The memo obtained by The Hollywood Reporter comes via Paramount CEO Bob Bakish, and more or less confirms as much in business-speak terms. “This new combined offering demonstrates how we can leverage our entire collection of content to drive deeper connections with consumers and greater value for our distribution partners,” the memo reads. The “full integration” of Showtime and Paramount+ will take place later this year, and will also impact the premium tier of Paramount+, which will share the new title along with Showtime programming options.
As Paramount+ gains a reputation as the home of beloved franchises like “Star Trek” and “Yellowstone,” and Showtime’s viewership doesn’t seem to come close to touching that of competitor HBO, it makes sense that something’s got to give, but it’s unfortunate that the integration will also involve layoffs and cancellations. While Chris McCarthy, President and CEO of Showtime and Paramount Media Networks, writes in another memo that the company will stop investing in projects that “are underperforming and that account for less than 10% of our views,” Variety also reports that the network may be taking part in a troubling new trend for streamers. According to the outlet, at least one new show that has already completed filming is being shopped around elsewhere. The Showtime and Paramount+ title change and programming integration are expected to take place later in 2023.