In a significant move for streaming enthusiasts, Paramount and Comcast have renewed their comprehensive distribution agreements. This renewal ensures that Comcast subscribers will continue to enjoy Paramount’s extensive portfolio of streaming services Paramount+, Pluto TV, and BET+.
The renewal also gives Comcast the right to give qualifying Xfinity customers access to Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. This addition provides even more premium content, combining the best of Paramount’s streaming services with SHOWTIME’s acclaimed programming.
“We are pleased to renew and expand upon our broad partnership with Comcast,” said Ray Hopkins, President, Paramount Distribution. “This new deal ensures that our dynamic portfolio of popular brands and premium programming continue to reach and entertain our valued audiences everywhere.”
In addition to the popular streaming services, Comcast subscribers will retain access to the top Paramount broadcast, entertainment, news, and sports brands across Xfinity platforms. The multi-year agreement includes CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Network among others. With this hybrid model, subscribers can seamlessly access a wide range of on-demand content, from blockbuster movies to exclusive series and live TV.
“Paramount Global is a valued partner, and we are excited to continue providing Xfinity customers with access to their traditional and streaming content across our industry-leading entertainment platforms,” said John Dixon, Senior Vice President, Entertainment, Comcast Cable. “This agreement gives us the ability to offer customers more choice and flexibility in what they want to watch and how they want to watch it.”
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
For Comcast, this strikes another major win as they continue to shift to a more hybrid model as subscribers increasingly cut the cord. Late last year, the communications giant struck a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery that expanded their carriage rights. That deal gave Comcast rights to package ad-supported versions of Max and Discovery+ in its streaming bundles. This potentially could open the door for the Comcast-owned Peacock to be packaged with other streamers.
As the costs of cable continue to rise, with an average price hike of $15, Comcast Xfinity subscribers have taken notice. As one of the nation’s largest cable and internet providers, Comcast customers could see their monthly bills rise by as much as $16, which the company has cited rising operational costs. In addition to rising costs, the company expects a loss of over 372,000 internet customers in 2024.
As viewer’s habits continue to change and Comcast adapts to more streaming-friendly packages, the company looks to bounce back and retain subscribers. Partnering with services like Paramount+, Pluto TV, and BET+, Max, and others gives Xfinity customers a robust lineup of content to watch without breaking the bank.