Paramount has made it official – they’re integrating Showtime into Paramount+ across both linear and streaming platforms.
The result will impact the Showtime linear pay-TV channel in the United States and the premium tier of the Paramount+ streaming service. Both will now be called “Paramount+ With Showtime” starting later this year.
Paramount CEO Bob Bakish announced the move in a memo to staff Monday afternoon, confirming rumors that have been around for a while. Paramount Global sees the rebrand as a way to integrate streaming and linear content to the fullest extent within the company.
When it launches, the Paramount+ Premium tier will see the likes of Paramount+ hits like the Taylor Sheridan-verse, the various “Star Trek” shows and the likes of “The Good Fight” and “Evil” sitting alongside Yellowjackets,” “Billions,” “Dexter” and “The Chi”. In some international markets like Australia, Showtime content already appears within the Paramount+ service and has proven the integration can work just fine.
Executives have warned of likely layoffs along with program changes in the coming weeks. The plan is to “divert investment away from areas that are underperforming and that account for less than 10% of our views” according to President and CEO of Showtime and Paramount Media Networks Chris McCarthy.
Instead, they intend to lean into the strengths of Showtime’s strongest performers and other series that have “franchise potential” – following a direction other streamers have taken in recent years.
As a direct result of this, Showtime has scrapped its already completed filming series “Three Women” starring Shailene Woodley, Betty Gilpin, DeWanda Wise and Gabrielle Creevy. The drama has been quietly shopped by its producers with at least one offer on the table.
Additionally, Showtime has opted not to pick up second seasons of either “American Gigolo” or “Let the Right One In”. Showtime has other high-profile scripted series like “Ripley” and “King Shaka” in post-production – no word on their fates as yet.
Source: Variety
