ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) and Sky have announced that Paramount+ will launch on Sky platforms in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria (GSA) in 2022.
The launch is part of a new multi-year distribution agreement that also includes the extended carriage of ViacomCBS’ portfolio of pay-TV channels and the renewal of Sky as an ad sales partner in select markets.
Commenting on the development, Raffaele Annecchino, president and CEO, VCNI, said: “We are thrilled to expand our long-standing partnership with Sky to continue delivering ViacomCBS’ leading portfolio of premium entertainment brands to Sky customers and importantly bring Paramount+ to new audiences in all Sky markets, including the UK, Ireland, Italy, and GSA.
“This transformative distribution deal is key to accelerating our global ambitions in streaming while also supporting Sky’s strategic objectives to better serve audiences with greater flexibility in how they consume our content across all platforms”.
Stephen van Rooyen, executive VP & chief executive, UK & Europe at Sky, added: “This is another example of how we are innovating for our customers and further aggregating all the best apps and content together in one place on Sky Q, giving them more great TV to watch than ever before. Paramount+ is an excellent service with a huge range of fantastic films and TV series, and our new, broader agreement with ViacomCBS will benefit both businesses”.
Upon launch, Sky Cinema subscribers will get the bonus of Paramount+ included at no additional cost, providing access to two services side by side with more than 10,000 hours of extra content for one price. As part of this partnership, Paramount Pictures’ feature films will remain available on Sky Cinema in the UK and will join Sky Cinema in Germany and Italy in 2022. All other Sky customers will be able to subscribe to Paramount+ as an add-on to their account.
Paramount+ features a catalogue of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including Showtime, BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel, in addition to an offering of premier local content.
Outside of the US, the premium streaming service offers nearly 3,000 episodes of kids’ content, 1,000 episodes of reality, more than 500 films, and 2,500 hours of Paramount+ Originals, CBS and Showtime series, dramas and sitcoms.
