Showtime

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Showtime
Launched	July 1, 1976
Owned by	Showtime Networks, Inc. (CBS Corporation)
Picture format	480i (SDTV) 1080i (HDTV)
Slogan	TV at its best
Country	United States
Broadcast area	Nationwide
Headquarters	New York, NY
Sister channel(s)	The Movie Channel Flix
Website	SHO.com
Availability
Satellite
DirecTV	537 Showtime (east) 538 Showtime 2 539 Showcase 540 Showtime (west) 542 Showtime Extreme 1537 On Demand
Dish Network	318 Showtime (east) 319 Showtime (west) 320 Showtime 2 321 Showcase 322 Showtime Extreme 323 Showtime Beyond
Cable
Available on most cable systems	Check local listings for channels
IPTV over ADSL
Verizon FiOs	See List of Verizon FiOS channels
AT&T U-verse	See AT&T U-verse channel lineup

Showtime is a subscription television brand used by a number of channels and platforms around the world, but primarily refers to a group of channels in the United States.

[edit] History

Showtime primarily shows motion pictures as well as some original programming and occasional boxing matches. Showtime, originally a service of Viacom, went on the air on July 1, 1976, first shown on a local cable system in Dublin, California.^[1] Its first program was Celebration, a concert special featuring Rod Stewart, Pink Floyd and ABBA.^[2]

On March 7, 1978, Showtime expanded to the national market via satellite, competing with HBO and other pay cable networks.

In 1979, Viacom sold 50% of Showtime to TelePrompTer. In 1982, Westinghouse, who had acquired TelePrompTer the previous year, sold its share of Showtime back to Viacom. In 1983, Viacom and Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment merged Showtime and The Movie Channel to form Showtime/The Movie Channel, Inc. (later Showtime Networks, Inc.). 1984 saw the premiere of Showtime's first original movie, The Ratings Game, both starring, and directed by, Danny DeVito. In 1985, Viacom acquired Warner's share of Showtime/TMC, making them the sole owner of Showtime once again.

In 1990, Showtime ventured into acquiring and premiering independent films directly for the channel, originally as part of its 30-Minute Movie anthology series of short films. One of its first premieres, 12:01 PM, was nominated for an Academy Award. In the years that followed, Showtime expanded its acquisitions into the realm of feature-length fare, including the 1997 remake of Lolita, directed by Adrian Lyne.

In the early 2000s, Showtime launched several additional multiplex channels including Showtime Too (a pun on its current name, Showtime 2), Showcase (formerly Showtime 3), Showtime Beyond and Showtime Extreme. Showtime had also launched several channels exclusively for digital cable: Showtime Family Zone, Showtime Next, and Showtime Women.

Showtime Networks also owns the channels The Movie Channel, The Movie Channel Xtra and Flix. Each multiplex channel offers movies and programs fitting each channel's particular theme. Premieres of popular movies are usually made on the primary channel.

In 2000, Showtime launched the "Showtime Interactive 24.7" channel—providing DVD-like interaction opportunities to its entertainment offerings.

In the 2000s, Showtime began test marketing a subscription-video-on-demand SVOD system. Now there is a Showtime subscription-video-on-demand channel called Showtime On Demand, which users are able to see episodes of Showtime original series, movies, adult programming and boxing.

Showtime also became one of the first cable TV networks to broadcast an HDTV version of its channel, along with Dolby Digital sound.

In 2005, Showtime became a subsidiary of the newly renamed CBS Corporation, after the CBS/Viacom split of that year.

[edit] Channels

Showtime operates eight multiplex channels and their high definition simulcasts. (The abbreviation in parenthesis is used as an on-screen identifier and in programming guides.)

• Showtime (SHO)
• Showtime HD HD channel to Showtime.
• Showtime 2 (SHO2): Secondary channel. It was previously known as Showtime Too.
• Showtime Showcase (SHOC): Similar to Showtime Too. Previously known as Showtime 3 (SHO3).
• Showtime Beyond (SHOB): A mix of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror films as well as series.
• Showtime Extreme (SHOX): Action & adventure, thrillers, gangster and martial arts films.
• Showtime Family Zone (SHOF): Family oriented programming. All pictures are 'G', 'PG', or 'PG-13' rated.
• Showtime Next (SHON): Interactive service that is geared towards adults 18-24.
• Showtime Women (SHOW): Targeted to women.

Showtime also packages the Eastern and Pacific feeds of the primary and multiplex services, giving viewers a chance to watch programs 3 hours earlier or later depending on their geographic location. All channels are also available in 1080i high definition.

[edit] The Showtime Family of Networks

In 1993, after HBO and Cinemax's success with adding multiplex services, Showtime launched its own multiplexed channel called Showtime 2. A third multiplex channel launched in 1996, called Showtime 3. In 1999, Showtime added two additional multiplex channels: the action-formatted Showtime Extreme, and the sci-fi channel Showtime Beyond.

In 2002, Showtime 2 was renamed Showtime Too (a minor pun on its previous name), and Showtime 3 became Showtime Showcase (also known and sometimes referred to simply as "Showcase"). Three more services of Showtime also launched: Showtime Family Zone, Showtime Next (aimed at 18-24 year olds), and Showtime Women. Unlike the five other Showtime multiplex channels, Showtime Family Zone, Showtime Next and Showtime Women were launched as digital cable only services (it is unknown if these channels will be available to DirecTV and DISH Network subscribers in the future).

The Showtime Multiplex (along with The Movie Channel (and its multiplex channel TMC Xtra), Flix and Sundance Channel) are referred collectively as "Showtime Unlimited". Digital cable subscribers can get Sundance Channel on a separate digital cable tier, but carriage of Flix requires DISH Network or DirecTV service as it is not available via digital cable (though some cable providers did offer Flix on their cable packages from/after the channel's 1991 launch until the mid-1990s).

DISH Network subscribers can get The Movie Channel and TMC Xtra with or without a Showtime subscription as TMC and TMC Xtra are offered on the America's Top 250 and Dish Latino Max packages (the Encore multiplex is offered on these two packages as well with or without a subscription to Starz).

[edit] Original programming

• 30-Minute Movie Series
• A New Day in Eden (1982-1983)
• American Candidate
• Barbershop: The Series (2005)
• Beggars and Choosers (1999–2000)
• Beverly Hills Bordello (1996-1998)
• Big Brother: After Dark (2007—)
• Brotherhood (2006—2008)
• Brothers (1984-1989)
• Californication (2007—)
• The Chris Isaak Show (2001–2004)
• Dead Like Me (2003–2004)
• Debbie Does Dallas ... Again (2007)
• Deeper Throat (2009)
• Dexter (2006—)
• Dirty Pictures (2000 film)
• ELITEXC: Xtreme Combat (2007—2008)
• Family Business (2003–2006)
• Fat Actress (2005)
• Free for All (2003)
• Freshman Diaries
• Going to California (2001–2002)
• Hard Knocks (1987—) Sitcom starring Bill Maher (Not the HBO Sports Show)
• Huff (2004–2006)
• I Can't Believe I'm Still Single (2008—)
• Inside the NFL (2008—)
• Interscope Presents: The Next Episode
• It's Garry Shandling's Show (1986–1990)
• Jamie Foxx Presents: Laffapalooza
• Jeremiah (2002–2004)
• The Leap Years
• Love Street (1994-1996)
• The L Word (2004–2009)
• Masters of Horror (2005–2007)
• Meadowlands (2007)
• Murder in Space (1985)
• Odyssey 5 (2002)
• The Outer Limits (1997-2002)
• Out of Order (2003)
• Penn & Teller: Bullshit! (2003—)
• Poltergeist: The Legacy (1996–1999)
• Queer as Folk (2000–2005)
• Queer Duck (2002–2004)
• Ready or Not (1993-1995, continued on Disney Channel from 1996 to 1997)
• Red Shoe Diaries (1992–1999)
• Resurrection Blvd. (2000–2002)
• Rude Awakening (1998–2001)
• Sexual Healing (2006-2007)
• Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre (1982–1987)
• Sherman Oaks (1995–1997)
• ShoBox: The New Generation (2001—)
• ShoMMA (2009—)
• ShoXC (2007—2008)
• Showtime Championship Boxing (1986—)
• Sleeper Cell (2005–2006)
• Soul Food (2000–2004)
• Stargate SG-1 (1997–2002, Seasons 1–5)
• Steven Banks Home Entertainment Center (1989)
• Street Time (2002–2003)
• Stories of Passion
• The Tale of Sweeney Todd (1998)
• This American Life (2007—)
• Total Recall: 2070 (1999)
• Tracey Ullman's State of the Union (2008—)
• The Tudors (2007—)
• Underground (Damon Wayans' Underground)
• United States of Tara (2009—)
• Washingtoon (1985)
• Weeds (2005–present)

[edit] Current programming

• Big Brother: After Dark (2007–present)
• Body Language (2009)
• Brotherhood (2006–present)
• Californication (2007—)
• Dexter (2006—)
• I Can't Believe I'm Still Single (2008—)
• Inside the NFL (2008—)
• Nurse Jackie (2009-)
• Penn & Teller: Bullshit! (2003—)
• Secret Diary of a Call Girl (2008—)
• ShoBox: The New Generation (2001—)
• Showtime Championship Boxing (1986—)
• This American Life (2007—)
• Tracey Ullman's State of the Union (2008—)
• The Tudors (2007–present)
• United States of Tara (2009–present)
• Weeds (2005–present)

[edit] Upcoming Series/Pilots

• Camelot: a contemporary series retelling of "Camelot," with "The Tudors" Michael Hirst and Morgan O'Sullivan serving as creative kings. Hirst ("Elizabeth," "Elizabeth: The Golden Age") will pen the scripts and exec produce, along with O'Sullivan ("P.S. I Love You") and Douglas Rae. [1]
• Untitled Seth Rogen Comedy: about three twentysomethings who learn about life and love while running a pornography shop. Rogen and Evan Goldberg will executive produce. Matthew Bass, who is credited as an assistant to both comedy filmmakers on "Pineapple Express" and "Superbad," will pen the script and co-exec produce. ^[3]

• Syns: formerly known as "Dolls' Hospital," is set in a world where the Syns, humanlike synthetic beings much like the replicants in "Blade Runner," are used for various purposes. The project was originally developed by Stephen Volk for the BBC, but Showtime bought the U.S. rights to the project. Crew: "Supernatural" supervising producer/writer Sera Gamble and "Jericho" consulting producer John McNamara. [2]

[edit] Branding

Showtime's launch logo made in 1976 was a circle with a TV screen inside (identical to TV Globo's, but without the circle in the center.) From 1984 to 1990, it was accompanied by a bold "SHOWTIME" script. The TV screen was dropped in 1987 and the circle was dropped in 1989, and the script took over as the primary logo. The current Showtime logo consisting of the network's name still in all caps with the 'SHO' imprinted on a circle was implemented when the network rebranded itself in 1997. The logo which is slightly similar to Cinemax's current logo introduced the same year, is shown most of the time with just the circle 'SHO' (formerly the network's shortened name within TV Guide listings).

Following in the footsteps of Starz, the main Showtime networks brand many of its films with transparent logos of each respective network, to the chagrin of many who would rather see clean screenings of movies with no commercial branding whatsoever. Cinemax also brands films and series with logos, which usually only appear for a few minutes before being removed and reappear later on.

Unlike other premium channels, Showtime has recently begun to air banner advertising for its upcoming shows during movies, original content.

[edit] Logos

Showtime logo used from 1984 to 1997 (was used in tandem with the TV screen until 1989), also currently used as logo for the unrelated Showtime Australia.

Showtime logo used from 1997 to current. Also currently used as logo for Showtime Scandinavia.

[edit] Movies

This section may contain original research or unverified claims. Please improve the article by adding references. See the talk page for details. (April 2007)

After its launch, Showtime signed exclusive first-run agreements with several movie studios. After being acquired by Viacom in 1994, Paramount Pictures began an output deal with Showtime (then also owned by Viacom), effective after 1997, which lasted 10 years. After the old Viacom was split in two corporations, the output deal with Paramount was not renewed after 2007, thus the pay-cable rights will transfer in 2009 to a new premium channel initiated in part by Viacom. Showtime has also agreements with IFC Films (which it shares broadcasting rights with Starz), ThinkFilm, certain films put out by The Weinstein Company (those that are distributed theatrically in conjunction with MGM Studios), and the newly re-formed United Artists (still a subsidiary of MGM). In 2008, the channel signed a deal with First Look Pictures to air their films.

On December 11, 2005, Paramount announced that it had purchased DreamWorks SKG in a deal worth $1.6 billion. It is still unclear when Showtime will add films from the studio onto its viewing schedule, as films being put out by the studio are still part of the studio's output deal with HBO.

Though not owning the broadcasting rights to show first-run movies from 20th Century Fox, Showtime has been able to show independent films the studio owns the home video rights to, even if they didn't release them theatrically. Most notably being Mel Gibson's controversial 2004 film, The Passion of the Christ. Others include Party Monster, Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior, Woman Thou Art Loosed and Donnie Darko.

As of 2006, Showtime has a partial deal with Rogue Pictures, allowing them to broadcast particular films put out by the studio (especially those originally produced for video), including Carlito's Way: Rise to Power and Dave Chappelle's Block Party.

Showtime also plays a lot of classic movies from United Artists, Columbia Pictures, and some early/mid '90s movies from Miramax Films and Warner Bros. (usually ones that are, at least, 13 years old from their initial theatrical exhibition).

Usually films which Showtime has pay-cable rights will also run on The Movie Channel and Flix during its time of license.

Even though Showtime doesn't have an output deal with certain titles from Universal Pictures, a number of films from Universal are played on Sundance Channel since the channel is a joint venture of Showtime, Universal, and The Sundance Institute.

The future of the channel was put into question when it was announced that three of its major suppliers of films Paramount Pictures, MGM, and Lionsgate, as well as their respected subsidiaries (Paramount Vantage and United Artists), would be teaming up together to form a new premium movie channel. Called Epix, it is set for a May 2009 launch as a broadband Internet service, and will arrive later that year on television. [3] This is primary due to the company split-up of parent company Viacom into two separate entities, Viacom and CBS, the latter owning Showtime. Paramount Pictures' contract with the channel expired January 2008. This includes such films as Cloverfield and Iron Man being available to the new channel upon its initial run. MGM and Lionsgate's contracts expired at the end of 2008. [4]. It is unclear whether or not this deal will include films from DreamWorks Pictures, given that it was purchased by Paramount Pictures and their feature films are distributed theatrically by Paramount, though DreamWorks has an output deal with rival network HBO.

On July 15, 2008, it was announced that Showtime had signed a seven-year deal with The Weinstein Company to exclusively air their films during their initial premium-channel broadcasts, starting with their 2009 film slate. This includes films such as Nine, All Good Things and Quentin Tarantino's much-anticipated Inglourious Basterds. The deal also includes films from the studio's subsidiary Dimension Films.

Showtime has begun airing direct-to-video movies from Anchor Bay Entertainment, such as Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon and Hatchet. Ironically, Anchor Bay is owned by Showtime's rival, Starz.

On December 4, 2008, Showtime entered into an exclusive 4-year output deal with Summit Entertainment to air 42 of their films during their initial premium cable run. The deal includes all the films in the Twilight franchise, as well as the films Push, Knowing with Nicolas Cage, and the horror remake Sorority Row.

[edit] Showtime Around the World

Showtime has two main pay TV networks that operate using its name; Showtime Australia and Showtime Arabia. It also has several channels that are licenced to use its name; Showtime Scandinavia (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden), Showtime Extreme (Spain), and others.

[edit] See also

• Showtime Networks
• List of DirecTV channels
• List of Dish Network channels
• List of Verizon FiOS channels

[edit] External links

• Showtime

[edit] References