| 1 | [[quoteright:320:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/showtime_logo.png]] |
| 2 | [[caption-width-right:320:''[[{{Tagline}} Brace Yourself]]'']] |
| 3 | |
| 4 | A pay channel in the model of Creator/{{HBO}}, Showtime debuted on the market in 1976. Originally based in California, the network expanded to national markets two years later. Its original owner was the first incarnation of Viacom (though various other companies owned parts of it over the years). After the Viacom-Creator/{{CBS}} split of 2006, ownership of Showtime Networks went to CBS Corporation, which succeeded the first Viacom. Since the second Viacom-CBS merger in 2019, Showtime has been operated by Creator/ParamountGlobal under its Domestic Media Networks division. |
| 5 | |
| 6 | Showtime often lags behind its rivals, HBO/Creator/{{Cinemax}} and Creator/{{Starz}}/Encore, primarily due to the other networks' stronger movie offerings. It may have lost the film libraries of its largest providers, Creator/{{Paramount}} Pictures (which was its corporate cousin from 1994 to 2005, and again since 2019), Creator/MetroGoldwynMayer and Creator/LionsGate, to their own Creator/MGMPlus (formerly Epix) in 2009 (not counting Creator/WarnerBros, Creator/{{Universal}} and Creator/ColumbiaPictures in addition to the other 3 studios mentioned), but it hasn't been hurt by this at all. For a significant period, Showtime held the rights to the ''Film/{{Twilight}}'' film franchise and have shown them [[AdoredByTheNetwork plenty of times]]. Current Showtime output deals include Creator/DreamWorksSKG (the live-action company), [[Creator/AmblinEntertainment Amblin Partners]], Creator/STXEntertainment and Creator/{{A24}}. [[note]]With the acquisition of Starz by Lionsgate and MGM taking full control of Epix, not to mention the re-merger between Viacom and CBS, it was speculated that Paramount films could return to Showtime once Epix's output deal expires in 2022. However, Epix and Paramount instead extended their deal to 2023 in an arrangement that allowed Paramount to stream some of their movies 45 days after theatrical release on Creator/ParamountPlus.[[/note]] |
| 7 | |
| 8 | Original programming is a different story, as Showtime's offerings generally rival those of HBO. Some of their best known series include ''Series/{{Weeds}}'' (which was also AdoredByTheNetwork), ''Series/{{Dexter}}'', ''Series/UnitedStatesOfTara'' and ''Series/{{Homeland}}''. Back in TheNineties, Showtime was known more for genre shows (with a reliance on RecycledTheSeries), with ''Series/StargateSG1'', ''Series/PoltergeistTheLegacy'', and a {{revival}} of ''[[Series/TheOuterLimits1963 The Outer Limits]]'' in [[Series/{{TheOuterLimits1995}} 1995]] all getting their start on the network. |
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| 10 | Back in TheEighties, one of its earliest original series was ''Creator/ShelleyDuvall's Series/FaerieTaleTheatre'', a low-budget but well-acted and written series that re-told classic fairy tales with {{all star cast}}s, including some of the biggest names in Hollywood. The series was so popular that it became one of the earliest series to get released on home video. A SpiritualSuccessor called ''Shelley Duvall's Bedtime Stories'' also ran for three years in the 90's. Another notable early original series was ''Brothers'', one of the first shows to address [[GayAesop gay issues]], which is also notable for the novelty of Yeardley Smith, best known for her role as [[WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons Lisa Simpson]], in a live-action setting, for being produced by Paramount's [[UsefulNotes/HomeVideoDistributors home video division]] for its' first couple of seasons (production transferred to Paramount Television in 1987), and for being [[KeepCirculatingTheTapes hard to find]]. |
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| 12 | Being a premium network, it has more lenient standards when it comes to profanity and nudity (this is after all where Creator/DavidDuchovny got his start as the "host" of ''Red Shoe Diaries''); something which has been lampshaded over the years. Showtime's sibling networks fall under the Showtime Networks umbrella, and include Creator/TheMovieChannel (which is focused on older, genre and independent films), and Flix (which focuses on films from the 1970s and beyond). It also formerly included the Smithsonian Channel, part of a unique deal CBS has with the Smithsonian Institution for rights to programming involving Smithsonian exhibits and properties, but since the second Viacom-CBS merger, the channel has been operated by Creator/{{MTV}} Entertainment Group instead. |
| 13 | |
| 14 | In addition to linear cable and satellite TV, a standalone streaming version of the network, also called Showtime, is available from both the network itself and via various streaming partners as an add-on (including Amazon, Hulu and Roku); unlike HBO Now (and subsequently Creator/HBOMax), the Showtime streaming service includes the linear feeds of the main Showtime network (though only customers who subscribe via Amazon have streaming versions of the multiplex networks mentioned below). As of 2021 there is also a bundle available (comparable to the Creator/DisneyPlus / Creator/{{Hulu}} / Creator/{{ESPN}}+ bundle) that combines Showtime with sister streaming service Creator/ParamountPlus; a linear channel, ''Showtime Selects'', featuring older Showtime originals is also available via the free [=ViacomCBS=] streaming service Creator/PlutoTV. |
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| 16 | In 2023, [[https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/showtime-renamed-paramount-plus-with-showtime-1235506843/ it was announced the the linear channel would be renamed "Paramount+ With Showtime"]], and add reruns of Paramount+ original programs to the network's schedule. The service's streaming platforms (a direct-to-consumer service and the cable-specific TV Everywhere platform Showtime Anytime, which required a subscription to the linear Showtime channel package) would also be discontinued as the Paramount planned to fully integrate all of Showtime's content into the premium tier of Paramount+. In October 2023, Paramount announced it would shut down the Showtime Sports division, eliminating the network's boxing and mixed martial arts events (making it the last American premium cable network to discontinue live sports) as well as its sports documentaries and interview shows.[[note]]Premier Boxing Champions (which had oversaw most of Showtime's boxing matches since 2018) would later reach a deal to stream its events on Creator/PrimeVideo, while Paramount Global sold its Bellator MMA promotion (which the company, dating to its existence as the post-CBS split Viacom, had seeming trouble figuring out what to do with it as the promotion's fights jumped between multiple Viacom-owned networks—like [=MTV2=], Creator/ParamountNetwork and [[Creator/MGMPlus Epix]]—before settling on Showtime in 2021) to the rival Professional Fighters League.[[/note]] The separate Showtime streaming service and Showtime Anytime ceased operations within two weeks of each other in December 2023. |
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| 18 | The main Showtime channel was renamed Paramount+ With Showtime on January 8, 2024; however, the Showtime brand remains in standalone use on the network's multiplex channels (likely to avoid giving them such unnecessarily wordy naming schemes as "Paramount+ with [=SHOxBET=]") and for marketing of the network's own original programming. Ironically and confusingly given the name change and addition of Paramount+ content, in a stark contrast to what HBO did when HBO Max (now simply Max) launched, Paramount elected not to provide Showtime subscribers complimentary access to the Paramount+ with Showtime streaming tier via their provider login; this means Showtime subscribers must either pay for an additional subscription to receive the Paramount+ library or use their provider's proprietary streaming app or a live TV streaming service (like [=DirecTV=] Stream, [=YouTube=] TV or Hulu) to stream the network's content. |
| 19 | |
| 20 | Showtime has seven [[TimeshiftChannel sister networks]] that are almost always included with the main channel to make the network a good value for most of its audience (the collection of networks was once branded as '''Showtime Unlimited'''): |
| 21 | * '''Showtime 2''': A secondary channel that offers a separate schedule of movies, original series and specials. Launched on October 1, 1991, the channel was previously named Showtime Too from 2001 to 2006. |
| 22 | * '''Showcase''': Similar to Showtime 2, Showcase features movies, first-run feature films and original made-for-cable films originally produced for Showtime. Launched in 1996, the channel was previously named "Showtime 3" until July 1, 2001. (This channel is not affiliated in any way with other channels using the "Showcase" name that exist in other countries, particularly those in Canada or Australia.) |
| 23 | * '''SHO×BET''': Launched in September 1999, it was formerly known as Showtime Beyond and featured a mix of science fiction, fantasy and horror films, as well as made-for-cable science fiction series produced for Showtime. It was discontinued on July 15, 2020, and replaced with SHO×BET. SHO×BET now focuses on programming aimed at African American audiences and incorporating original scripted content targeted at that demographic from Showtime and BET's respective libraries. |
| 24 | * '''Showtime Extreme''': Launched on March 10, 1998, Showtime Extreme airs action and adventure films, thriller films, gangster films and sporting events (including mixed martial arts and boxing matches). The channel carries over 60 movies each month, along with a Sunday double feature spotlighting a different action star. |
| 25 | * '''Showtime Family Zone''': Launched in March 2001, Showtime Family Zone features family-oriented programming, including movies and specials aimed at a younger audience. All movies seen on the channel are rated G, PG, or PG-13 (or the equivalent TV-G, TV-PG, or TV-14), with no content at or above R or TV-MA airs on the channel. |
| 26 | * '''Showtime Next''': Launched in March 2001, Showtime Next features movies geared towards adults between 18 and 34 years old. The channel features over 50 films each month, including original made-for-cable movies, and live action and animated short films; it also broadcasts documentaries and concert specials. |
| 27 | * '''Showtime Women''': Launched in March 2001, Showtime Women features movies, Showtime original series and specials aimed at a female audience. |
| 28 | |
| 29 | !!Shows and original films that Showtime have aired: |
| 30 | '''Bold''' indicates ongoing programs. |
| 31 | [[index]] |
| 32 | * ''Series/TheAffair'' (2014-19) |
| 33 | * ''Film/AnAmericanCrime'' (2008) |
| 34 | * ''Film/BastardOutOfCarolina'' (1996 film) |
| 35 | * ''Bedtime Stories'' (1992-94)[[/index]] |
| 36 | * Bellator MMA (2021-2023; originally on Creator/SpikeTV[=/=]Creator/ParamountNetwork and later CBS Sports Network)[[index]] |
| 37 | * ''Series/TheBigC'' (2010-13) |
| 38 | * '''''Series/{{Billions}}''''' (2016-present) |
| 39 | * ''Series/{{Bizarre}}'' (1980-1985; co-production with Creator/{{CTV}}) |
| 40 | * ''Series/BlackMonday'' (2019-21) |
| 41 | * ''Film/BlackScorpion'' (1995) |
| 42 | * ''Film/{{Body Bags|1993}}'' (1993) |
| 43 | * ''Series/TheBorgias'' (2011-13) |
| 44 | * ''Film/BorisAndNatasha'' (1992) |
| 45 | * ''Series/{{Brotherhood}}'' (2006-08) |
| 46 | * ''Brothers'' (1984-89) |
| 47 | * ''The Busy World of Richard Scarry'' (1993-95) |
| 48 | * ''Series/{{Californication}}'' (2007-14) |
| 49 | * ''Film/TheCaineMutinyCourtMartial'' (2023) |
| 50 | * ''Series/CityOnAHill'' (2019, 2021-22) |
| 51 | * ''Series/TheComeyRule'' (2020) |
| 52 | * '''''Series/{{TheCurse|2023}}''''' (2023) |
| 53 | * ''Series/DeadLikeMe'' (2003-04) |
| 54 | * ''Series/DeadMansGun'' (1997-99) |
| 55 | * ''Creator/DesusAndMero'' (2019-2022) |
| 56 | * ''Series/{{Dexter}}'' (2006-13, 2021-22) |
| 57 | * ''Series/EscapeAtDannemora'' (2018 miniseries) |
| 58 | * ''Series/{{Episodes}}'' (2011-12, 2014-15, 2017) |
| 59 | * ''Series/FaerieTaleTheatre'' (1982-87) |
| 60 | * ''Series/FatActress'' (2005) |
| 61 | * '''''Series/FellowTravelers''''' (2023) |
| 62 | * ''Series/TheFirstLady'' (2022) |
| 63 | * ''Film/FullBodyMassage'' (1995) |
| 64 | * ''Series/FullColorFootball'' (2010) |
| 65 | * ''Series/GeorgeAndTammy'' (2022) |
| 66 | * ''Literature/TheGoodLordBird'' (2020) |
| 67 | * ''Series/{{Guerrilla}}'' (2017) |
| 68 | * ''Series/{{Homeland}}'' (2011-15, 2017-20) Winner of the 2012 Emmy for Best Drama. |
| 69 | * ''Series/HouseOfLies'' (2012-16) |
| 70 | * ''Series/{{Huff}}'' (2004-2006) |
| 71 | * ''Theatre/{{The Humans|2021}}'' (2021 film; simultaneously released in theaters by Creator/{{A24}}) |
| 72 | * ''Inside NASCAR'' (2009-12)[[/index]] |
| 73 | * ''Inside the NFL'' (2008-21 after a ChannelHop from HBO, one of the [[LongRunner Long Runners]] of cable)[[index]] |
| 74 | * ''Film/InThePresenceOfMineEnemies'' (1997) |
| 75 | * ''Series/ItsGarryShandlingsShow'' (1986-90) |
| 76 | * ''Series/{{The Hunger|1997}}'' (1997-2000) |
| 77 | * ''Series/{{Jeremiah}}'' (2002-04) |
| 78 | * ''Series/{{Kidding}}'' (2018, 2020) |
| 79 | * ''Series/LetTheRightOneIn'' (2022) |
| 80 | * ''Series/TheLoudestVoice'' (2019) |
| 81 | * ''Series/TheLWord'' (2004-09) |
| 82 | ** ''The L Word: Generation Q'' (2019-21) |
| 83 | * ''Literature/{{Lolita}}'' (1997) |
| 84 | * ''Series/MastersOfHorror'' (2005-07) |
| 85 | * ''Series/MastersOfSex'' (2013-16) |
| 86 | * ''Series/Moonbase8'' (2020) |
| 87 | * ''Creator/{{Motown}} On Showtime'' (1987-89) |
| 88 | * ''A New Day In Eden'' (1982-83) |
| 89 | * ''Series/NurseJackie'' (2009-15) |
| 90 | * ''Series/OnBecomingAGodInCentralFlorida'' (2019) |
| 91 | * ''WesternAnimation/OurCartoonPresident'' (2018-20) |
| 92 | * ''Series/{{The Outer Limits|1995}}'' (1995-2000, seasons 1-6) |
| 93 | * ''Series/{{The Paper Chase|1978}}'' (1983-86) |
| 94 | * ''Series/PennAndTellerBullshit'' (2003-10) |
| 95 | * ''Series/PennyDreadful'' (2014-16) |
| 96 | ** ''Series/PennyDreadfulCityOfAngels'' (2020) |
| 97 | * ''Series/PoltergeistTheLegacy'' (1996-98; first two seasons) |
| 98 | * ''Series/PatrickMelrose'' (2018) |
| 99 | * ''Film/{{Piranha}}'' (1995) |
| 100 | * ''Series/QueerAsFolkUS'' (2000-05) |
| 101 | * ''WesternAnimation/QueerDuck'' (2000, 2002) |
| 102 | * ''Series/RayDonovan'' (2013-20) |
| 103 | * ''Film/{{Roadracers}}'' (1994) |
| 104 | * ''Series/SecretDiaryOfACallGirl'' (2008-11) |
| 105 | * ''Series/{{Shameless|US}}'' (remake of the [[Series/ShamelessUK UK series]], 2011-21) |
| 106 | * ''Sherman Oaks'' (1995-97) |
| 107 | * Showtime Championship Boxing (1986-2023) |
| 108 | * ''Series/SleeperCell'' (2005-06) |
| 109 | * ''Series/{{SMILF}}'' (2017, 2019) |
| 110 | * '''''Series/SuperPumped''''' (2022-present) |
| 111 | * ''Series/StargateSG1'' (1997-2002, seasons 1-5) |
| 112 | * ''Steven Banks Home Entertainment Center'' (1989) |
| 113 | * ''Series/StreetTime'' (2002-03) |
| 114 | * ''Series/SuperDave'' (1987-91; co-production with Creator/GlobalTelevisionNetwork) |
| 115 | * ''Tall Tales and Legends'' (1985-87) |
| 116 | * ''The Man Who Fell To Earth'' (2022) |
| 117 | * ''Radio/ThisAmericanLife'', television version (2007-09) |
| 118 | * ''Series/TotalRecall2070'' (1999) |
| 119 | * ''Series/TheTudors'' (2007-10) |
| 120 | * ''Series/TwinPeaks'': The Return (2017) |
| 121 | * ''Series/UnitedStatesOfTara'' (2009-11) |
| 122 | * ''Film/{{Vampirella}}'' (1996 MadeForTVMovie) |
| 123 | * ''WebVideo/WebTherapy'' (2011-15) |
| 124 | * ''Series/{{Weeds}}'' (2005-12) |
| 125 | * ''Series/WhoIsAmerica'' (2018) |
| 126 | * '''''Series/{{Yellowjackets}}''''' (2021-present) |
| 127 | * ''Series/YourHonor'' (2020-21, 2023) |
| 128 | * ''Series/{{Ziwe}}'' (2021-22) |
| 129 | [[/index]] |
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