There’s another shakeup. Showtime will soon be rebranded and integrated into the streaming service, Paramount+. The new moniker, Paramount+ with Showtime, will embody the premium tier of the platform and the Showtime linear network in the United States. This move marks a significant shakeup in the world of television and streaming, as Paramount+ aims to become the leading multiplatform brand in the industry.
The integration of Showtime into Paramount+ is a natural next step in the company’s strategy to become a single, global content company powered by IP. The move will undoubtedly lead to further changes within the network, including the cancellation of several shows, such as American Gigolo, Let the Right One In, and Three Women. However, the Showtime studio will continue to operate under the leadership of Chris McCarthy, who will work closely with Streaming President and CEO Tom Ryan.
In a memo to employees, Paramount Global CEO and President Bob Bakish pledged to be as transparent and thoughtful as possible during the process, stating that additional details would be shared in the coming weeks. A town hall scheduled for the week of February 23 will provide further insight into the changes and how they will strengthen the company’s focus on content, redirect increased investment into Showtime’s strengths, and provide a more integrated platform.
This news follows the departure of Showtime’s former head, David Nevins, who left the company in October, leaving the responsibilities of the network to McCarthy and Ryan. The possibility of phasing out Showtime altogether and shifting its premium programming into Paramount+ was part of the company’s consideration of new content strategies in the streaming era.
By further integrating Showtime into Paramount+, the network aims to deliver a seamless, fully integrated multiplatform premium service with more of the original, culture-shaping content that audiences love. The enhanced offering will serve both audiences and creative partners, providing an even greater ability to scale franchises and build hits across the Paramount+ universe.
This rebrand and integration marks a new chapter in the world of television and streaming, and Cre8tiveSHFT is excited to see how it will shape the future of entertainment.