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SkyShowtime, the European streaming service co-owned by Comcast and Paramount Skydance, could be shuttered.
This was the warning in a letter from the board of the joint venture to SkyShowtime CEO Monty Sarhan, which
said a “review of strategic options for the business” had begun. Sarhan subsequently shared the letter — which has been seen by Variety — with staff at the company.
“SkyShowtime operates in one of the most competitive markets in our industry. Despite the excellent work of the team and the strength of what you and the team have built, the landscape continues to evolve rapidly, and remains highly challenging,” the letter stated. “Against that backdrop, SkyShowtime’s shareholders are commencing a review of strategic options for the business, which includes the possibility of a wind down. No decisions have been made, and all options remain under consideration.”
SkyShowtime was launched in late 2022 and gradually rolled out across more than 20 European territories, combining content from Peacock, Paramount+ and Sky. But the impending Paramount-WBD deal has led to uncertainty at the company, with reports in the media of plans to quietly fold the service into Paramount+.
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,” Sarhan said in his message to SkyShowtime employees. “Together, we have created a community and culture with empathy, opportunity, and innovation at its heart. Whatever comes next, we will all continue to be there for one another.”
The letter from the SkyShowtime board underlined that, with much still undecided, the service continued to operate as normal.
“We know the most important question this raises is what it means for the SkyShowtime team. This update is the beginning of a dialogue, not the end of one,” it said. “The service continues to operate as normal for customers and partners, and every role continues unchanged today. At this time, we ask that the team remain focused on bringing our audiences the quality of service and programming you have all expertly delivered over the years, and maintaining momentum of the operating business into 2027.”
