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Paramount Network (international)
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Paramount Network (International)
Product typeTelevision broadcaster
OwnerParamount Skydance Corporation
CountryUnited States
Introduced
List
Discontinued
List

Paramount Network[1] is an international television channel brand owned and operated by the Paramount International Networks division of Paramount Skydance Corporation that showcase its selected television productions and the film catalogue of its filming division, Paramount Pictures. First launched in Spain on 30 March 2012, as Paramount Channel, the brand has since been or was operated in territories across Europe, East Africa, Latin America and Asia.

History

[edit]

As Paramount Channel

[edit]

To date, Paramount Channel has launched in Spain in March 2012, France in September 2013, Hungary in February 2014, Russia in January 2014,[2] Romania on January 14, 2014,[3] Latin America in November 2014,[4] Sweden in December 2014, Poland in March 2015, Italy and Thailand in February and May 2016, and in the Middle East in April 2017.[5]

Relaunch as Paramount Network

[edit]
Paramount Network logo without the mountain, used since 2018

In May 2018, Viacom announced that the original Paramount Channel in Spain would relaunch as a local version of the U.S Paramount Network, switching to a general entertainment format with television series and films.[6] The same relaunch as the Paramount Network occurred in Italy on March 16, 2019,[7] and in Latin America on April 14, 2020.[8] On October 20, 2020, it was announced that the Hungarian version would also rebrand as the Paramount Network, and the rebranding date was confirmed on November 23 that year. Paramount Channel in Hungary rebranded as the Paramount Network on December 17, 2020.[9][10] In December 2020, ViacomCBS announced Prima Comedy Central in the Czech Republic will be rebranded as Paramount Network.[11] Paramount Network launched effectively on January 12, 2021. On January 26, 2021, ViacomCBS announced through the Paramount Channel Asia official Facebook page that the Paramount Channel in Thailand, Malaysia, and the Pacific Islands (including the Philippines) was to be rebranded as Paramount Network on February 1, 2021.

On January 20, 2025, Paramount Channel France rebranded as Paramount Network being the first international version to adopt the branding introduced for the US in 2024, and finally retiring the Paramount Channel name introduced almost 13 years ago.[12]

Gradual cease in operations

[edit]

In 2021, Paramount Global began discontinuing operations of Paramount Network internationally, starting with Romania and Moldova, where it was replaced by TeenNick.

In August 2021, Paramount Networks International agreed a deal with Comcast Corporation's Sky Group[13][14][15] to launch the Paramount+ streaming service in various European markets via Sky's set-top boxes[16] and devices.[17] To reduce overall branding confusion with Paramount+, Paramount Network in the UK was rebranded as 5Action on 19 January 2022, without any overall changes to its programme schedule.[18][19]

Less than two weeks before the UK rebranding, rumors begin to surge about Paramount Network and Spike in Italy closing on January 17, 2022.[20] This was later confirmed, with Mediaset acquiring the positions left unused on DTT,[21] and Paramount Network being replaced with the channel Twentyseven.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, all the channels under the control of Paramount Global were discontinued from Russia, including the Paramount Channel, on April 28, 2022. The channel would be permanently discontinued in CIS regions and Ukraine on January 4, 2023.[22][23][24]

By April 1, 2024, Paramount Network ceased operations in Southeast Asia following the arrival of both streaming platforms, Paramount+ which launched in June via Blast TV, and Pluto TV which will launch in the near future.

On October 8, 2025, Paramount announced that Paramount Network will shut down in France on November 30, 2025 along with Game One and J-One[25], in the same day was announced that the channel also will shut down in Latin America on December 31, 2025 (for the same day as in Central Eastern European countries[26]) along with TeenNick, NickMusic and the MTV thematic channels (MTV 80s, MTV 00s, MTV Hits, MTV Live and Club MTV) due to the company's global restructuring policy.[27]

On October 22, 2025, Paramount announced that Paramount Network will shut down in Spain on DTT and pay TV platforms on December 31, 2025, as part of a global cost-cutting program by Paramount Skydance Corporation.[28]

Programming

[edit]

The original Paramount Channel in Spain primarily broadcast films from the 1980s and 1990s, as well as recent television series. The international versions that followed shared a similar format but never the same programming. For instance, films from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s were broadcast in France, recent TV series and 1990s and 2000s films were broadcast in Italy, and films and TV series from the 1930s, 1970s, 1980s, 2000s, and 2010s were broadcast in Hungary, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Russia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. In addition to airing films, some versions in other countries are also airing combat sporting events from mixed martial arts promotion Bellator MMA.

Following the rebranding of the channel (along with international Spike channels) as Paramount Network, it now adds series from its U.S. domestic counterpart as well as from the television production companies of Paramount Global and from acquisition of syndicated programming. In some countries, shows from Comedy Central are also aired on the channel.

List of channels

[edit]

Operating

[edit]
Country Name Launch date Former names
United States Paramount Network March 7, 1983 The Nashville Network (1983–2000)
The National Network (2000–2001)
The New TNN (2001–2003)
Spike TV (2003–2006)
Spike (2006–2018)
Spain Paramount Network March 30, 2012 Paramount Channel (2012–2018)
France Paramount Network [fr] September 5, 2013 Paramount Channel (2013–2025)
Hungary Paramount Network February 14, 2014 Paramount Channel (2014–2020)
Latin America Paramount Network November 2014
Poland Paramount Network March 2015 Viacom Blink! (2011–2015)
Czech Republic Paramount Network January 12, 2021 Prima Comedy Central (2015–2021)
Netherlands Paramount Network February 14, 2011 TeenNick (2011–2015)
Spike (2015–2022)

Defunct

[edit]
Country Name Launch date Shutdown date Former names Replaced by
United Kingdom The Paramount Channel November 1, 1995 February 1997 Paramount Comedy Channel (currently Comedy Central)
5Spike April 15, 2015 January 7, 2020 Spike (2015–2017) Paramount Network (currently 5Action)
Paramount Network July 4, 2018 January 19, 2022 5Action
Arabia Paramount Channel April 15, 2017 September 1, 2020
Romania and Moldova Paramount Channel May 28, 2014 January 12, 2021 TeenNick
Austria Paramount Network 2019 October 31, 2021
Denmark Paramount Network 2019 January 1, 2022 Comedy Central (2014–2019)
Finland Paramount Network 2019 December 31, 2021
Italy Paramount Network February 2016 January 17, 2022 Paramount Channel (2016–2019)
Spike October 22, 2017 January 17, 2022 Fine Living (2014–2017)
Sweden Paramount Network January 15, 2019 January 1, 2022 Comedy Central (2009–2019)
Australia Spike July 1, 2016 February 27, 2022
Hungary RTL Spike December 1, 2016 January 12, 2021 TeenNick
Russia & CIS Paramount Channel 2014 April 28, 2022 (Russia)
December 14, 2022 (Belarus)
January 4, 2023 (CIS)
Spike March 15, 2017 June 1, 2021
Asia Paramount Channel 2021 2023 (Vietnam and Hong Kong)
2024 (everywhere in Asia)
Philippines Paramount Network June 1, 2019 April 1, 2024
Hungary Paramount Network January 12, 2021 December 31, 2025
Czech Republic and Slovakia Paramount Network January 12, 2021 December 31, 2025

Notes

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References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Paramount Network (international)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

(international) is a channel brand owned and operated by , the division of responsible for overseas media operations, delivering entertainment programming such as scripted series, , and feature films to subscribers across multiple regions including , , and . Launched progressively in various markets since the early through rebranding and new channel introductions, Paramount Network channels emphasize premium content from Paramount's studios, including hits like Yellowstone and other ViacomCBS-produced properties adapted for local audiences. The brand's international footprint supports Paramount's strategy of extending its U.S.-centric portfolio globally, often via partnerships with local broadcasters and cable providers, reaching households in countries such as , , and . While the network has contributed to Paramount's expansion in competitive international markets by offering ad-supported and subscription-based viewing options, it operates amid broader industry shifts toward streaming, with some linear channels facing reduced in select regions due to cost-cutting measures. No major controversies have been prominently associated with the international iteration, distinguishing it from occasional U.S.-specific programming debates.

History

Origins and launch as Paramount Channel

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), the international division of Viacom, announced the creation of Paramount Channel on March 27, 2012, marking the first global launch of a dedicated -branded television channel. The initiative aimed to leverage ' extensive film library, spanning over 100 years of production, to offer a 24-hour movie service targeted at broadening Viacom's entertainment portfolio beyond music and youth-oriented channels like and . The channel debuted in Spain on March 30, 2012, as VIMN's fourth network in the market, distributed via free-to-air broadcast and featuring classic and contemporary films from Paramount's catalog, including titles like The Godfather and Transformers. VIMN CEO Robert Bakish described the rollout as a "significant commitment" to premium cinematic content, positioning it as a premium yet accessible option in competitive European markets. Initial programming emphasized Hollywood blockbusters and genre films to attract a general adult audience, with plans for phased expansion into other regions using localized feeds.

Initial expansion and programming focus

Following its debut in Spain on March 30, 2012, as a channel distributed via , Paramount Channel pursued rapid expansion across . The service launched in in 2013 through partnerships with local broadcasters, followed by debuts in and in early 2014, where it targeted pay-TV households with a slate of Hollywood films. By November 2014, the channel extended into as a pay-TV offering in countries including , , and , leveraging Viacom's regional distribution networks to reach over 10 million households initially. The channel's programming emphasized a 24-hour lineup centered on feature films from the library, spanning classics and contemporary releases to appeal to adult audiences seeking premium cinematic content without subscription barriers in core markets. Early schedules featured blockbusters like Titanic and Transformers, interspersed with limited original programming such as film-themed talk shows, prioritizing dubbed or subtitled Hollywood exports over local productions to capitalize on brand recognition. This movie-focused strategy differentiated it from Viacom's music-oriented channels, aiming for 1-2% audience share in competitive free-to-air slots, though actual viewership in hovered below 1% in the first year amid economic constraints on . Expansion prioritized markets with established Viacom footprints, enabling cost efficiencies in content acquisition and localization.

Rebranding to Paramount Network

In 2018, Viacom initiated the rebranding of its international Paramount Channel services to , aligning them with the U.S. cable network that had relaunched from Spike TV earlier that year on January 18. The move aimed to leverage the global recognition of the Paramount brand, focusing on entertainment programming including films and series from . Spain became the first international market to adopt the branding, with the transition occurring on June 10, 2018, for the free-to-air channel previously known as Paramount Channel since its 2012 launch. This rebrand was part of a planned rollout across 12 territories, emphasizing a unified identity for Viacom's international operations. Subsequent rebrands followed in other regions, including on April 14, 2020, where the local Paramount Channel version transitioned to highlight premium scripted content and movies. In , additional markets such as rebranded on December 17, 2020, and the saw replace Spike on May 24, 2022. The process continued into 2025, with France's Paramount Channel becoming on January 20, reflecting ongoing efforts to standardize branding amid shifting market strategies. A proposed global shift to "Paramount Movie Network" in 2020, intended to prioritize made-for-TV movies, was announced but ultimately reversed by ViacomCBS, preserving the name internationally. This decision allowed the network to maintain flexibility in programming, blending films, series, and localized content across regions.

Peak operations and market adaptations

The rebranding of Paramount Channel to in select international markets marked a period of peak operational expansion during the late , aligning the international feeds more closely with the U.S. flagship channel's focus on premium entertainment. Launched initially as Paramount Channel in on March 30, 2012, the service expanded rapidly across and beyond, reaching Hungary by February 14, 2014, and in November 2014. By 2018, the network operated in over a dozen territories, including from March 2015 and the , with undergoing rebrand to on June 10, 2018, as Viacom's first such international alignment. This phase saw the channel become the largest ad-supported film network in regions like , leveraging Paramount's film library to attract advertisers and viewers amid pressures. Market adaptations emphasized localization to navigate regulatory and cultural variances, including dedicated language feeds with and subtitling in Spanish, , Hungarian, and Polish to broaden accessibility. In , the feed rebranded to on April 14, 2020, incorporating region-specific scheduling that prioritized dubbed Hollywood blockbusters and select series to compete with local broadcasters. European operations adapted through partnerships, such as distribution deals with platforms like Canal+ in , which bundled Paramount content with local channels to enhance carriage and monetization. Programming strategies shifted toward movie-centric lineups, with plans announced in September 2020 for a global reorientation to Paramount Movie Network, aiming for 52 original made-for-TV movies annually alongside quarterly miniseries to counter declining linear viewership with cost-effective, evergreen content. These adaptations reflected causal responses to fragmented markets, where international linear TV faced streaming competition; however, reliance on U.S.-sourced content limited deep localization, with co-productions remaining minimal compared to rivals like . Peak reach contributed to ' broader portfolio serving approximately 700 million subscribers across 180 countries by 2019, though specific household figures for Paramount Network alone were not publicly detailed, underscoring its role as a feeder for premium IP into emerging direct-to-consumer platforms.

Decline, closures, and strategic retreats

In response to eroding viewership and revenue from traditional linear television amid trends and competition from streaming platforms, Paramount Global undertook a strategic reevaluation of its international pay TV operations in 2025, prioritizing direct-to-consumer services like Paramount+ over unprofitable cable channels. This shift reflected broader financial pressures on the company, including a review launched in July 2025 to manage the declining linear business and redirect resources toward higher-growth digital investments. Announcements of channel closures accelerated in the second half of 2025, with Paramount Network among the affected brands in multiple regions. In Europe, the network was slated to cease operations by December 31, 2025, alongside MTV-branded music channels in markets including the UK, Benelux, and other continental areas, as part of a major withdrawal from linear TV distribution. In France, Paramount confirmed the shutdown of Paramount Network effective November 30, 2025, coinciding with the end of Game One and J-One. Similar cost-cutting measures extended to Central and Eastern Europe, where channels in Poland faced discontinuation by year-end, contributing to the reduction of nine outlets in the region. In , Paramount executed a drastic portfolio contraction, shutting down pay TV channels in —including elements tied to its premium entertainment slate—and scaling back operations across Spanish-speaking markets to streamline amid low returns. These retreats aligned with Paramount's post-acquisition strategy under new ownership, emphasizing content licensing to third-party platforms and streaming exclusivity over maintaining fragmented linear footprints, which had become unsustainable given audience fragmentation and static ad dollars.

Corporate Structure and Ownership

Parent company evolution

The international operations of Paramount Network, including its predecessor Paramount Channel, were initially overseen by Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), the global division of Viacom Inc. established after the 2006 corporate split from , which separated Viacom's cable and assets from CBS's broadcast properties. VIMN handled the expansion of Viacom-owned brands like and into international markets, launching Paramount Channel in select regions starting in 2014 as a movie-centric network. On December 4, 2019, Viacom Inc. merged with in a $30 billion all-stock transaction, reuniting the companies under ViacomCBS Inc. and integrating international assets into ViacomCBS Networks International, which continued to manage channels like amid efforts to consolidate content distribution and streaming strategies. This merger aimed to enhance scale against streaming competitors but faced challenges from overlapping operations and debt. ViacomCBS rebranded to on February 16, 2022, shifting focus to the Paramount intellectual property portfolio, including film, TV, and streaming via , while renaming the international division . On August 7, 2025, completed an $8 billion merger with , backed by and led by , resulting in a restructured entity with Skydance holding majority voting control through a new parent holding company, though Paramount-branded networks like the international remained under the operational umbrella to leverage legacy content libraries. This evolution reflects ongoing consolidation in media amid declining linear TV revenues, prioritizing digital assets over traditional international channel investments.

International divisions and partnerships

(PIN), a division of , manages the operations of the brand internationally through regional subsidiaries, including (covering , the , , and Asia) and (primarily ). These units handle localized channel feeds, content acquisition, and distribution agreements tailored to regional markets, with EMEAA headquartered in key locations such as and to oversee feeds in over 100 countries. Partnerships have facilitated market entry and content expansion, such as distribution deals with pay-TV operators like in Europe, where Paramount+ launched via Sky platforms in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland starting August 2021. A notable is SkyShowtime, co-owned with , serving ; the partners invested at least $1 billion by October 2025 to support its growth amid ongoing financial losses. In select regions, PIN collaborates on co-branded channels, including CBS-themed networks jointly operated with . Recent strategic shifts include divestitures, such as the October 2025 sale of Argentina's broadcast network—a key Latin American asset under —to local investor Gustavo Scaglione's media group, signaling retreats from certain linear TV operations. These moves align with broader cost-cutting, including channel closures in markets like by the end of 2025.

Relation to domestic US operations

The international Paramount Network channels are operated by (PIN), a division of that functions as the counterpart to the domestic unit responsible for the US-based . This structural separation enables region-specific adaptations in programming, distribution, and compliance with local broadcasting regulations, while leveraging the shared corporate ownership for brand alignment and content licensing. PIN handles overseas expansion of Paramount-branded properties, including localized versions of the network in markets such as , Latin America, and Asia, distinct from the US cable operations focused on flagship originals like Yellowstone. The adoption of the "" branding internationally commenced shortly after the US channel's rebranding from Spike on January 18, 2018, with Spain's channel transitioning from Paramount Channel to on June 10, 2018, marking the first such rollout outside the . This timing reflected an intentional strategy to mirror the domestic shift toward broad entertainment programming, encompassing US series premieres (e.g., NCIS spin-offs and The Librarians), movies, and general audience fare, rather than the US emphasis on premium scripted originals. Subsequent rebrands in countries like (July 2018) and (2018) followed a similar pattern, prioritizing market-specific content mixes over direct replication of the US schedule. Content relations between the domestic and international operations involve licensing agreements for US-produced programming, which PIN channels often acquire for or subtitling to suit local audiences, alongside original international commissions and regional acquisitions. However, operational independence is evident in divergent focuses: the US network prioritizes linear cable carriage deals and domestic ad , generating approximately $300 million annually in its peak years post-rebrand, whereas international variants emphasize pay-TV partnerships and hybrid models in emerging markets. No unified executive oversight or shared production pipelines exist beyond parent-level content syndication, allowing PIN to navigate geopolitical and cultural variances—such as content quotas in the —without impacting US strategies. Strategic synergies under include cross-promotion via the Paramount+ streaming service, launched internationally starting in 2021, which aggregates select Paramount Network content (e.g., Yellowstone seasons) for global access, bridging linear channel gaps. Yet, carriage disputes and revenue models remain siloed; for instance, domestic renewals like the 2025 Comcast deal covering Paramount Network do not extend to international affiliates. This delineation underscores a decentralized approach, with PIN reporting separate financials—international networks contributed about 15% of Paramount's global TV revenue in 2022—prioritizing scalability over integrated operations.

Content and Programming

Core content strategy

The core content strategy of Paramount Network international channels prioritizes premium, narrative-driven entertainment to attract pay-TV subscribers in competitive markets, drawing predominantly from ' film library and select television properties owned by . Channels under this brand, initially launched as Paramount Channel in and other regions from 2012, emphasize feature films spanning classic titles from the 1980s and 1990s alongside contemporary releases, genres including action, drama, and adventure that capitalize on the studio's blockbuster franchises such as and Transformers. This film-centric focus serves as the backbone, with programming schedules often dedicating the majority of airtime to movies to provide reliable, high-value viewing that justifies carriage agreements with distributors. Television series complement the movie slate, featuring U.S.-produced scripted content like crime procedurals (NCIS) and adventure series (The Librarians), introduced as network premieres to generate buzz and retain audiences seeking episodic storytelling beyond cinema. The strategy integrates hit acquisitions and limited originals, curated for broad adult appeal rather than niche demographics, with an emphasis on "edgy, compelling" narratives that align with Paramount's brand positioning of boundary-pushing entertainment. In international adaptations, content undergoes or subtitling to align with local languages, ensuring cultural accessibility while preserving the core Hollywood appeal that drives global licensing value. This approach reflects a deliberate windowing tactic, airing titles post-theatrical or streaming release to extract residual revenue from linear TV before digital migration erodes traditional viewership. By , aligned with U.S. network shifts, international operations explored amplifying made-for-TV movies and miniseries, targeting up to 52 annual productions to refresh schedules and counter fragmentation, though regional variations prioritize library exploitation over heavy original investment due to cost efficiencies in smaller markets. The overall model balances proven assets for steady ratings—evidenced by sustained operations in markets like since the 2018 rebrand—with flexibility for local partnerships, avoiding over-reliance on unproven content amid linear TV's declining share.

Localization and dubbing practices

Paramount International Networks employ region-specific localization strategies for their channels, adapting U.S.-origin programming to local languages and cultural contexts primarily through in markets where it dominates viewer preferences, such as , , , and , while favoring in English-speaking or Nordic regions. In dubbing-heavy territories, content from the core Paramount slate, including series like Starsky et Hutch and La Main au collet, undergoes full professional to synchronize lip movements, preserve emotional delivery, and incorporate idiomatic adaptations, often handled by specialized studios such as Lylo Media Group in . This approach aligns with local norms, where dubbed versions can enhance accessibility and perceived quality, as noted in cases where French dubs of American shows are reported to outperform originals in humor and flow due to adaptive scripting. Dubbing processes for Paramount channels emphasize fidelity to source material while allowing cultural tweaks, such as replacing region-inappropriate references or adjusting timing for natural phrasing, typically involving voice actors selected for matching and lip-sync refinement. By 2023, integrated tools to streamline localization, automating initial translation and voice synthesis drafts before human oversight, reducing costs and turnaround times for international feeds without compromising quality in high-volume markets. This hybrid method supports the distribution of flagship content across linear channels like Paramount Channel in , where dubbed episodes constitute a significant portion of schedules to meet regulatory quotas and audience expectations for immersive viewing. To complement imported dubbed content, Paramount invests in original local productions via its international studios, minimizing dubbing dependency by creating region-tailored series that inherently match linguistic and thematic preferences, as seen in commissions for European markets launched alongside Paramount+ expansions in 2022. These practices reflect a broader of balancing global consistency with market adaptation, evidenced by the proliferation of localized feeds since the early , though efficacy varies by territory—dubbing boosts retention in Romance-language but faces resistance in subtitle-favoring areas due to perceived authenticity loss.

Notable acquisitions and original productions

Paramount Television International Studios, responsible for content development outside the , has produced several scripted series tailored for international audiences accessible via channels and related platforms. Los Enviados (The Envoys), a Mexico-based thriller about Vatican emissaries investigating miracles and anomalies, premiered its first season on August 31, 2021, with production involving local firm Lemon Studios and a cast including Miguel Rodarte and ; the second season debuted on September 7, 2023. In the , The Gold, a fact-based crime drama depicting the 1983 Brink's-Mat gold bullion robbery, launched on February 12, 2023, featuring , , and as writer, drawing from real events involving £26 million in stolen gold. South Korea's Bargain, a centered on a auction during an earthquake, released in 2023, starring and emphasizing survival amid moral dilemmas. These efforts reflect a strategy to create region-specific narratives while integrating into Paramount's broader ecosystem, though linear channel airings often complement streaming availability. Acquisitions for international Paramount Network feeds predominantly draw from ' film catalog and U.S. series licensing, including ongoing rights to action franchises like —with films such as (2023) distributed globally post-theatrical release—and premium cable imports like Yellowstone, whose international syndication has bolstered viewership since 2018. Local market adaptations include securing regional content to enhance relevance, such as dubbed U.S. formats, amid a focus on cost-effective library exploitation over extensive new buys.

Channel Operations

Currently operating channels

Paramount Network maintains active linear channels in select international markets as of October 2025, focusing on entertainment programming such as scripted series, reality shows, and films from the library, often localized through dubbing or subtitling. These operations are managed by , with feeds tailored to regional audiences via cable, satellite, and IPTV distribution. However, recent announcements indicate widespread closures by late 2025, reflecting a broader pivot to streaming platforms like Paramount+. In , dedicated feeds serve countries including the and . The Czech version, operated by ViacomCBS Networks International Czech s.r.o., broadcasts from and remains available on major platforms, with recent continuity announcements confirming ongoing transmission as late as August 2025. In Poland, the channel, managed by Paramount Poland sp. z o.o., continues as a core offering alongside and , despite planned discontinuation across the region on December 31, 2025. A pan-regional feed targets , distributed via satellites such as 12 Vantage and 21, reaching countries across South and with adapted content. In , a localized variant persists, evidenced by October 2025 promotional campaigns, but all Paramount linear channels there, including this one, are slated to end operations on December 31, 2025, as the company withdraws from the Brazilian pay TV sector. In , the channel, rebranded from Paramount Channel earlier in 2025, operates through MTV Networks France S.A.S. until its closure on November 30, 2025. Similar end-of-year shutdowns are confirmed for and other select European markets, reducing the brand's linear footprint.

Defunct and closed channels

Several international iterations of , launched following the 2018 US rebrand of Spike, have been discontinued due to shifting viewer habits toward streaming and cost-reduction efforts by . In the , the predecessor channel 5 ceased operations in January 2020, with its programming slots repurposed for content on Channel 5's lineup. In , Paramount Network, which had rebranded from Spike in October 2018, ended broadcasting on January 16, 2022, amid low ratings and operational streamlining. Recent strategic retreats from linear TV have led to announcements of further closures. For instance, in is set to terminate transmissions on digital terrestrial television by December 31, 2025, aligning with broader European market adjustments. Similar expectations apply to variants in and the region by year's end, as part of Paramount's pivot to platforms like Paramount+.
RegionChannelClosure DateNotes
5Spike (predecessor)January 2020Programming migrated to Paramount Network slots.
ItalyParamount NetworkJanuary 16, 2022Rebranded from Spike; ceased due to viability issues.
SpainParamount NetworkDecember 31, 2025 (announced)DTT service discontinuation.

Technical specifications and distribution

Paramount Network international channels are broadcast primarily in standard definition (SD) at 720x576 resolution with a 16:9 in PAL regions, or 640x480 in areas, and high definition (HD) at 1920x1080 resolution, typically using progressive or interlaced scanning at 25 or 50 per second depending on the regional broadcast standard. Audio is delivered in PCM format at 24-bit depth and 48 kHz sampling rate, supporting stereo or multi-channel configurations such as where available. Content is packaged in MXF wrappers for delivery, ensuring compatibility with regional broadcasters' playout systems. Distribution occurs through a mix of cable, , and (IPTV) platforms, tailored to local markets where the channel operates, including parts of , , and select Asia-Pacific countries. In , for instance, Paramount Network HD launched on Italy's Tivusat service on July 30, 2020, providing access via DTH platforms. The channel first appeared in on March 30, 2012, and has since expanded to territories across and via pay-TV operators, though availability varies and some feeds have been discontinued in favor of streaming alternatives. In , distribution includes cable providers in countries like and , often bundled with other Paramount-branded entertainment channels. IPTV integration supports on-demand access through broadband services, aligning with Paramount Global's shift toward hybrid linear-digital models. No widespread 4K UHD distribution has been implemented for these channels as of 2025, with focus remaining on HD for cost-effective and cable carriage.

Business Model and Market Impact

Revenue sources and carriage deals

Paramount Network's international channels generate revenue primarily through affiliate fees paid by pay-TV distributors for carriage rights and advertising sales tailored to local markets. These fees, akin to those in Paramount Global's broader TV Media segment, compensate for distribution on cable, satellite, and IPTV platforms, while depends on audience reach and regional ad rates, which have faced pressures from economic conditions and shifts to . Carriage deals are negotiated regionally with major operators to secure channel placement, often bundling Paramount Network with other ViacomCBS-era brands like and . In , multi-year agreements with ensure distribution of Paramount Network across the , , , , and , integrating linear feeds with streaming access. Similarly, a 2022 renewal with in the UK extended carriage for Paramount's channel portfolio, including Paramount Network, while adding promotional ties to and . These pacts reflect a strategy to leverage bundled offerings amid declining linear viewership, though specific fee amounts remain undisclosed in public filings.

Competition and market challenges

In international markets, Paramount Network channels compete primarily with other premium pay-TV entertainment brands, including Warner Bros. Discovery's TNT and channels, Sky's entertainment lineup, and local operators such as Canal+ in Europe and in . These rivals often leverage exclusive sports rights, localized content, and bundled packages to retain subscribers, while Paramount Network relies on dubbed U.S. series like Yellowstone and acquired dramas, which face headwinds from viewer preferences for regionally produced programming mandated by regulations like the EU's 50% European content quota. Streaming giants such as and Disney+ further intensify rivalry by offering on-demand access to similar genres without carriage fees, capturing younger demographics shifting away from linear TV. Market challenges have prompted significant retrenchment, exemplified by Paramount Global's October 2025 announcements to shutter in regions including the , , , and parts of by December 31, 2025, as part of a strategic pivot from unprofitable linear assets. This follows earlier closures in and , where channels like were deemed non-core amid cost-cutting. The decisions stem from declining pay-TV subscriptions—international linear viewership has eroded due to trends mirroring the U.S., where Paramount's TV media revenues fell 13% to $4.53 billion in Q1 2025, driven by a 21% ad sales drop. High content licensing costs, averaging millions per series for and rights, exacerbate pressures, with internal cannibalization diverting audiences to ad-supported streaming alternatives. Regulatory hurdles compound these issues; for instance, Paramount faced scrutiny over in , leading to commitments for cross-border access that increased distribution complexities without boosting linear uptake. Economic factors, including and fluctuations in emerging markets, have led to a July 2025 review of international pay-TV operations, resulting in potential office closures in and workforce reductions of 3.5% globally to achieve $800 million in annual savings. Despite these measures, analysts note that without scale-enhancing mergers—like proposed Paramount-WBD deals facing antitrust risks—Paramount's international linear presence risks further contraction against agile streaming competitors.

Shift to digital and streaming alternatives

In response to declining linear television viewership and carriage revenues, Paramount Global announced on October 22, 2025, the closure of its international channels in multiple regions, including , , , and , effective December 31, 2025. This decision aligns with broader cost-cutting measures amid a strategic pivot away from traditional cable and satellite distribution toward digital platforms. The shutdowns extend to Europe, where Paramount Network operations, alongside channels like MTV Music variants and Comedy Central Extra, are slated to cease broadcasting by the end of 2025, reflecting a regional trend of rationalizing linear assets to prioritize profitability. In the UK, the channel had already been rebranded as 5Action on January 19, 2022, to mitigate branding overlap with the expanding Paramount+ service, signaling an early step in decoupling linear feeds from premium streaming identities. These closures enable reallocation of resources, with content libraries—encompassing acquired series, reality programming, and localized originals—migrating to ad-supported and subscription tiers of Paramount+ and free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) services like Pluto TV. Paramount's international streaming push emphasizes localized content production, with commitments to commission 150 global originals by 2025, many tailored for Paramount+ in emerging markets such as and . Launches of Paramount+ in key territories, including a full rollout completed by December 2022 and expansions into DACH regions (, , ) with tiered plans in 2025, facilitate this transition by offering on-demand access to former linear content alongside exclusives. This model reduces distribution costs associated with linear signals while leveraging data-driven personalization to retain audiences, though challenges persist in achieving profitability against competitors like and Disney+.

References

  1. https://ir.paramount.com/news-releases/news-release-details/viacomcbs-networks-international-reorganizes-core-leadership/
  2. https://ir.paramount.com/news-releases/news-release-details/viacomcbs-networks-international-completes-acquisition/
  3. https://privacy.paramount.com/en/controllers-list
  4. https://cordcuttersnews.com/paramount-to-shut-down-multiple-channels-including-nickelodeon-in-international-markets-amid-cost-cutting-measures/
  5. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/viacom-international-unveils-paramount-channel-304694/
  6. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/viacom-international-media-networks-launches-first-ever-paramount-channel-on-friday-march-30th-144349895.html
  7. https://deadline.com/2012/03/viacom-international-media-networks-introduces-paramount-channel-in-spain-249474/
  8. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/viacom-international-robert-bakish-paramount-channel-305852/
  9. https://variety.com/2014/tv/global/paramount-channel-reaches-out-to-russia-hungary-1201110216/
  10. https://www.thewrap.com/paramount-channel-launching-in-latin-america-viacom/
  11. https://www.screendaily.com/distribution/paramount-launches-film-channel-in-spain/5039804.article
  12. https://deadline.com/2017/09/paramount-network-january-launch-date-live-lip-sync-battle-1202176283/
  13. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/spain-getting-first-paramount-network-us-1113613/
  14. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2018/05/21/paramount-to-rebrand-in-spain/
  15. https://paramount.fandom.com/wiki/Paramount_Network
  16. https://www.telecompaper.com/news/paramount-network-to-replace-spike-channel-in-netherlands--1419648
  17. https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/Paramount_Network_%28France%29
  18. https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/paramount-network-made-for-tv-movies-1234711671/
  19. https://deadline.com/2022/01/paramount-movie-network-put-on-ice-as-viacomcbs-nixes-rebrand-plans-1234917830/
  20. https://deadline.com/2018/09/paramount-taps-michael-d-armstrong-as-evp-worldwide-tv-licensing-operations-1202458530/
  21. https://deadline.com/2022/02/paramount-plus-canal-plus-france-distribution-streaming-1234934409/
  22. https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/paramounts-new-owners-increase-film-production-hang-cable-networks-2025-08-14/
  23. https://www.thewrap.com/paramount-international-pay-tv-strategy-review-cuts-africa/
  24. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2025/10/10/paramount-to-close-mtv-channels-across-europe/
  25. https://tavilatam.com/en/pay-tv/
  26. https://www.company-histories.com/Viacom-Inc-Company-History.html
  27. https://ir.paramount.com/news-releases/news-release-details/viacomcbs-announces-completion-merger-cbs-and-viacom
  28. https://deadline.com/2019/08/cbs-viacom-merger-deal-done-details-1202665588/
  29. https://ir.paramount.com/news-releases/news-release-details/viacomcbs-unveils-new-company-name-global-content-slate-and
  30. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skydance-media-and-paramount-global-complete-merger-creating-next-generation-media-company-302524343.html
  31. https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/paramount-closes-8-billion-merger-with-skydance-after-settling-60-minutes-2025-08-07/
  32. https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/sky-partners-with-viacomcbs-to-launch-paramount-in-europe
  33. https://deadline.com/2025/10/paramount-comcast-invest-1b-into-skyshowtime-1236592921/
  34. https://www.forbes.com/sites/veronicavillafane/2025/10/23/paramount-exits-argentina-sells-telef-to-gustavo-scaglione-media-group/
  35. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-television-international-studios-1235494769/
  36. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-global-comcast-distribution-deal-tv-streaming-1236102990/
  37. https://ir.paramount.com/static-files/53e3ef95-ed66-42c3-8d88-58a0403ae6cc
  38. https://www.paramount.com/about/brands/paramount-network
  39. https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/exclusive-viacomcbss-paramount-thinks-local-go-global-with-streaming-2022-02-15/
  40. https://tvmag.lefigaro.fr/programme-tv/quatre-choses-a-savoir-sur-starsky-et-hutch-la-serie-culte-de-retour-sur-paramount-channel_3ef12014-7457-11ec-893c-114475b2cb06
  41. https://www.ataa.fr/base/la-main-au-collet-la-serie
  42. https://www.ataa.fr/guide/version-multilingue-vm
  43. https://www.thewrap.com/paramount-artifcial-intelligence-content-localization/
  44. https://www.paramount.com/news/paramounts-global-expansion-strategy
  45. https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/427073/
  46. https://www.paramount.com/news/how-viacom-international-studios-produces-and-sells-content-around-the-world
  47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WILi2EbFcFw
  48. https://www.lyngsat.com/tvchannels/us/Paramount-Network-Latin-America.html
  49. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_IOFx8z5Vc
  50. https://tavilatam.com/en/latin-america-paramount-to-shut-down-pay-tv-channels-in-brazil-and-to-reduce-channel-portfolio-in-spanish-speaking-latin-america/
  51. https://www.tvwhirl.co.uk/presentation/channel-5/paramount-5action/
  52. https://www.telecompaper.com/news/spain-concerned-about-dtt-channel-tender--1552038
  53. https://www.paramount.com/sites/g/files/dxjhpe356/files/2024-01/Global_Content_Delivery_Guide_V2.1_0.pdf
  54. https://www.paramountanz.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/10.02.SPEC_Technical-Delivery-International-2022-1.1.pdf
  55. https://www.paramountanz.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/10.01.SPEC_Technical-Delivery-Domestic-2023-1.0.pdf
  56. https://ir.paramount.com/node/47186/html
  57. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2020/07/30/paramount-network-hd-launches-on-tivusat/
  58. https://dbpedia.org/page/Paramount_Network_%28international%29
  59. https://ir.paramount.com/static-files/76960eb7-dc66-4ce8-8f02-6d4022789446
  60. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/813828/000081382823000026/para-20230630.htm
  61. https://ir.paramount.com/news-releases/news-release-details/paramount-reveals-uk-launch-date-pricing-distribution-partners
  62. https://news.virginmediao2.co.uk/paramount-and-virgin-media-agree-new-multi-year-distribution-partnership-deal-for-uk-streaming-services-and-channel-portfolio/
  63. https://ir.paramount.com/static-files/b7ec193e-39b1-4871-9150-50df2eeb85fd
  64. https://deadline.com/2025/08/paramount-cable-networks-future-bet-plus-mtv-comedy-central-1236485828/
  65. http://www.nickalive.net/2025/07/paramount-set-to-close-teennick-and.html
  66. https://www.ainvest.com/news/paramount-streaming-surge-drives-profitability-gains-industry-challenges-2505/
  67. https://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-16-2645_en.htm
  68. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/paramount-layoffs-3-5-percent-economy-television-cable-challenges/
  69. https://www.octiive.com/blog/the-end-of-an-era-mtv-to-shutter-five-music-channels-by-end-of-2025
  70. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/paramount-plus-interview-europe-germany-launch-1235277758/
  71. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2025/03/24/paramount-to-launch-premium-and-ad-tier-plans-in-dach/
  72. https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/paramount-plus/releases/?view=108336-paramount-international-originals-travel-to-paramount-globally
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