Comcast, ViacomCBS Create International Streaming Service

Comcast and ViacomCBS are joining forces to win over international streaming audiences. The companies will jointly debut a new international subscription video on-demand streaming service, SkyShowtime, next year in more than 20 European streaming markets, they announced today. The platform will comprise more than 10,000 hours of programming from ViacomCBS, NBCUniversal and Sky brands, including ViacomCBS streamer Paramount+ and premium cable brand Showtime, as well as NBCUniversal streamer Peacock. SkyShowtime is designed to service as an all-purpose streaming service spanning all genres and audiences categories, and is aimed at building both companies’ scale in international markets. Eventually, the service will be available in Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden, the companies said. The service is structured as a joint venture with equal investment from both ViacomCBS and Comcast. Here’s How the Biggest Streaming Services Stack Up in Mid-2021 The move comes on the heels of Comcast and ViacomCBS’ own efforts to push into international markets. Comcast recently announced that it would expand Peacock to Sky’s 20 million customers for no additional cost, while ViacomCBS recently said it would expand Paramount+ to Sky Cinema customers in the U.K., Ireland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. “With the launch of SkyShowtime we are well positioned to utilize our global content engine to create a compelling streaming offering, quickly and at scale, with a smart strategic phased investment,” Raffaele Annecchino, president and CEO, ViacomCBS Networks International, said in a statement. “As a complement to our recently announced Paramount+ partnership with Sky in the U.K., Italy, and Germany, SkyShowtime represents a huge opportunity to accelerate our market expansion and build a leadership position in SVOD in Europe.” The planned service, which is still subject to regulatory approval, underscores how important international markets are to streamers that are looking to grow their consumer bases to capture a corner of streaming subscription revenue. Expanding internationally, though, is costly and time-consuming, and Comcast and ViacomCBS are betting that joining forces will allow them to lessen the cost of that expansion while also offering up a more compelling product overall. “Our new streaming service, SkyShowtime, will combine the best of the U.S. and Europe with iconic brands and world-class entertainment for millions of consumers in more than 20 new markets in Europe,” Dana Strong, group chief executive, Sky, said in a statement. “On the heels of Peacock coming to Sky, this partnership provides an innovative approach to quickly scale internationally and monetize content across Europe. Drawing on the strength of the incredible programming from NBCUniversal, Sky, and ViacomCBS, and powered by Peacock’s platform technology, SkyShowtime will provide a truly compelling lineup for the whole family and strong brand recognition across these regions.”

Streaming & OTT

Comcast and ViacomCBS Team Up on International Streaming Service, SkyShowtime

Featuring content from Paramount+ and Peacock, it will debut in Europe next year

Kelsey Sutton

About

Subscriptions

Events

Publications

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

Kelsey Sutton