Comcast and ViacomCBS have partnered to launch a new subscription VoD (SVoD) service in more than 20 European markets, covering 90 million homes. Called SkyShowtime, it brings together premium and original content from Comcast's Sky, Universal Pictures, NBCUniversal and Peacock and the ViacomCBS brands Showtime, Paramount+, Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon.
The service will launch in over 20 markets across Europe starting in 2022, subject to regulatory approval. This will include Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, the Nordics, and Central and Eastern Europe. The service will offer access to more than 10,000 hours of entertainment, including first-run new movies and TV seasons launching each month.
The partnership will be set up as a JV with equal investment and joint control by Comcast and ViacomCBS. Further details on the service, including pricing, will be unveiled at a later date.
Raffaele Annechino, CEO and President of ViacomCBS Networks International, said the new service would complement the recently announced Paramount+ partnership with Sky in the UK, Germany and Italy. Sky also plans to launch Comcast's Peacock streaming service in Europe later this year.
Sky Group CEO Dana Strong said the new service would combine the best of US and European brands and content for millions of consumers across Europe, driving brand recognition across the region.
