???
  • Meh.
  •     Great! Now we just need that HBO GO app and we’ll be all set.