Buyer Database · Buyer / Distributor · Updated
Showtime
Showtime is navigating a major structural merger with MTV Entertainment Studios under new unified leadership, while continuing to greenlight and acquire scripted series through a consolidating executive team.
Current mandate
Showtime is mid-transition. The network is merging with MTV Entertainment Studios under Chris McCarthy, who now holds the title of President and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks. A rebrand to Paramount+ with Showtime is planned, signaling a deeper integration into the Paramount Global streaming ecosystem. The most recent landmark acquisition on record is a second season order for "Dexter: Resurrection," dated October 2025, confirming that scripted franchise continuation remains a priority even as the organizational structure shifts around it.
Over the past twelve months, the acquisition pattern reflects a preference for high-concept scripted projects with established IP or proven creative talent. Notable moves include a straight-to-series order for "The Department," a TV adaptation of the science-fiction film "Gattaca" placed in development, and an overall deal with writers Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson. Financial terms across all tracked deals were not disclosed. Barbara Zaneri has assumed the role of Chief Programming Acquisitions Officer for Paramount Global, taking on responsibilities that include Showtime, making her the key gatekeeper for incoming programming. On the creative side, Nina L. Diaz expands her role as Chief Creative Officer and President of Content, while Keith Cox becomes President of Scripted. Several senior executives departed in the restructuring, including Docs chief Vinnie Malhotra, Michael Crotty, Rob Rosenberg, Kent Sevener, and Jana Winograde.
For writers and producers seeking access, the consolidation means fewer but more clearly defined entry points. Barbara Zaneri's acquisitions mandate at the Paramount Global level is the most direct pathway for rights and distribution conversations. Scripted pitches flow through Keith Cox's office. Representation with existing Paramount relationships is the most reliable route; unsolicited material is not a standard intake channel given the scale of the reorganization currently underway.
Signature peaks
- 135 12-Month Activity Records — Total tracked signals over the past year
- 2 Deal Velocity (30d) — Recent deal signals logged in the last 30 days
- June 2026 Latest Signal — Most recent tracked activity on record
Mandate dimensions
- Genre focus
- drama, thriller, comedy
- Territory focus
- Not disclosed
- Budget tier (observed)
- Not disclosed
- Access pattern
- Barbara Zaneri (Chief Programming Acquisitions Officer, Paramount Global) is the primary documented acquisitions contact covering Showtime. Keith Cox (President of Scripted) is the relevant executive for scripted series development. Both are best approached through representation. The merger and rebrand process has reduced the number of senior development executives in place; several key figures, including Vinnie Malhotra, Michael Crotty, Rob Rosenberg, Kent Sevener, and Jana Winograde, have departed. Writers and producers should confirm current executive rosters through their representation before outreach.
- Deal structure
- All tracked deals from the past twelve months list budget as "not disclosed." Structures observed include a straight-to-series order ("The Department"), a franchise continuation order ("Dexter: Resurrection" Season 2), an IP adaptation in development ("Gattaca"), and an overall talent deal (Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson). No financial terms, output commitments, or exclusivity windows were specified in available sourcing.
Recent acquisitions
-
Dexter: Resurrection (Season 2)
-
Dexter: Resurrection — Season 2
-
Dexter: Resurrection Season 2
-
Gattaca (TV series in development)
-
Similar overall deal with Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson
-
The Department (straight-to-series order)
Market context
"Please join me in congratulating these seasoned and exceptional leaders with whom I'm privileged to work alongside as we maximize our full creative potential and harness our creative strengths." — Chris McCarthy, President and CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks
Showtime is mid-transition. The network is merging with MTV Entertainment Studios under Chris McCarthy, who now holds the title of President and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks. A rebrand to Paramount+ with Showtime is planned, signaling a deeper integration into the Paramount Global streaming ecosystem. The most recent landmark acquisition on record is a second season order for "Dexter: Resurrection," dated October 2025, confirming that scripted franchise continuation remains a priority even as the organizational structure shifts around it.
Common questions about Showtime
Does Showtime accept unsolicited scripts?
Showtime does not operate a public unsolicited submissions process. The network functions at a scale that routes all incoming material through representation and established industry relationships. The ongoing merger with MTV Entertainment Studios and the broader Paramount Global restructuring have further consolidated intake channels. Writers without agency or management representation attached are unlikely to find a direct path in. The appointment of Barbara Zaneri as Chief Programming Acquisitions Officer for Paramount Global, covering Showtime, means acquisitions conversations now run through a centralized gatekeeper rather than individual development executives.
What budgets does Showtime work with?
Budget figures for Showtime acquisitions are not publicly disclosed across any of the deals tracked in the past twelve months, including the second season order for 'Dexter: Resurrection,' the straight-to-series order for 'The Department,' and the 'Gattaca' TV adaptation in development. All were logged as 'not disclosed.' Showtime historically operates at premium cable budget levels consistent with its scripted drama slate, but no specific per-episode or per-project figures can be confirmed from available sourcing. Writers should approach budget conversations directly through representation.
Does Showtime acquire projects from film festivals?
Festival acquisition is not a prominently documented channel in Showtime's recent tracked activity. The network's current acquisition pattern, as reflected in the past twelve months of records, skews toward scripted series with established IP (such as the 'Gattaca' adaptation and the 'Dexter' franchise continuation), overall talent deals (Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson), and straight-to-series orders for developed projects. That said, Showtime has historically engaged with prestige independent film and documentary content; the departure of Docs chief Vinnie Malhotra in the restructuring may affect that pipeline going forward.
How do you reach Showtime decision makers?
The clearest documented pathway runs through Barbara Zaneri, who has assumed the role of Chief Programming Acquisitions Officer for Paramount Global with responsibilities covering Showtime. For scripted series specifically, Keith Cox holds the title of President of Scripted following the restructuring. Nina L. Diaz, expanded into the role of Chief Creative Officer and President of Content, oversees the broader creative mandate. Chris McCarthy, as President and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks, sets overall strategic direction. All contacts are best reached through representation with existing Paramount or Showtime relationships.
What genres is Showtime buying right now?
Recent acquisitions point toward high-concept scripted drama with franchise potential or strong IP foundations. The continuation of 'Dexter: Resurrection' into a second season signals ongoing investment in established genre properties. The 'Gattaca' TV adaptation indicates appetite for science-fiction with cinematic pedigree. The straight-to-series order for 'The Department' and the overall deal with 'Yellowjackets' creators Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson suggest continued interest in prestige drama from proven talent. Genre labels were not specified in source records for any of these deals, but the pattern reflects premium scripted drama as the dominant focus.
Is Showtime actively acquiring projects right now?
According to tracked data, Showtime logged zero unique deals in both the 30-day and 90-day windows, though deal velocity signals of 2 were recorded in the past 30 days. The most recent acquisition on record dates to October 2025 ('Dexter: Resurrection' Season 2). The network is in the middle of a significant organizational restructuring, merging with MTV Entertainment Studios and rebranding toward Paramount+ with Showtime, which may be affecting the pace of new deal announcements. The latest tracked signal is dated June 2026, indicating the organization remains active even if formal acquisition announcements have slowed.
Adjacent buyers in this lane
- Focus Features — Focus Features is doubling down on experiential brand-building and festival acquisitions to court th
- Roadside Attractions — Roadside Attractions is a North American boutique distributor actively acquiring festival-originated
- Fox Entertainment — Fox Entertainment is running a deliberate, low-volume acquisition strategy built around creator-led,
- 20th Television — 20th Television is actively building its overall-deal roster and deepening its animation pipeline, w
Related reading
Match your script to Showtime
This is a public snapshot of Showtime, kept current from trade-press signals. Inside ScriptMatch, upload your script to see whether Showtime fits, why, and exactly how to reach them. Start a free 7-day trial or try the free buyer-match tool.