Channels
Showtime operates eight multiplex channels and a video on demand service (Showtime On Demand). Three of its multiplex channels, Showtime Family Zone, Showtime Next and Showtime Women, are not as widely distributed by most pay television providers in comparison to the rest of the Showtime multiplex, with availability of any of the three channels on most cable providers varying depending on market; Dish Network does not carry any of the three channels, while DirecTV does not carry Showtime Family Zone.
Showtime also packages the Eastern and Pacific feeds of the main channel and its multiplex services together, giving viewers a second chance to watch the same movie/program three hours earlier or later – depending on their geographic location. However, many cable providers only offer the main Showtime channel in this manner.
- Showtime: The flagship channel; features blockbuster movies, first-run films, original series, specials, mixed martial arts events and championship boxing.
- Showtime 2 (alternately branded on-air as SHO2): Secondary channel; offers more movies, original series and specials. Launched in 1991, the channel was rebranded as Showtime Too from 2001 to 2006.
- Showcase: Similar to Showtime 2, features movies, first-run feature films and original made-for-cable films originally produced for Showtime. The channel was previously known as Showtime 3 from 1996 to 2001.
- Showtime Beyond: The channel features a mix of science fiction, fantasy and horror films, as well as Showtime original sci-fi series; launched in 1999.
- Showtime Extreme: Runs action and adventure films, thrillers, gangster films and mixed martial arts events. Airs over 60 movies each month and a Sunday double feature spotlighting a different action star; launched in 1998.
- Showtime Family Zone: Features family-oriented programming, including movies and specials aimed at a younger audience. All movies on Showtime Family Zone are G, PG, or PG-13 rated, no R-rated movies or TV-MA rated programming air on the channel; launched in 2001.
- Showtime Next (alternately branded on-air as SHO Next): Movies geared towards adults 18–24; features over 50 films each month, including original made-for-cable movies, and live action and animated short films; launched in 2001.
- Showtime Women: Targeted to females; the channel airs films, Showtime original series and specials geared primarily at women; launched in 2001.
Read more about this topic: Showtime (TV Channel)
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