Paramount has begun talks to close its premium television network Showtime and integrate its content into Paramount+. Nothing is set in stone but it’s a possibility. A Paramount rep said regarding the move:
“We are always exploring options to maximize the value of our content investment by giving consumers access to great Paramount content through an array of services and platforms.”
Currently, subscribers of Paramount+ can also access content from the premium television network Showtime. The media giant offers a 33% discount on the Paramount/Showtime bundle until October 2. If Paramount does close Showtime and integrates its content, then series like Billions, Yellowjackets, and The Chi would now be on Paramount+. Series like Picard and Mayor Of Kingstown are already on Paramount+. The media giant’s streaming service has 43.3 million paid customers and 63.7 million subscribers globally. Paramount recently made a deal with Walmart where customers can access the streaming service through Walmart+.
Paramount+ Could Be the Future of the Media Giant
If Paramount does choose to close Showtime, Paramount+ would be the main place for all of the company’s content. Streaming services have once been thought to make things cheaper and more accessible for audiences. Now every major media organization has a streaming service. At least audiences could pay one price now if they want to see Showtime and Paramount+ content. The Paramount premium television network has many shows that have drawn audiences and award shows. The move to close Showtime could help or hurt Paramount. Paramount+ would have to have a low price in order to compete with Disney+, Netflix, and HBO Max. The premium television network launched in 1976, and after changing a few hands it landed under Paramount (then Viacom). This would mean the end of an organization that has released content like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, The L Word, and Shameless.
This would be a huge change for the media company and could make or break its future. Again, no decision has been made, but there could be an announcement soon regarding their decision.