By: Sean Crose
If you are a lover of Showtime shows like American Gigolo, three women, and Get The Right People In, prepare to be disappointed. Since it was announced on Monday that those three shows will no longer be carried by the Showtime Cable network, as Showtime is currently in association with Paramount+ and is cutting programming that is not helping profits or paving the way. for the future. Now boxing fans must wonder: Will Sweet Science continue to air on Showtime or will it disappear from the network, the same way it appeared on HBO a few years ago?
Like hollywood reporter wrote, “both Showtime and Paramount+’s premium linear pay-TV channel will be rebranded as Paramount+ with Showtime, with Chris McCarthy leading the Showtime studio and linear channel, and Tom Ryan overseeing the business. streaming.” Suffice it to say, McCarthy has made it clear that cuts are being made. “While we believe this is the right step for the company, our consumers and our partners, we know this change brings uncertainty to the teams working on it,” he said. these brands and businesses”. Is Showtime Boxing one of those “brands and businesses”? It’s hard to say for sure, but it’s understandable why fans are worried.
First, HBO pretty much dropped its long-running boxing broadcasts without a second review in 2018. The network is looking to appeal to a more premium audience, and boxing is simply too much for me. newfound urban style sensibilities. While this may not be the case with Showtime – after all, Paramount+ certainly cares about the largest possible audience – it’s worth questioning how successful boxing is online. Is it carrying enough eyeballs, or is it following the path of American Gigolo?
To say that boxing isn’t as hot as it used to be is an understatement at the moment. Pay-per-view no longer brings in millions of purchases, unless, perhaps, a social media influencer is involved. What’s more, most Americans doubt who heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury is, or even who Canelo Alvarez is. On top of that, Showtime has broadcast pay-per-view that frankly, pay-per-view isn’t worth it. While that may have a lot to do with Showtime’s boxing partner, Premier Boxing Champions, it’s Showtime Pay Per View where these fights are being broadcast.
With that in mind, Showtime does NOT have a strong boxing show. ShoBox, which showcases current and upcoming fighters, is particularly impressive. Showtime’s broadcast team is strong and through Premier Boxing Champions, they have access to a lot of great talent. Finally, Showtime has an stellar boxing broadcast history. Seeing it disappear like that would be a shame, not only for the sport or the fans, but for the network itself. However, there’s no denying that the current future looks pretty uncertain for Showtime’s boxing show.
