What Happened to Showtime?
Showtime, a premium American television network launched in 1976, has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a standalone cable and streaming service to being deeply integrated with Paramount+. Its content is now primarily housed within the Paramount+ streaming platform, and its linear channel has been rebranded, reflecting a broader industry trend towards streaming consolidation.
Quick Answer
Showtime, once a standalone premium cable network and streaming service, has largely merged its operations and content with Paramount+. The standalone Showtime app shut down in April 2024, and the linear Showtime channel was rebranded as "Paramount+ with Showtime" in January 2024. While the "Paramount+ with Showtime" streaming tier was later rebranded to "Paramount+ Premium" in June 2025, Showtime's acclaimed programming remains a core offering within Paramount+, with new seasons of its original series continuing to premiere on the combined platform in 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Showtime Launches
Showtime, a premium television network, is launched on Times-Mirror Cable systems in California, offering uncensored movies and programming.
National Satellite Distribution
Showtime becomes a nationally distributed service, uplinked to satellite, entering direct competition with HBO.
Showtime Networks Inc. Established
Viacom and Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment merge their premium channels, Showtime and The Movie Channel, into one division, forming Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime on Demand Officially Launches
The subscription video-on-demand service, Showtime on Demand, officially launches, offering feature films and original series to subscribers.
Showtime Networks Becomes Part of CBS Corporation
Showtime Networks becomes a subsidiary of CBS Corporation following its split from Viacom.
Re-merger to Form ViacomCBS (Later Paramount Global)
CBS Corporation re-merges with Viacom to form ViacomCBS, which is later rebranded as Paramount Global, bringing Showtime back under the same corporate umbrella as Paramount.
Paramount+ Begins Offering Showtime Bundle
Paramount+ apps are updated to allow subscribers to upgrade to a "Paramount+ with Showtime" bundle, integrating Showtime content within the Paramount+ platform.
Official Merger Announcement
Paramount CEO Bob Bakish officially announces the merger of Showtime content into the premium tier of Paramount+, signaling a major strategic shift.
Showtime Sports Ceases Operations
Showtime Sports officially ceases operations, with its sports programming being moved under the CBS Sports branding.
Linear Showtime Channel Rebranded
The primary Showtime linear television channel is rebranded as "Paramount+ with Showtime" in the United States.
Standalone Showtime App Shuts Down
The standalone Showtime streaming application is officially shut down, with users directed to access Showtime content through Paramount+.
Streaming Tier Rebranded to Paramount+ Premium
The "Paramount+ with Showtime" streaming tier is rebranded back to "Paramount+ Premium," though Showtime content remains available within this tier.
Paramount+ Price Increase Takes Effect
Paramount+ increases prices for both its ad-supported and ad-free plans, affecting subscribers who access Showtime content.
Dreaming Whilst Black Season 2 Premieres
The second season of the critically acclaimed series *Dreaming Whilst Black* premieres on Paramount+ with Showtime, showcasing continued original programming.
First-Look Images for Dexter: Resurrection Season 2 Released
Paramount+ releases first-look images for the second season of *Dexter: Resurrection*, indicating ongoing production and new content for the integrated service.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Showtime, established on July 1, 1976, initially emerged as a competitor to HBO in the burgeoning premium cable market, offering uncensored movies and original programming. Over its decades of operation, Showtime changed ownership hands multiple times, including periods under Viacom and CBS Corporation, before the re-merger of Viacom and CBS to form ViacomCBS (later Paramount Global) in 2019.
The landscape of television dramatically shifted with the rise of streaming services, prompting Paramount Global to re-evaluate its strategy. In August 2022, the company began integrating Showtime content into its flagship streaming service, Paramount+, by offering a bundled subscription. This move was formalized in January 2023 when Paramount CEO Bob Bakish announced the full merger of Showtime's content into the premium tier of Paramount+, aiming to create a more robust and competitive streaming offering. This strategic consolidation was driven by the need to streamline operations, reduce churn, and leverage the combined strength of both brands in a saturated streaming market.
A key turning point occurred on January 8, 2024, when the primary linear Showtime channel was officially rebranded as "Paramount+ with Showtime." Following this, the standalone Showtime streaming application ceased operations on April 30, 2024, directing subscribers to the Paramount+ platform. Further adjustments were made in June 2025, when the "Paramount+ with Showtime" streaming tier was rebranded back to "Paramount+ Premium," although Showtime programming continues to be a central component of this premium offering.
The consequences of this integration include a more unified content library for subscribers, but also some programming cuts, as Paramount aimed to optimize its content slate. Showtime Sports, for instance, ceased operations on December 31, 2023, with its programming moving to CBS Sports. Furthermore, Paramount+ implemented price increases in January 2026 for both its ad-supported and ad-free plans, affecting subscribers who now access Showtime content through the platform.
As of August 26, 2026, Showtime continues to exist as a distinct programming imprint and its multiplex channels retain the Showtime branding. New seasons of popular Showtime original series, such as Dreaming Whilst Black and Dexter: Resurrection, are premiering on Paramount+ with Showtime throughout 2026, demonstrating Paramount Global's commitment to the brand's acclaimed content within its integrated ecosystem.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Showtime made different choices?