Showtime and Paramount+ are combining

Although the streaming industry is still consolidating, this isn't necessarily making it easier to decide where to watch what. The most recent change was Showtime joining Paramount+. Despite not officially announcing the change, parent firm Paramount had been considering it for some time before Variety first learned about it from a memo sent internally by Paramount CEO Bob Backish. "Paramount+ with SHOWTIME" was the outcome. Even if it is awkward and capitalized, that is the official name. The real change won't happen right away; Backish's only timing indication in the memo was "later this year," but it is a component of a wider sea change that actually began a few years ago. The first version of the streaming service owned by Paramount was called CBS All Access (back then it was all a part of ViacomCBS). The Paramount name took over in 2021 because the broadcaster known as CBS doesn't have a presence outside of the United States. We were expecting more consolidation, which leads us to the most recent information. Photo Credit: Newsweek The modification also creates a two-way street that, when taken as a whole, is perplexing but manageable for the average consumer. The Paramount+ app will feature Showtime-branded programming, and some Paramount+ originals will be accessible via linear (i.e., non-streaming) Showtime subscriptions. For instance: As part of a cable subscription, you'll probably be able to view shows like Ray Donovan on the Paramount+ app or Mayor of Kingstown on Showtime. Backish stated in the memo seen by Variety that "this new integrated offering highlights how we can harness our whole library of content to build deeper connections with customers and more value for our distribution partners." Due to the fact that international Paramount+ already incorporates Showtime material, this shift will also result in a stronger alignment between our domestic and international Paramount+ offers. Photo Credit: Fierce Video If prices for Paramount+ alter after Showtime is fully absorbed, Backish left that information out of his internal memo. No information has been provided regarding the precise length of time the solo Showtime streaming service will be accessible, but we would anticipate that it will end eventually.