Viacom preps Paramount Network for UK

Designated Survivor stars Kiefer Sutherland

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) is preparing to launch Paramount Network in the UK, offering scripted series such as Suits, Designated Survivor and comedy The Mick.

The network is the rebranded version of Viacom’s Spike channel, which has already been rolled out in the US and Spain, airing drama, comedy and movies.

It will launch on July 4 in the UK and will be scheduled and programmed by Viacom’s Channel 5 editorial team under the direction of Ben Frow, C5 director of programmes. The international roll-out is being overseen by Jill Offman, exec VP Comedy Central and Paramount Network International.

Frow described Paramount Network as “a popular premium content destination in a free-to-air world,” while Offman said its launch in the UK was “another critical milestone for the Paramount Network brand.”

“Delivering free-to-air content to millions of UK households underlines our belief that, despite the growing popularity of on-demand, viewers continue to value highly TV channels that offer an intelligently scheduled linear line up of quality entertainment,” Offman added

The channel will also offer movies including War of the Worlds, Catch Me If You Can and The Shining, as well as the US version of Lip Sync Battle.