The companies behind SkyShowtime has discussed bringing Paramount+ and Peacock under one roof in the US domestic market.
According to the Wall Street Journal quoting people familiar with the situation, the idea of bringing the two streaming services together through either a partnership or a joint venture is just one of a number of options on the table following recent discussions.
The US version of Paramount+ carries the Star Trek and Yellowstone franchises, as well as simulcasts of CBS football games. Peacock is known for live soccer and football, originals like Poker Face, and a deep library that includes shows such as The Office.
A more in-depth offer would strengthen the consumer offering, particularly in Sports.
SkyShowtime launched in November 2022 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia, before beginning a wider rollout the following February.
Paramount has also been in talks with David Ellison’s Skydance Media – the company behind the recent Top Gun and Mission Impossible movies – and has already acquired preferred voting shares from controlling shareholder Shari Redstone through the Redstone family holding company National Amusements Inc. Skydance is reported to have reached the due diligence stage.
It’s not clear whether what impact the Ellison discussions might have on any future deal.
Discovery is also known to have held at least one discussion over a possible acquisition.
