Paramount Network is undergoing an overhaul, with a new name, an eschewing of reality programming and an emphasis on TV movies.
Paramount Network is undergoing a renaming and a revamping of its programming slate.
According to
Variety, Paramount Network is being renamed Paramount Movie Network sometime over the next 12 months. Additionally, the network will be getting entirely out of unscripted programming and move into star-studded TV movies, with a slate of 52 original movies a year
Some of these movies will be handled by Paramount Pictures while others will be produced by MTV Movies. This is part of a larger shift to emphasize original TV movies across the various ViacomCBS networks. MTV and Comedy Central are planning to each do 20-30 TV movies annually.
"We’re doubling down on scripted but diversifying with made for TV movies, mini-series and blockbuster series with movie stars like
Yellowstone," Chris McCarthy, president of entertainment and youth brands for ViacomCBS domestic media networks, said in a statement. "Made-for-TV movies provide all the creative upside and ability to work with great talent, without the full time commitment of a series or feature. Plus, we’re maximizing our investment because we can build a valuable library to use across our streaming, cable and global footprints.”
"We are creative builders, not buyers and always have been," McCarthy continued. "As our group’s portfolio has expanded, if we don’t own something, we’re transitioning out of it because it doesn’t provide long-term value for the company."