Showtime is a US cable TV network that primarily shows motion pictures as well as some original programming and occasional boxing matches. Showtime went on the air on July 1, 1976, in a local US market. In 1978 it expanded to the national market, competiting with HBO. Showtime also was one of the first cable TV networks to broadcast an HDTV version of its channel, along with Dolby Digital sound.

Showtime Networks (which at the time included Showtime and The Movie Channel) became a part of Warner AMEX Satellite Entertainment Communications, which was subsequently purchased by Viacom in 1985. Warner AMEX also contained MTV Networks, which included sister companies MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, and Nick-at-Nite. Today, Showtime Networks and MTV Networks are sister companies under the Viacom corporate umbrella.

In the 1990s, Showtime ventured into original programming, inluding such well-received fare as Lolita and Gods and Monsters.

In 2000, Showtime launched the "Showtime Interactive 24.7" channel -- providing DVD-like interaction opportunities to its entertainment offerings.

In the 2000s, Showtime began test marketing a subscription-video-on-demand SVOD system.

As of 2004, Showtime is owned by Showtime Networks Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Viacom Inc. SNI also owns the networks The Movie Channel and Flix (and their related offshoots), and runs the Sundance Channel , which is jointly owned by SNI, Robert Redford and Universal Studios.

Showtime also has several companion digital cable television channels such as Showtime Showcase, Showtime Extreme, Showtime Next, Showtime Family, Showtime Women, and Flix. Each offers reruns of programs show first on Showtime as well a movies and programs fitting each channel's particular theme.

The Australian pay-TV movie service Showtime Australia is not related to the American channels, however its owners, Premium Movie Partnership, have licenced the Showtime name and trademark.

Showtime original programming

These are shows currently on Showtime or that have been on it in the past.

• Red Shoe Diaries
• The Chris Isaak Show
• Dead Like Me
• Fat Actress
• The L Word
• Out of Order
• Queer as Folk
• Soul Food
• Bullshit!
• Stargate SG-1 (Seasons 1 - 5)
• Huff
• Odyssey 5
• Jeremiah (series)
• Family Business

External links

• Showtime official site (only available from the United States, Hint: Google Cache)