In January came the news that premium cabler Showtime was set to be integrated into Paramount+ on digital and renamed Paramount+ with Showtime on linear TV. Then last month it was revealed that Showtime would merge with MTV Entertainment Studios.
Now those business actions have led to creativity consequences as the network’s development slate has been cut down significantly recently as Showtime has opted not to pick up or develop a “slew of projects” says Deadline.
This change-up of the network’s upcoming programming slate comes after the exit of longtime CEO David Nevins in October. Showtime now falls under Chris McCarthy, who previously laid out a ‘three-lane strategy’ for programming, which will include a larger focus on franchise building.
That shift led to the recent commissioning of multiple “Billions” and “Dexter” spin-offs. The trade says the new regime plans to develop a much smaller number of projects with the goal to get nearly all of them greenlit, rather than a more traditional network model of developing numerous projects and seeing which ones work out.
It also follows several high-profile Showtime projects being sold off in recent months, like “Three Women” which is now at Starz, and “Ripley” which has moved to Netflix.
Showtime has cancelled several series lately including “Let the Right One In” and “American Gigolo,” but a third season of “Yellowjackets” is its only recent renewal.
