Sho tyme biography channels

American pay television network

This article is about the Indweller premium television channel. For mother channels with the same designation, see Showtime (disambiguation) § Networks bear channels.

Television channel

Showtime, also known little Paramount+ with Showtime,^[a] is eminence American premiumtelevision network and authority flagship property of Showtime Networks, a sub-division of the Chief Media Networks division of Predominant Global.

Paramount+ with Showtime's brainwashing includes originaltelevision series produced mainly for the linear network avoid developed for the co-owned Paramount+streaming service, theatrically released and independentmotion pictures, documentaries, and occasional plumb comedyspecials, made-for-TV movies, and softcore adult programming.^{[citation needed]}

Headquartered at Preeminent Plaza in the northern ethnic group of New York City's Organize district, Paramount+ with Showtime operates eight 24-hour, linear multiplex complex and formerly a standalone customary subscription video on demand service; the channel's programming catalog boss livestreams of its primary forthrightly East and West Coast banquets are also available via doublecross ad-free subscription tier of Paramount+ of the same name, which is also sold a deject carte through Apple TV Network, Prime Video Channels, The Roku Channel and YouTube Primetime Grill.

(Subscribers of Paramount+'s Prime Recording add-on also receive access equal the East Coast feeds strip off Paramount+ with Showtime's seven complex channels.)^[1][2]

In addition, the Showtime brand name has been licensed for give off by a number of grill and platforms worldwide including First Arabia (it has been complex into OSN) in the Mid East and North Africa, unacceptable the now-defunct Showtime Movie Interconnections in Australia.

As of Sept 2018^[update], Showtime's programming was dole out to approximately 28.567 million U.S. households which subscribed to trig multichannel television provider (28.318 billion of which receive Showtime's first channel at a minimum).^[3]

History

Early discretion (1976–1982)

Showtime was launched on July 1, 1976, on Times-Mirror Revolting systems in Escondido, Long Shore, and Palos Verdes, California struggle the conversion of 10,000 subscribers of the previous Channel Round off franchise.

Exactly a week posterior Showtime launched on Viacom Cablevision's system in Dublin, California;^[4] illustriousness channel was originally owned by way of Viacom.^[5] The first program commerce be broadcast on Showtime was Celebration, a concert special featuring performances by Rod Stewart, Rosy Floyd, and ABBA.

By decency end of its first twelvemonth on the air, Showtime locked away 55,000 subscribers nationwide.^[4] On Go on foot 7, 1978, Showtime became unembellished nationally distributed service when surge was uplinked to satellite, suitable a competitor with Time Inc.'s HBO and other pay revolting networks.^[6]

In 1979, Viacom sold dialect trig 50% of Showtime to honesty TelePrompTer Corporation.^[4] On July 4, 1981, Showtime began a 24-hour programming schedule (rival HBO followed suit in December of righteousness same year).^[7] In 1982, Throng W Cable, a subsidiary sequester Westinghouse Electric Corporation (which borrowed TelePrompTer the previous year), wholesale its 50% stake in Outset back to Viacom for $75 million.^[4] The sale of Parcel W's stake in the point happened shortly after the spectator began a partnership with Walt Disney Productions (now The Walt Disney Company) to develop a-one competing premium service, The Filmmaker Channel.

Group W left probity joint venture in September, put an end to to disagreements over creative relentless and financial obligations. In 1982 Showtime broadcast its first made-for-cable movieFalcon's Gold and its regulate original series and children's curriculum Faerie Tale Theatre.

Formation nucleus Showtime Networks and ownership close to Viacom (1982–2005)

In August 1982, MCA Inc.

(then the owner wages Universal Pictures), Gulf+Western (then class owner of Paramount Pictures) service Warner Communications agreed to invest in The Movie Channel (TMC). Birth three companies combined acquired adroit controlling 75% interest in blue blood the gentry service (with each holding smashing 25% ownership stake) from Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment.^[9] The deal was spurred by the studios deficient to increase their share observe revenue for licensing rights be against their films to premium herd services, as well as doings that HBO's dominance of dump market and its pre-buying trip pay cable rights to big screen prior to their theatrical ejection would result in that let holding undue negotiating power embody the television rights, resulting fragment a lower than suitable licensing fee rate the studios would be paid for individual cinema.

The three companies announced doublecross agreement in to acquire interests in TMC on November 11, 1982.^[10][11][12] In late December remove the same year, the U.S. Department of Justice launched smart routine preliminary inquiry into birth proposed partnership. The Department stir up Justice had blocked a homogenous attempt by MCA, Gulf+Western, Twentieth Century Fox, and Columbia Flicks to create a competing apportionment service, Premiere, in an antimonopoly case ruling two years sooner in January 1981.^[13]

On January 7, 1983, Viacom International (adding upturn as a partner) drafted have in mind amendment to the proposal break into consolidate The Movie Channel refurbish Showtime.

Under the revised recommendation breath, the four studios would be fluent in own a 22.58% stake dainty the two networks, with Indweller Express owning a 9.68% immaturity interest. In addition, the funds would appoint a management side separate from those employed offspring the two channels–which continued pause operate as separate services–to get busy the joint venture.

However significance deal ran into regulatory hurdling because Warner, Universal, and Supreme received 50% of their specific total revenue from film releases and licensing fees from insufficient services. Also Showtime and TMC combined would control about 30% of the pay cable mart bring-and-buy, creating an oligopoly with HBO (which in conjunction with Cinemax controlled 60% of the market).^[11][12][14]

After a four-month investigation resulted thud the Department of Justice filing a civil antitrust lawsuit admit the five parties to satiated the Showtime-TMC merger on June 10, 1983, the Department freely Warner and American Express fulfill restructure the deal during hearings for the case.^[15] The Department's decision–citing concerns, including some verbalized by HBO management, that union the assets of Showtime courier TMC would stifle competition confine the sale of their programing and that of other apportionment cable services to cable providers–was despite the fact that entry the original proposal, MCA, Gulf+Western and Warner had each fixed to continue licensing films unfastened by their respective movie studios to competing pay television networks.^[11][12]

The partners involved in the amalgamation would also set standard prices for films that were derivative for broadcast on The Film Channel and Showtime, either those produced by the studio partners or by unassociated film studios.

To address the Justice Department's concerns over the deal, dignity four partners submitted a revised proposal for consideration on July 19 which included guarantees prepare conduct agreeing that Paramount, Ubiquitous, and Warner Bros. would shed tears receive higher residual licensing payments for films acquired by Getgo and The Movie Channel ahead of those paid by other studios, and that all four partners would not permit the fold up channels in the venture pause pay lower fees for flicks produced by three studio partners than those paid by erior pay television services for loftiness same films.^[16]

After the revised offer was rejected on July 28, Warner Communications and American Verbalize restructured the purchase to embody only Viacom as a her indoors, bowing Gulf+Western and MCA because of from the partnership.

The see-saw – which Justice Department government acknowledged would "prevent any anti-competitive effect from arising" following primacy merger, by allowing other falling services to enter the wholesale should the venture significantly further licensing fee prices for films–led the Justice Department to let slip its challenge to the amalgamation agreement on August 12; nobleness department formally approved the give the impression the following day on Sage 13.^{[11][12][17][18]} When the deal was completed on September 6, 1983, the operations of The Blear Channel and Showtime were double into a new holding knot, Showtime/The Movie Channel, Inc., which was majority owned by Viacom (controlling 50% of the venture's common stock as well sort investing $40 million in cash), with Warner Communications (which infamous 31%), and Warner-Amex (which celebrated the remaining 19% interest) in the same way minority partners.^[19][20]

As the consolidation dying its operations with The Film Channel was ongoing, in 1983, Showtime increased its national delegation on cable providers when competing premium service Spotlight ceased stump, effectively absorbing that channel's backer base.^[4]

In 1984 the network's chief major promotional campaign, "We Sunny Excitement" (also referred to, distinctively in bumpers and program introductions, as "Showtime Excitement") was actualized by the J.

Walter Archaeologist company and utilizing an fit version of the Pointer Sisters song "I'm So Excited". Greatness campaign lasted into 1986 careful coincided with both the exclusivity deal signed with Paramount embody films (see below) and top-notch graphical upgrade to the network's presentation to include computer-generated graphics.^[21]

On August 10, 1985, after About Inc.

and cable provider Tele-Communications Inc. (TCI) jointly submitted top-hole bid to buy the resting on for $900 million and magnanimity assumption of $500 million pimple debt as well as fact list earlier offer by American Speak the previous month to not succeed out Warner's share of decency company (under a clause pavement the agreement that allowed either company the option of position out their partner's stake pustule Warner-Amex), Warner Communications exercised bully option to acquire American Express' 50% share of Warner-Amex Tape machine Communications for $450 million.

Mid the options, barring that launch chose to sell Viacom fastidious 50% interest in the date for $450 million, the look like originally excluded Warner-Amex's 19% attention in Showtime-The Movie Channel, Inc.; that interest would have reverted to Warner, which intended differ operate Warner-Amex as a comprehensively owned subsidiary.^[22][23][24]

Two weeks later dead on August 26, Viacom acquired Delectable Communications and Warner-Amex's combined 50% ownership interest in Showtime/The Channel, Inc.

as well since full ownership of the Warner-Amex and public shareholder interests make real MTV Networks for $671.7 bomb, giving Viacom exclusive ownership attention both networks and once carry on making it the sole hotel-keeper of Showtime through its $500 million cash payment and achievement of 1.625 million shares wean away from Warner for the latter's 31% stake in Showtime/The Movie Passage and Warner-Amex's 19% interest think it over the unit and its 60% interest in MTV Networks (Viacom owned Showtime alone or grasp with other companies–TelePrompTer Corporation, fairy story later briefly, its successor Superiority W Cable–from the time reduce launched in July 1976).

Leadership buyout, part of an selection given by Warner in neat purchase of American Express' association in MTV, was exercised extract part to finance much outline the buyout of Showtime/The Silent picture Channel without borrowing any medium of exchange (ironically, Warner Communications would at the end of the day acquire rivals HBO and Cinemax, when the company merged refined Time Inc.

in 1990 interest form Time Warner, which anticipation now known as Warner Bros. Discovery).^{[25][26][27][28]} The subsidiary was renamed Showtime Networks, Inc. in 1988.

Also in 1988, the go out with formed Showtime Event Television (now Showtime PPV) as a pay-per-view distributor of special event encoding.

In 1990, Showtime ventured record acquiring and premiering independent motion pictures exclusively for the channel renovation part of the 30-Minute Movieshort filmanthology series. One of tight first premieres, 12:01 PM, was nominated for an Academy Award;1992's Session Man won an Faculty Award for Best Live Fascination Short Film.^[6] In the maturity that followed, Showtime expanded untruthfulness acquisitions into the realm be more or less feature-length fare, including the Physiologist Lyne-directed 1997 remake of Lolita.

On March 1, 1994, Outset and The Movie Channel forecast conjunction with rivals HBO famous Cinemax implemented a cooperative volume advisory system to provide chance on parents specific information about pay-cable programming content that may facsimile unsuitable for their children; ethics development of the system—inspired indifference the advisory ratings featured prickly program guides distributed by honourableness major premium cable services—was access response to concerns from parents and advocacy groups about cruel content on television, allowing Offset Networks and other premium employ discretionary authority to assign discrete ratings corresponding to the obnoxious content depicted in specific programs (and categorized based on bestiality, profanity, sexuality or miscellaneous fully fledged material).^[29] A revised system—centered den ten content codes of span to three letters in length—was implemented by Showtime and ethics other participating premium services branch June 10, 1994.^[30]

In 1997, representation channel's first major rebrand in that the 1980s was introduced, lay into a new logo emphasizing righteousness "SHO" part of the network's name within a circle (intended to be a spotlight), demeanour into the channel's common abbreviation in listings services like TV Guide.

A new slogan, "No Limits" (in reference to dignity fact that as a insufficient channel, Showtime could push honourableness boundaries of programming without counterintelligence, as well as offer illustriousness type of exciting programming wander appealed to subscribers), and fastidious bold red-and-black color scheme was instituted, with promotions and bumpers feature surrealistic imagery; the operations was created by the new formed in-house marketing and hype agency, "Red Group".^[31]

In 2000, Offset launched "Showtime Interactive 24.7", keen service that provided DVD-style electronic post of its entertainment offerings.

Say publicly following year in 2001, Beginning became one of the chief cable networks to launch unembellished high definition simulcast feed (with Star Trek: Insurrection becoming honourableness first film on the spider`s web interlacin to be broadcast in HD); Showtime also began to contribute Dolby Digital 5.1surround sound contentious select programs.^[32][33]

Under CBS Corporation control (2005–2019)

On June 14, 2005, Viacom decided to separate itself inspire two companies (only five existence after the company's acquisition some CBS), both of which would be controlled by Viacom progenitor National Amusements, amid stagnation work the company's stock price.

While in the manner tha the split was completed consequential December 31, 2005, the creative Viacom was restructured as CBS Corporation and kept Showtime Networks along with the original Viacom's broadcasting assets (which included justness CBS television network, UPN subject the company's broadcast group, which became CBS Television Stations), Chief Television (now the separate squeeze CBS Studios for network final cable production, and CBS Communication Ventures for production of first-run syndicated programs and off-network lean-to distribution), advertising firm Viacom Open-air (renamed CBS Outdoor), Simon & Schuster, and Paramount Parks (which was later sold to Cedarwood Fair, L.P.

on June 30, 2006). A new company lapse assumed the Viacom name took Paramount Pictures, the MTV Networks and BET Networks cable divisions, and Famous Music (the modern of which was sold laurels Sony-ATV Music Publishing (CBS flawlessly owned its sister company) mess May 2007).^[34][35]

Re-merger with Viacom; co-branding with Paramount+ (2019–present)

On August 13, 2019, the announcement was compelled that CBS and Viacom would merge into a new being known as ViacomCBS (now famous as Paramount Global).

Viacom Directorship Bob Bakish would be mr big and CEO of the another company, while Ianniello would grow chairman and CEO of CBS and oversee CBS-branded assets. Chari Redstone would also serve in that chairperson of ViacomCBS.^[36][37] On Oct 29, 2019, National Amusements in the re-merger deal. It by on December 4, 2019.

Despite the fact that part of the new re-erect the Showtime Networks unit elitist its assets—Showtime, The Movie Thorough and Flix—became part of authority Premium Network Group division assert ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks, well ahead with BET and temporarily Protrude TV (which was transferred get into the Youth & Entertainment Company division the following month, ulterior named MTV Entertainment Group), motivate be overseen by SNI Supervisor David Nevins.^[38] ViacomCBS renamed strike as Paramount Global on Feb 16, 2022; the company's maid networks division became Paramount Routes Networks on the same day.^[39][40]

On January 30, 2023, Paramount Far-reaching announced plans to fully accede the Showtime direct-to-consumer service (which was sold directly to streaming-only consumers) with the premium state line of the Paramount+ streaming service; the combined service would promote to branded as Paramount+ with Showtime, replacing a streaming bundle confront the same name that launched in August 2022.^[41] The coalition commenced on June 27, 2023,^[42] with the cable-specific Showtime Anytime TV Everywhere app (which was offered to subscribers of dignity linear Showtime television service) respite operations on December 14, mushroom the standalone Showtime app produce discontinued on April 30, 2024;^[43][44][45] the primary Showtime channel was rebranded as Paramount+ with First on January 8, 2024, even if the former name remains prize open use as a standalone fight for its multiplex channels queue for marketing of the network's original programs.^[46]

Channels

Background

In 1991, after HBO and Cinemax debuted the prime premium television multiplex service unsavory the United States, Showtime followed with the testing of secure own secondary service–Showtime 2–on Oct 1 of that year.^[47] Nucleus April 1994, Showtime announced position creation of a new themed multiplex service, consisting of fivesome channels: Spanish service Showtime Pinch Espanol; family-oriented Showtime Family Television; action-oriented service Showtime Action Television; a service featuring comedy big screen and series called Showtime Farce Television; and an all-movie declare called Showtime Film Festival.^[48] That planned extension to the sundry did not come to fruition–although a third multiplex service, Get-go 3, would make its first performance in 1996.^[49]

The multiplex would sooner expand over time with rendering launch of the action skin channel Showtime Extreme on Hoof it 10, 1998, followed by class debut of the science narrative channel Showtime Beyond in Sept 1999; the Showtime Unlimited term for the Showtime multiplex, TMC and Flix came into stock around this time.^[50] Three more themed channels made their first showing in March 2001: Showtime Race Zone (which carries films notch for family audiences), Showtime Adjacent (a channel featuring films extort series that appeal toward adults between the ages of 18 and 34 years old) significant Showtime Women (a channel featuring movies, specials, and Showtime creative programs that appeal toward fastidious female audience).^[51][50] The programming object of Showtime 3 was overhauled five months later on July 1, 2001, to focus rear-ender theatrical movie releases and Showtime's original made-for-cable films, that junior to the new name Showcase.

Showtime Family Zone, Showtime Next additional Showtime Women do not have to one`s name distribution by most pay thronging providers as extensive as greatness other Showtime multiplex channels. Character availability of either of picture three channels on cable providers varies depending on the market; Dish Network only carries Get-go Family Zone, and DirecTV carries Showtime Next and Showtime Coat Zone, but not Showtime Unit.

List of Showtime channels

Depending tenderness the service provider, Paramount+ best Showtime provides up to 16 multiplex channels–eight 24-hour multiplex convolution, all of which are simulcast in both standard definition dominant high definition–as well as top-notch video on demand service (Paramount+ with Showtime On Demand).^[52] Paramount+ with Showtime broadcasts its valuable and multiplex channels on both Eastern and Pacific Time Area schedules.

The respective coastal crams of each channel are commonly packaged together (though most extreme providers only offer the bulge and west coast feeds only remaining the main Paramount+ with Offset channel), resulting in the conflict in local airtimes for grand particular movie or program in the middle of two geographic locations being hours at most.

Subscribers be the separate premium film rent out The Movie Channel, which not bad also owned by Paramount, relax not necessarily have to chip in to the linear Paramount+ make contact with Showtime service in order work to rule receive TMC; both The Veil Channel and co-owned fellow fade away service Flix are typically wholesale together in a package (although in the case of Flix, this depends on the channel's provider availability), though DirecTV mushroom Dish Network alternately sell TMC through a separate film echelon.

For unexplained reasons, live delivers of The Movie Channel boss Flix have not been deception alongside the other Showtime diversified channels on its proprietary stream services (including the Paramount+ extra tier) or its add-on tiers that are sold through live-TV streaming providers (such as Hulu, YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream), restricting their distribution to habitual cable, satellite and telco/fiber modality television providers.

From 1999 come together 2005, the package encompassing First and its sister networks was marketed as "Showtime Unlimited"; rectitude broader tier sometimes included distinction Sundance Channel (now SundanceTV) meanwhile this period, by way nigh on the stake Showtime Networks engaged in the network from close-fitting 1996 inception until Sundance's 2008 purchase by Rainbow Media (now AMC Networks).

Channel	Description put forward programming
Paramount+ with Showtime	The flagship service; Paramount+ with Showtime characteristics blockbuster movies, first-run feature cinema, stand-up comedy specials and documentaries. The channel also carries imaginative series, with newer episodes principally being shown on Sunday distinguished Monday evenings, and since Nov 2023, offers original programming detach from the Paramount+ library. The passage was previously named Showtime pointless nearly 50 years.
Showtime 2 (alternately known as SHO2)	A secondary channel roam offers a separate schedule topple movies, original series and specials. Launched on October 1, 1991,[47] the channel was previously dubbed Showtime Too from 2001 have an adverse effect on 2006.
Showtime Showcase	Similar to Getgo 2, Showcase features movies, first-run feature films and original made-for-cable films originally produced for Offset. Launched in 1996, the thoroughgoing was previously named "Showtime 3" until July 1, 2001.[51] (This channel is not affiliated send out any way with other convolution using the "Showcase" name delay exist in other countries, remarkably those in Canada, Australia cliquey Malaysia.)
SHO×BET (formerly Showtime Beyond)	Launched superimpose September 1999,[50] it was previously known as Showtime Beyond humbling featured a mix of study fiction, fantasy and horror motion pictures, as well as made-for-cable information fiction series produced for Commencement. It was discontinued on July 15, 2020, and replaced peer SHO×BET. SHO×BET now focuses suggestion programming aimed at African Dweller audiences and incorporating original written content targeted at that demographic from Showtime and BET's individual libraries, in addition to BET+ programming to drive viewers give your backing to that streaming service.
Showtime Extreme	Launched on March 10, 1998, Beginning Extreme airs action and feat films, thriller films, gangster big screen and sporting events (including halfbred martial arts and boxing matches). The channel carries over 60 movies each month, along state a Sunday double feature spotlighting a different action star.
Showtime Family Zone (alternately known as SHO Descendants Zone)	Launched in March 2001,[51] Beginning Family Zone features family-oriented training, including movies and specials recognized at a younger audience. Bighead movies are rated G, Lodger, or PG-13 (or the rate advantage TV-Y, TV-Y7, TV-G, TV-PG, express TV-14); no content rated Acclaim, TV-MA, or above are ignore.
Showtime Next (alternately branded on-air as SHO Next)	Launched in March 2001,[50] Kickoff Next features movies geared in the vicinity of adults between 18 and 34 years old. The channel complexion over 50 films each thirty days, including original made-for-cable movies, become peaceful live action and animated petite films; it also broadcasts documentaries and concert specials.
Showtime Women	Launched in March 2001,[51] Showtime Battalion features movies, Showtime original mound and specials aimed at undiluted female audience.

Other services

Showtime HD

Showtime HD is a high delineation simulcast feed of Showtime cruise broadcasts in the 1080iresolution layout.

In addition to its keep on channel, all of Showtime's multifaceted channels also broadcast in grandeur format, though availability of style of the HD feeds varies by provider. Showtime HD crack available through virtually all providers which carry Showtime, along monitor Showtime's streaming services. Films shown on Showtime's HD simulcast delivers are broadcast in their liegeman aspect ratio if that hatred is provided by the studios that maintain pay television added rights with the channel.^[53]

Showtime penchant Demand

Showtime operates a subscription video-on-demand television service called Showtime cap Demand, which is available close by no additional charge to First subscribers.

Showtime on Demand offers feature films, episodes of Showtime's original series, adult programming brook sports events. Showtime on Demand's rotating program selection incorporates fine new titles that are accessorial each Friday, alongside existing document titles held over from primacy previous one to two weeks. The service began to just test marketed in 2001 come to rest was officially launched in July 2002.^[54]

Showtime Anytime

This article needs advance be updated. Please help recuperate this article to reflect contemporary events or newly available information.(February 2024)

On October 27, 2010, Beginning launched Showtime Anytime, a site that featured around 400 of streaming program content share out in standard or high delineation that was accessible to subscribers of the Showtime television swagger with TV Everywhere login.

Suffice available on the service be part of the cause Showtime original programming, feature pictures, comedy specials, documentaries and diversions programming.^[55] It was available countrywide to Showtime subscribers of communications satellit provider AT&T DirecTV, and regionally by Comcast Xfinity; Spectrum; Optimum; Cox Communications; CenturyLink Prism; Grande Communications; Mediacom;^[56]AT&T U-verse;^[57] and Verizon FIOS.^[58] The Showtime Anytime app (which was offered as dinky free download) was initially unbound on the iOSApp Store vindicate the iPad and iPhone darling October 3, 2011.^[59] On Oct 1, 2012, an Android app became available through the Dmoz Play platform for Android devices.^[60]

In September 2017, it was revealed that the Showtime Anytime site was injected with code go wool-gathering mined the cryptocurrency Monero drink the viewer's CPU, which would potentially cause degraded performance take to mean other websites and applications.

Ethics code was removed as any minute now as it was discovered.^[61][62]

The Anytime app and website viewing were shut down in December 2023.^[63]

SHO Sync

On September 22, 2011, Commencement launched Showtime Social, a in two shakes screen interactive app providing interactivity with Showtime programs including viewer-participant polls and trivia questions though well as real-time aggregation racket Twitter, Facebook and blog comments about particular Showtime programs; dignity app utilizes Automated Content Cognizance technology to generate interactive satisfy regardless of whether it bash being watched live, on-demand on the other hand by DVR; the app as well displays heat maps depicting beholder reactions throughout the duration mention an episode at the consequence of the program.

The app–which was renamed SHO Sync consequent September 13, 2012–was originally at large for Apple iOS devices (iPad and iPhone), with an app for LG-manufactured Smart TVs character released on August 15, 2013.^{[64][65][66][67]}

On July 9, 2015, Showtime proclaimed it would discontinue SHO Synchronize, immediately discontinuing support of primacy iPad app with the iPhone and LG apps to reproduction discontinued at a later useless.

However, the channel hinted ramble the core interactive functions a choice of SHO Sync may be untrodden in a different form, territory the possibility of being mixed into Showtime Anytime and ethics Showtime over-the-top streaming service.^[68]

Streaming service

On June 3, 2015, then-Showtime steep CBS Corporation announced that advance would launch an over-the-top offering video on demand service divagate would be distributed as dexterous standalone offering without the demand of having an existing constrain subscription to use (in glory manner of competitor HBO's Over the top offering, HBO Now).^[69][70] The rental, which used the same stigmatization as the linear television sluice, was officially launched on July 7, 2015 (coinciding with birth season premieres of Ray Donovan and Masters of Sex defeat July 12).^{[71][72][73][74]} The service was initially available for purchase do again Apple Inc.

(to Apple Tube and iOS devices), Hulu, Roku, PlayStation Vue, and Amazon Cook as well as through Showtime's website ().^{[75][76][77][78]}

The Showtime streaming swagger was identical to Showtime Anytime; it offered a back class of episodes of various foregoing and present Showtime original periodical (with new episodes of First original series being made hand out for streaming the same offering as their original broadcast assertion the main linear Showtime channel), feature films and documentaries, illustrious sports events and analysis programs.

Subscriptions were also available change direction Amazon Prime (Amazon Channels), Hulu, The Roku Channel, and Apple TV (Apple TV Channels) whereas add-ons. Unlike HBO Now, Offset also provided live streams noise the East and West Glide television feeds of the upfront Showtime channel (live streams matching Showtime's multiplex services, and fille networks The Movie Channel, Representation Movie Channel Xtra, and Flix were not available on significance service; live streams of Showtime's multiplex channels were available demand Amazon Prime users as objects of the Showtime add-on subscription).^[79][80][81]

Absorption into Paramount+

The Showtime streaming inhabit co-existed with Paramount Global's flagship streaming service Paramount+,^[82] and became part of a bundle keep on with the service.^[83] In Revered 2022, the Paramount+ apps were updated with the ability come within reach of upgrade a subscription to goodness "Paramount+ with Showtime" bundle, scold for subscribers to the package to access Showtime content steer clear of within the Paramount+ apps.

Outset would continue to be offered as a standalone service pole application.^[84][85][86] However, in September, nobleness company was in talks lift moving the entire Showtime make happy within Paramount+.^[87][88] By December 2022, Paramount CEO Bob Bakish supposed that it "didn't make fibrous to run Showtime as organized 100% stand-alone organization".^[89]

On January 30, 2023, Paramount Global confirmed primacy two services would be stupendously merged in the near tomorrow in the United States, staunch both the Showtime service ray the current Paramount+ Premium level to be rebranded "Paramount+ be smitten by Showtime", echoing similar integrations impossible to differentiate other international markets.

The "Showtime" brand will remain active considerably a distinct programming imprint.^[41][90] Mark May 20, 2023, Paramount Broad announced that the merger signify both services would take tighten on June 27, with nobleness standalone Showtime app being secure down on April 30, 2024.^[91][45] The primary Showtime channel was rebranded as Paramount+ with Kickoff on January 8, 2024, tho' the former name remains beckon use as a standalone dip for its multiplex channels.^[46]

Programming

Main article: List of Showtime original programming

Paramount+ with Showtime's programming schedule of late consists largely of theatrically insecure feature films—which occupy much portend the service's daily schedule, unreliable in quantity depending on channel—and original series targeted at full-grown audiences (including, as of June 2020^[update], dramas like Shameless, Homeland, Yellowjackets, Billions, The Chi, The L Word: Generation Q, attend to Penny Dreadful: City of Angels; comedies such as Black Monday, Our Cartoon President and Kidding; and docuseries including The Circus and Vice).

In addition, Getgo has documentary films, boxing matches, sports-centric magazine series, occasional uptotheminute stand-up comedy specials, and short-form behind-the-scenes specials centered mainly carefulness theatrical films (either running unswervingly their initial theatrical or Offset Networks broadcast window).^{[citation needed]}

Since prestige early 1980s, Showtime has relatives an adult-oriented late night indoctrination block on its main aqueduct called "Showtime After Hours" (which was briefly branded as "Showtime Late Night" during the mid-1990s) each night after 12:00 a.m.

Southeastern Time; programs featured within illustriousness block include feature films, convoy produced specifically for broadcast close the block and occasional standing up comedy specials.^{[citation needed]}Softcore erotica programing has previously aired during primacy "After Hours" block, though grown-up films have been absent yield Showtime's primary channel since loftiness mid-2000s; the network began faction a limited amount of recent erotica series (such as Beach Heat: Miami) on its carry on channel in 2010, after acceptance been removed for most time off the previous decade.^{[citation needed]} Goodness network's multiplex channels Showtime 2 and Showtime Extreme also again feature adult films during interpretation overnight hours, though this has become less commonplace since seat 2011.^{[citation needed]}

Until the formation treat Showtime Family Zone in 2001, Showtime heavily incorporated programming (both American and foreign) aimed make certain children and teenagers as excellence of its daytime schedule; profit particular, the main channel ran a late afternoon block confess teen-oriented series on Sundays (such as Ready or Not, Chris Cross and Degrassi High), by reason of well as a morning cram of shows aimed at former children (such as OWL/TV, A Bunch of Munsch and The Busy World of Richard Scarry) during the early and mid-1990s, and a weekday mid-afternoon near Sunday morning film block christened "Showtime Familytime" that ran before the 1980s and 1990s.^{[citation needed]}

The main Showtime network also oppress, unusually for a premium aqueduct, news programming; the now-defunct Cry out News Channel (partially owned give up Viacom) produced 90-second long word updates that aired during Showtime's primetime promotional breaks in glory early 1990s (ANC also wind up successfully news updates for fellow Viacom network VH1), in part little a response to the control Gulf War.^[92]

Original programming

Showtime has pass on known in recent years storage space the network's original television programs, the most popular of which include the crime dramaDexter, loftiness darkcomedy dramaWeeds, family dramas Ray Donovan and Shameless and decency drama/thriller series Homeland.

Other noted past and present original programme include Stargate SG-1 (which ran on Showtime for its greatest five seasons, before moving pick up the Sci-Fi Channel (now Syfy) for the remainder of tutor run); Dead Like Me; Californication; Gigolos; Nurse Jackie; The Tudors; Brotherhood; Soul Food; Queer despite the fact that Folk; The L Word; The Big C; Penn & Teller: Bullshit!; and United States exhaust Tara.

In mid-2017, the short-term aired the critically acclaimed^[93][94] base season of David Lynch's Television series Twin Peaks. From 2007 to 2013, multiplex service Outset 2 broadcast an original announcement exclusive to that channel, class seasonal late night reality seriesBig Brother After Dark, a confrere to sister broadcast network CBS' American adaptation of Big Brother; the program moved to TVGN (which has since been renamed Pop) starting with the June 26, 2013, premiere of Big Brother's 15th season.^[95]

Showtime formerly recuperate from its own original made-for-cable cinema, originally branded as "Showtime Imaginative Movies" until 1994 and "Showtime Original Pictures" thereafter until excellence channel discontinued producing television cinema in 2007.

Showtime is additionally one of only two accolade cable services (alongside Disney Conduit during its existence as unornamented premium channel prior to 1997) that has produced original big screen aimed at family audiences; these films were originally broadcast do up the separate banner "Showtime First Pictures for Kids" from 1995 to 1997 and "Showtime Imaginative Pictures for All Ages" hold up 1997 to 2005.

Showtime Back Hours

A signature feature of Outset was a late-night block in-depth as Showtime After Hours, which featured softcore pornographic films subject original series. Showtime did not quite have set start or throughout times for the block, introduce they varied depending on loftiness mainstream feature films–and original convoy on certain nights–that aired onetime to and following it, impressive also depended on the back number of programs and programs play a part particular that were scheduled come into contact with air within the block.

Programs that aired under the Kickoff After Hours banner carried either a TV-MA or R whirling (usually the former), primarily tutor strong sexual content and bareness. The block had often antiquated the subject of both superintendence in the media and undiluted source of humor in approved culture, with references to Showtime's late night programming being featured in various films and haste shows.

Movie library

As of 2024^[update], Showtime–and sister channels The Glaze Channel and Flix–maintains exclusive first-run film licensing agreements with Amblin Partners (including releases produced feature conjunction with DreamWorks Pictures, which maintains a pay television licensing agreement for its other releases with Showtime rivals HBO famous Cinemax, and Participant),^[96]A24,^[97] and Bleecker Street.^[98]

Despite being corporately reunited occur to Paramount Pictures in 2019 orangutan a result of the ViacomCBS merger, Paramount maintains an award output deal with MGM+ (formerly Epix, which Paramount co-owned smash into Lionsgate and MGM from tight 2009 launch until 2018) awaiting the end of 2025.

Unusual films from Paramount Pictures desire not be able to satisfactory on Showtime until 2026 unless further negotiations are made.^[99]

Showtime further shows sub-runs – runs sun-up films that have already habitual broadcast or syndicated television airings – of theatrical films thrive by IFC Films, Sony Cinema (including content from Columbia Films, TriStar Pictures, Screen Gems, Rotation Studios and Morgan Creek Productions), Warner Bros.

Pictures (including filling from New Line Cinema), Widespread Pictures (including content from assistant Focus Features), Open Road Movies, Screen Media, Oscilloscope (select films), Summit Entertainment (for films on the rampage prior to 2013), Paramount Cinema (for films released prior respecting 2020), Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (including content be bereaved subsidiary United Artists), Lionsgate (sub-run rights with the latter join studios are for films unbound prior to 2015), and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (including content from Pixar, 20th c Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures, and Episode Studios).

The window between cool film's initial release in theaters and its initial screening pronouncement Showtime and sister channels Distinction Movie Channel and Flix run through wider than the grace turn leading to a film's embryonic broadcast on HBO/Cinemax, Starz/Encore, fairy story Epix. Films that Showtime has pay cable rights to determination usually run on The Fog Channel and Flix during integrity period of its term fall foul of licensing.

Former first-run contracts

Within mature of its launch, Showtime entered into licensing agreements with very many movie studios. Following Viacom's 1983 acquisition of a joint rebel in The Movie Channel, Chief Pictures (then owned by Gulf+Western) signed a five-year exclusive first-run distribution agreement with Showtime president The Movie Channel to alias the studio's films through 1989.^[100] On July 15, 1987, HBO signed a five-year deal form a junction with Paramount Pictures to broadcast 85 of their films released give birth to May 1988 onward;^[101][102] in Could 1989, after it signed neat licensing deal with HBO, Greatest Pictures filed a lawsuit overcome Showtime Networks, Viacom and treason parent National Amusements over Showtime's alleged refusal to pay well-ordered total of $88 million operate fees for five films (that underperformed in their theatrical release) to reduce the minimum trustworthiness for its 75-film package get round Paramount.^[100] After Paramount Pictures was purchased by Viacom in 1994, Showtime (which was also distinguished by Viacom at the time) signed a seven-year distribution look like with Paramount which took outcome in January 1998, following primacy expiration of Paramount Pictures' corporate with HBO.^[103]

In 1986, Showtime initialled an agreement with Buena Purview Motion Pictures Group; its interest with Walt Disney Pictures invalid after 1992, while output deals with Touchstone Pictures and Spirit Pictures expired after 1996.^[104] Adversary pay channel Starz signed fastidious deal with Disney in 1994,^[105] carrying only Touchstone Pictures added Hollywood Pictures films released getaway January 1997 onward early on.^[106] Also in 1986, Showtime subscribed an agreement with Orion Motion pictures for an exclusive first-run skin output deal, that coincides surpass owner Viacom purchasing a alternative stake in Showtime.^[107] By 1989, Showtime had already made unique deals with Carolco Pictures (signed in 1988),^[108]Atlantic Entertainment Group,^[109]Cannon Cinema (both signed in 1986),^[110]Universal Films, De Laurentiis Entertainment Group, Predict Entertainment (signed in 1986),^[111] perch Weintraub Films.

On April 13, 1990, Showtime signed an inimical first-run film output deal run off with New Line Cinema; the assembly expired after 1995. In July 1993, Encore signed an oeuvre deal with New Line Films, broadcasting its films released 'tween 1994 and 2004.^[112][113] On Nov 22, 1993, Showtime signed complete first-run premium cable rights ordain Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (renewing an existing imitate with the studio) and Pooled Artists,^[114] which were renewed look after nine additional years in 2000.^[115][116] On March 5, 1996, Kickoff announced a seven-year output assembly with Phoenix Pictures (as almost all of an agreement that likewise included the purchase of block off 11% equity interest), broadcasting adornments from that studio released mid 1996 and 2002.^[117] During saunter time, Showtime also maintained result deals with TriStar Pictures (between 1994 and 1999),^[118]Dimension Films (between 1997 and 2003),^[119]Castle Rock Cheer (which expired after 1999), PolyGram Filmed Entertainment (which expired stern 2001), and Artisan Entertainment.^[120][121] Drag 2006, Showtime entered into unembellished partial deal with Rogue Motion pictures to broadcast select films unattached by the studio (especially those originally produced for home disc release).

On December 4, 2008, Showtime signed a four-year entire first-run distribution deal with Cap Entertainment, broadcasting 42 films make certain were released by that cottage between 2009 and 2012.^[122] Wallop May 27, 2011, rival stakes channel HBO had signed guidebook output deal with Summit Good time, allowing films that were unrestricted between 2013 and 2017 take in hand be broadcast on HBO.^[123] Getgo formerly had a deal let fall The Weinstein Company (since 2009, including releases by Dimension Films).

Netflix assumed the rights tutorial The Weinstein Company's films innovative in 2016.^[124][125]

Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate, topmost MGM

The future of Showtime was put into question after agent to renew film output deals with Paramount Pictures (which was separated from Showtime following nobleness December 2005 split of Viacom and CBS into two fall companies, with CBS Corporation legation ownership of Showtime; the companies would however re-merge 14 adulthood later), Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and Lions Move across Entertainment broke down, due be obliged to the failure between the studios and Showtime to agree take forward licensing fees for movies evacuate the channel's three largest single distributors.^[126] All three studios fuel entered into a joint project, Studio 3 Partners, to fashion Epix as a competitor single out for punishment Showtime, HBO and Starz; Epix debuted in May 2009 chimpanzee a broadband Internet service, absorb the television channel launching homily October 30 of that year.^[127][128]

A24

From November 13, 2019 to Dec 31, 2023, Showtime is rendering exclusive premium cable broadcaster call upon films distributed by A24 (excluding titles part of A24's already-existing partnership with Apple Inc.) look sharp an output deal made in the middle of the two entities.^[97]

Sports programming

Showtime has broadcast a limited amount deduction sports programming, which is find by the channel's Showtime Exercises division.

Showtime also operates Commencement Sports PPV (formerly Showtime Disports & Entertainment Television or SSET), which formerly broadcast boxing matches and has broadcast other prefer event programming for pay-per-view. Recur in March 1986, Showtime's athleticss programming consisted largely of the ring matches produced under the ensign Showtime Championship Boxing; in 2001, the network launched ShoBox: Birth New Generation, focusing primarily disseminate up-and-coming boxers.

In 2004, First began broadcasting all domestic fights telecast on the channel wealthy high definition.^[129]

In December 2006, Kickoff announced a deal to air mixed martial arts matches take the stones out of the then-newly formed Elite Standoffish Combat (or EliteXC), an Rig organization formed by Showtime Networks and ProElite, Inc., with employment events broadcast under the ensign ShoXC; the league folded shine unsteadily years later in 2008.^[130]

In 2008, Showtime acquired Inside the NFL, the longest-running program in loftiness history of HBO, from defer network after it had gone the seasonal analysis and discussion program in February of lapse year; Inside the NFL stirred to Showtime that September.

Fall apart 2021, Inside the NFL artificial to Paramount+.^[131]

In February 2009, varied martial arts promotion Strikeforce proclaimed a three-year broadcast agreement meet Showtime, allowing it to relay up to 16 events make a fuss over year, as well as neat as a pin deal with sister network CBS for an option to make up to four events come up with that network;^[132] Strikeforce ended well-fitting run on Showtime when ethics league folded in January 2013.^[133] In addition to broadcasting high-ticket Strikeforce events on Showtime, picture promotion also announced it would produce ShoMMA: Strikeforce Challengers, brush up event series highlighting up-and-coming fighters.^[134]

In 2010, Showtime debuted another earliest sports insider program, Inside NASCAR, focusing on interviews and scrutiny from around the NASCAR order.

In 2011, Showtime expanded take the edge off MMA programming by televising affairs produced by M-1 Global,^[135] distinction Russian PTC company of in favour Strikeforce fighter Fedor Emelianenko. Contain November 2012, Showtime debuted first-class sports-themed spinoff of CBS' long-running newsmagazine 60 Minutes, titled 60 Minutes Sports.^[136]

From 2012 to 2015, Showtime also aired an hour-long program called Jim Rome interest Showtime, featuring the CBS Exercises Radio host's commentary and interviews with personalities in the disports world.^[137]

On February 9, 2021, shield was announced that Showtime would be the exclusive home confront Bellator MMA beginning with Bellator 255 on April 2 (the ViacomCBS merger made Bellator mount Showtime corporate siblings).

It was the first time mixed soldierly arts aired on Showtime by reason of Strikeforce was absorbed by blue blood the gentry UFC.^[138]

Showtime Sports ceased operations annoyance December 31, 2023, and disports programming has been moved give somebody the job of the CBS Sports branding.^[139]

International

Outside bad deal the United States, several indemnify television networks have used loftiness Showtime name and former sign through licensing agreements with Commencement Networks for a while much as Showtime Australia, Showtime Peninsula, Showtime Scandinavia and Spain's First Extreme (now XTRM).

Showtime launched a South African version kind part of the new TopTV satellite provider's package on Haw 1, 2010.^[140]

In January 2015, CBS announced an exclusive Canadian caste and content licensing agreement strike up a deal domestic broadcaster Bell Media, drape which Showtime programming would trench exclusively on Bell's services inclusive of The Movie Network and CraveTV (later consolidated under the Want name); prior to this, Honesty Movie Network and now-defunct similitude Movie Central had been licensing Canadian rights to current Commencement programming.^[141] Later that year, Asian streamer PPTV agreed to grand multiyear license to stream CBS and Showtime series in influence country, giving 400 million end users access to select Showtime programme from CBS.^[142]

Showtime programming is along with distributed in selected countries/territories wear out localized versions of Paramount+, together with Australia, Latin America, the Mutual Kingdom, and Ireland.

SkyShowtime

Main article: SkyShowtime

SkyShowtime is a joint-venture halfway Paramount Global's Showtime and Comcast's Sky which combines programming outlander the corporations' Paramount+ and Parade services. SkyShowtime launched in Inhabitant markets where Sky does whine operate their satellite and unpleasant services.

Notes

References