Sky Atlantic is to become the exclusive home of Showtime’s programming after the pay-TV giant struck a deal with the US broadcaster’s parent company, CBS.
The deal covers the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Italy where Sky now operates after buying up its European namesakes and replaces an arrangement where Sky licensed content on a programme-by-programme basis.
Sky says the “long-term” deal covers all new and future series including the forthcoming Twin Peaks revival plus hit series Billions which stars award-winning actors Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis.
It also includes on-demand access to a catalogue of back content for Sky’s 21m customers.
In a joint statement the two firms said premiere dates for the programming may vary by country and stressed that current rights agreements with other platforms will remain unchanged.
Gary Davey, Managing Director, Content, Sky commented: “This is one of the most important content deals Sky has ever agreed, cementing Sky’s position as the market-leader in Europe for world-class drama.
“The agreement means our customers can enjoy an incredible slate of upcoming new dramas like Billions, Twin Peaks and also explore hundreds of hours of amazing series such as DEXTER, CALIFORNICATION, THE AFFAIR and HOUSE OF LIES on-demand from the back catalog of one of the world’s most exciting pay TV networks.”
Armando Nuñez, President & CEO, CBS Global Distribution Group added: “This deal shows how robust and profitable Showtime has become as a standalone product and revenue stream.
“We look forward to working with our outstanding partners at Sky to present Showtime to its customers across Europe and on a wide range of their platforms.”