Comcast and Paramount Skydance weigh future of SkyShowtime platform

SkyShowtime is available in 22 European markets, offering a mix of content from Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky Studios as well as Paramount shows such as western drama Yellowstone.

According to a report by Bloomberg, the SkyShowtime board wrote to the platform’s Chief Executive Officer Monty Sarhan this week saying that it is considering strategic options for the business – including shutting down the platform – amid a competitive and challenging market.

“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,” the board wrote.

Sarhan shared the board letter with employees along with his own memo. “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,” he wrote.

News of the potential closure of SkyShowtime comes amid corporate changes at parent companies Paramount and Comcast.

Comcast is planning to spin off NBC and its European media business Sky into a separate, publicly traded company, while Paramount is attempting to finalise its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns HBO Max.

The European Commission recently approved Paramount Skydance’s proposed $110bn acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Discover more here.