Paramount and Comcast mull next steps, leaving Skyshowtime’s future on shaky ground
As Paramount and Comcast rethink their international streaming strategy, one streamer has to answer some uncomfortable what-next questions.
Employees at the European streamer SkyShowtime were told Monday that its owners are weighing “strategic options” for the service — including the possibility of shutting it down — according to a board letter passed to CEO Monty Sarhan and shared internally, per The Hollywood Reporter.
“No decisions have been made, and all options remain under consideration.”
Backed by Comcast and Paramount, SkyShowtime launched to bundle programming from Paramount+, Showtime, Peacock and other NBCUniversal brands across parts of Europe. It also taps catalogs from Sky Studios, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and DreamWorks Animation, making it a one-stop home overseas for a lot of American hits that in the U.S. live on different services.
The board cited a tougher, fast-shifting streaming market in its note while praising the team’s work. For now, SkyShowtime is still operating; the letter signals a review is underway rather than a decision.
What’s on it
SkyShowtime carries a mix of major movies, U.S. series and local originals. Among the titles highlighted:
- Big-screen hits: Top Gun: Maverick , the Jurassic World films
- Taylor Sheridan universe: Yellowstone , 1883, 1923 , Tulsa King , Mayor of Kingstown, Special Ops: Lioness, and Landman
- Family favorites: PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon
- Always-on channels: franchise streams devoted to Dexter, House and Star Trek
- Local originals: Mamen Mayo, Schmeichel, Śleboda
THR reports the shareholders are considering multiple paths for the joint venture — a sale among them — with a full shutdown specifically named as one option on the table. Sarhan received the board’s letter on Monday, turning what might have been a routine week into something far less certain for staff and subscribers.
No timetable for a decision was included in the communication. Until there’s an update, SkyShowtime continues to stream as usual in its European territories.