Paramount & Comcast Streamer SkyShowtime Could Be Shut Down, Board Says

The future of Paramount and Comcast‘s international streamer SkyShowtime is in serious doubt amid the Paramount-Warner mega-merger.

A note from the SkyShowtime board to CEO Monty Sarhan informed him that it has kicked off a strategic review, “which includes the possibility of a wind-down.”

“No decisions have been made, and all options remain under consideration,” added the note, which Deadline has obtained.

SkyShowtime was launched as a JV streaming service four years back between Paramount and Comcast as a way of entering European territories that didn’t have access to their own streamers Paramount+ or Peacock. It combines shows from those two streamers plus Sky Studios and local originals, and has steadily grown its subscriber base across 22 European markets over the years.

The board’s note to Sarhan said the update is “the beginning of a dialogue, not the end of one” and “where any proposal could affect employees, we will follow the information and consultation processes required in each of our markets.”

“We recognise this is difficult news and that it creates uncertainty,” it added. “We are grateful to you and to everyone at SkyShowtime for all that has been achieved.”

Sarhan relayed the note to staff, adding: “I know this news creates uncertainty and, as we work through what comes next, my priority and that of the leadership team, is to be there and support all of you.”

The news comes amid the Paramount-Warner mega-merger, which we have already reported could create complications for SkyShowtime.

In May, industry sources told us Paramount’s proposed ownership of Warner Bros. Discovery’s HBO Max would likely put the David Ellison-run company in breach of its JV agreement for SkyShowtime.