Comcast, ViacomCBS set to launch SkyShowtime streamer in European markets

US cable giant Comcast Corp and media company ViacomCBS are preparing to launch an SVoD service in more than 20 European territories in 2022.

Raffaele Annecchino

Targeting 90 million homes across territories including Spain, Portugal, the Nordics, the Netherlands and Central and Eastern Europe, the service will be called SkyShowtime. It will house content from Showtime, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, Paramount+ Originals, Sky Studios, Universal Pictures and Peacock.

SkyShowtime will offer drama, kids’ and family content, key franchises, movie premieres, local programming, documentaries and factual content.

The partnership between the two US companies will be structured as a joint venture, with equal investment and joint control by ViacomCBS and Comcast, parent of NBCUniversal (NBCU) and Sky. Further details of the subscription price will be announced at a later date.

In total, the service will be available in more than 20 countries, namely Albania, Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

“With the launch of SkyShowtime, we are well positioned to utilise our global content engine to create a compelling streaming offering, quickly and at scale, with a smart, strategic phased investment,” said Raffaele Annecchino, president and CEO of ViacomCBS Networks International.

Dana Strong

“As a complement to our recently announced Paramount+ partnership with Sky in the UK, Italy and Germany, SkyShowtime represents a huge opportunity to accelerate our market expansion and build a leadership position in SVoD in Europe.”

Sky group CEO Dana Strong added: “Our new streaming service, SkyShowtime, will combine the best of the US and Europe with iconic brands and world-class entertainment for millions of consumers in more than 20 new markets in Europe.

“On the heels of [NBCU-owned streamer] Peacock coming to Sky, this partnership provides an innovative approach to quickly scale internationally and monetise content across Europe.

“Drawing on the strength of the incredible programming from NBCUniversal, Sky and ViacomCBS, and powered by Peacock’s platform technology, SkyShowtime will provide a truly compelling line-up for the whole family and strong brand recognition across these regions.”

The service is expected to launch next year, subject to regulatory approval.