SkyShowtime, a European streaming joint venture of Comcast and Paramount Global, has acquired exclusive rights across all of Europe to 21 HBO Max European originals through a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery.
The agreement encompasses 168 episodes, or more than 150 hours, of local original scripted programming. Three series, previously not available anywhere, will premiere as SkyShowtime originals in 2023. This acquisition significantly accelerates the company’s entry into original programming, a key part of its content proposition.
SkyShowtime received regulatory approval in February 2022 and has already launched in 12 of its 22 markets. The remaining markets, including Albania, Andorra, Czechia, Hungary, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain, will debut during the first quarter of 2023.
According to Jon Farrar, head of programming at SkyShowtime, “local original programming has always been a key part of our content proposition. We are thrilled to announce this first step in our original programming strategy. We are uniquely dedicated to our markets and look forward to working with local writers and producers to bring even more authentic stories to our subscribers.”
The streaming service aims to provide a mix of local and exclusive content to its subscribers. In addition to local programming, it features exclusive films, new and exclusive scripted series, kids and family content, and a selection of iconic library titles and box sets from a variety of media companies such as Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks Animation, Paramount+, Showtime, Sky Studios, and Peacock.
The acquisition of these 21 HBO Max European originals will bolster the service’s local content offering, providing its subscribers with even more diverse and authentic stories to enjoy. The three series that will premiere as SkyShowtime originals in 2023 are set to be particularly exciting, as they have not been available anywhere else before. This acquisition is a significant step in the company’s push into original fare, and it is clear that SkyShowtime is committed to providing its subscribers with a diverse and engaging range of content.
