THE STREAMING WARS' MVP? VERIZON

In August, AMC+ landed what has become every streaming service's holy grail: a coveted Verizon partnership. As part of a deal between the two companies, certain customers of Verizon's broadband and unlimited phone plans are entitled to a free year of the AMC Networks streamer, featuring ad-free programming across its entertainment networks and early access to original shows. The giveaway offered a major marketing boost to the streaming service, which is aiming to clear 9 million subscribers by year's end. The Verizon deal marked an important achievement for AMC+. Partnerships between streaming services and internet and phone service providers can provide a leg up in the streaming wars, giving new services access to sizable customer bases, plus extra marketing muscle and customer management expertise they may lack on their own.