Sky has signed a long-term licensing agreement that will see Sky Atlantic become the exclusive home to programming produced for the US Showtime network.
The deal with CBS Corporation covers the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Italy. Previously, Sky has licensed select Showtime content from CBS on a programme by programme basis.
Sky Atlantic is also the channel for HBO content and many of its own original productions.
Gary Davey, Managing Director, Content, Sky said: “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. We are enormously proud that Sky will be the exclusive home to new Showtime programmes for many years to come, building on a relationship that has grown over time including producing three successful seasons of Penny Dreadful together.”
Armando Nuñez, President & CEO, CBS Global Distribution Group, added: “This is the most significant international deal in the history of Showtime, and further signals the value and prestige of its content brand in the global marketplace. 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.”
The output deal tops a similar agreement made last year between CBS and Canada’s Bell Media. It spans all new and future series including Billions, which premiered in the US with the best series debut performance ever for a Showtime original series. Other new series include the return of Twin Peaks and new seasons of hits such as Ray Donovan and The Affair. The agreement also means customers will have on-demand access to an acclaimed catalogue of premium Showtime programming including Californication, Dexter and Nurse Jackie.
