Paramount will shut down the streaming app version of three of its key networks, Comedy Central, MTV and Paramount Network.
While they remain live now, a listing on the Apple App Store says the apps will be discontinued. Instead, it directs viewers to watch the shows and films on those networks through their TV provider or on MTV.com.
The apps for other major networks, including Nickelodeon, VH1, and BET, appear to be running, and don’t have the warning of discontinuation on their App Store listing.
The move follows Paramount letting customers know that it was shutting down the Showtime Anytime app on December 14. Paramount and merged Showtime content into its Paramount+ app, so the company could eventually be driving its audiences towards its subscription streaming service.
The company shut the apps down because of low adoption and usage, with most viewers still checking out the programming through cable or video on demand, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The Comedy Central, MTV, and Paramount Network are “TV everywhere” apps that allowed you to access their content for free by verifying your pay-TV subscription. With the number of cable subscribers going down and people moving to streaming, there may be less use for these apps going forward.