Long rumored, now confirmed. Paramount is merging Showtime with Paramount+ to create Paramount+ With Showtime.
Showtime linear pay-TV in the United States will combine with the top tier of the Paramount+ streaming service. Paramount CEO Bob Bakish confirmed the merger with a staff announcement yesterday afternoon. This is the latest stage in the consolidation of outlets following the rapid expansion. It’s all about internal integration to cut costs, and leverage content.
This means the Taylor Sheridan show library, such as Yellowstone and The Mayor Of Kingstown, and Star Trek will be available alongside Billions and Yellowjackets.
As with Disney+ outside the US, where Fox content is integrated via the Star button on the Disney+ app, Paramount+ and Showtime are already showing each others content in some overseas territories. Expect Hulu to be folded into Disney+ at some point in the future to follow this model as the integrations and consolidations gather pace across the market.
As you would expect, cost is key. There will be lay-offs as there will be no need for two HR departments, two marketing divisions and so on. According to President and CEO of Showtime and Paramount Media Networks Chris McCarthy, taking a holistic view across the whole portfolio will allow them to :
“…divert investment away from areas that are underperforming and that account for less than 10% of our views”
Showtime has already started culling. According to Variety, Three Women has been shopped to other networks after they opted not to renew. quietly shopped by its producers with at least one offer on the table. In news that will devastate several Outposters who rated it highly, Let the Right One In has also not been renewed for a second season.
Check back every day for new content at Last Movie Outpost
To like us on Facebook Click Here
To follow us on Twitter Click Here
See our YouTube channel Click Here
