Amazon announces video streaming deal with CBS ahead of tablet launch

Amazon is building up its video streaming library ahead of its big tablet launch: It just announced a non-exclusive deal with CBS, the lone Hulu holdout:

With the deal, Amazon will add 2,000 episodes to grow the total number of Prime instant videos to more than 8,000 movies and television shows, and offer full seasons for 18 popular television series, including “The Tudors,” “Numb3rs,” “Medium,” the complete “Star Trek” franchise, “Frasier” and “Cheers.” Starting this summer, dozens of CBS shows will also become available to Amazon Instant Video customers.

Will tablet buyers become Prime members for free? Will Prime members get a discount on the tablet? Will non-Prime members be able to stream this stuff for free on the tablet? We’ll see how that plays out.

Related: 5 questions about the Amazon tablet