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Showtime

Showtime is an American premium cable and satellite television network owned by Paramount Global through its subsidiary Showtime Networks Inc., which launched on July 1, 1976, as a competitor to HBO by offering commercial-free movies, original programming, and sports events. For other uses, see Showtime (disambiguation). The network has historically operated multiple 24-hour linear multiplex channels, including Showtime 2, Showtime Extreme, and The Movie Channel, alongside on-demand services that provide access to its content. Over nearly five decades, Showtime has built a reputation for bold, critically acclaimed original series that push creative boundaries, such as the forensic thriller (2006–2013), the espionage drama (2011–2020), the family comedy-drama (2011–2021), and the survival mystery Yellowjackets (2021–present), many of which have earned and other accolades. In addition to scripted hits, the network produces groundbreaking documentaries, blockbuster films, and sports coverage, including and , all delivered without commercial interruptions to subscribers. As of June 2025, Showtime's linear channels and on-demand offerings have been fully integrated into Paramount+ under the rebranded Paramount+ Premium plan, an ad-free streaming service that combines Showtime's library with broader Paramount content for enhanced accessibility across devices. This evolution reflects the network's shift toward streaming while maintaining its focus on high-quality, subscriber-exclusive entertainment, with ongoing originals like continuing to draw audiences.

Television

Networks

Showtime Networks, a division of , traces its origins to 1976 when Viacom launched the premium service as a direct competitor to . The company has evolved through multiple corporate restructurings, including the 2005 split of Viacom into and the new Viacom, with Showtime Networks falling under ownership until the 2019 merger of and Viacom to form ViacomCBS, which rebranded to in 2022. In August 2025, completed a merger with , forming Paramount Skydance Corporation and leading to further integration of Showtime's operations within the expanded media entity, including enhancements to global streaming capabilities via Paramount+. The core U.S. Showtime television network debuted on July 1, , initially available on Viacom-owned systems in as a subscription charging $9.95 monthly. It marked a key expansion in premium , offering uncut films without commercials, and grew rapidly, reaching 18.2 million subscribers by amid steady increases throughout the decade. Milestones included the launch of in the early 1980s, such as the anthology series in 1982, which helped differentiate the network from movie-only rivals. By the mid-2010s, Showtime had solidified its reputation for scripted series, contributing to subscriber growth before the rise of streaming. In January 2024, the linear channel rebranded as Paramount+ with Showtime, blending content with Paramount+ originals for and viewers. Following this, the ad-free streaming bundle transitioned to in June 2025, emphasizing integrated access to Showtime's library alongside broader offerings as part of post-merger streaming expansions. Internationally, the Showtime brand has been licensed for regional networks, adapting the premium model to local markets. Showtime Arabia launched in 1996 as a between Projects Company () and Viacom, delivering English-language movies and series across the via satellite; it merged with Communications in 2009 to form Orbit Showtime Network (OSN), which continues operations as a major pay-TV provider. In , Showtime Scandinavia began in 2004, specializing in action-oriented films for , , , and through NonStop Entertainment; the channel ceased operations in July 2015 amid shifting market dynamics toward streaming. Australia's Showtime Movie Channels debuted in March 1995 as part of a consortium including and Vision, offering multiplexed movie tiers on the nascent pay-TV platform; these channels operated until 2012, when they were rebranded under the Showcase banner within . Ownership transitions have shaped Showtime's global footprint. Viacom acquired full control of the U.S. network in 1985 by purchasing the remaining stake in the Showtime/The Movie Channel from Warner-Amex. The 2019 Viacom-CBS merger consolidated assets under a unified structure, facilitating international licensing deals and streaming rollouts, such as 's 2021 launches in , , and parts of . By 2025, the Skydance merger accelerated these efforts, with announcements of expanded availability in additional Asian and European markets to bolster Showtime-branded content distribution worldwide.

Programming

Showtime's programming has long emphasized premium original scripted series, particularly serialized dramas that explore complex character arcs and moral ambiguities, alongside acquired films, documentaries, and live sports events. The network's flagship originals, such as Dexter (2006–2013), followed a forensic analyst leading a double life as a vigilante serial killer, earning four Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series in 2011 and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Michael C. Hall in 2012. Its 2021 revival, Dexter: New Blood, became Showtime's most-watched series ever, averaging over 8 million cross-platform viewers per week across its 10-episode run. A further iteration, Dexter: Resurrection, premiered in July 2025, drawing 3.1 million cross-platform viewers in its opening weekend. Other cornerstone originals include Homeland (2011–2020), a espionage thriller centered on CIA operations, which won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series in 2012, along with Emmys for lead actors Claire Danes (2012–2013) and Damian Lewis (2012); the series also secured Golden Globe Awards for Best Drama Series in 2012 and 2013. It achieved series-high viewership of 2.07 million live viewers for an episode in 2012 and averaged 7 million weekly viewers across platforms by its third season. Similarly, The Affair (2014–2019) examined infidelity through multiple perspectives in a nonlinear narrative, garnering three Golden Globe Awards, including Best Drama Series in 2015, Best Actress for Ruth Wilson in 2015, and Best Supporting Actress for Maura Tierney in 2016. More recent exclusives like Yellowjackets (2021–present), a survival thriller blending teen and adult timelines after a plane crash, rank as Showtime's second-most-streamed original series behind Dexter: New Blood, with its second-season premiere marking the network's most-streamed debut episode; season 3 premiered on February 14, 2025. The series, produced by Lionsgate Television, is set to conclude with its fourth season. In addition to originals, Showtime has acquired and co-produced a range of content, including blockbuster movies, in-depth documentaries on cultural figures, and live sports broadcasts through its dedicated sports division. Launched in 1986, Showtime Sports focused initially on championship , airing major events and pay-per-views that helped establish the network as a key player in combat sports; it later expanded to , including events. The division produced high-profile bouts, such as those featuring Floyd Mayweather, contributing to record-breaking numbers, like the 2013 fight against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, the highest-grossing PPV event in TV history at the time. Showtime Sports also ventured into basketball documentaries, such as those on , before ceasing operations at the end of 2023 as part of a strategic shift toward streaming. Showtime's programming formats predominantly feature serialized dramas, where ongoing narratives build across seasons to develop intricate plots and character evolution, as seen in Dexter and Homeland, contrasting with occasional anthology-style specials or limited series that reset narratives per installment for fresh storytelling, such as standalone documentaries or episodic variety events. This mix allows for deep immersion in long-form tales while offering self-contained experiences in non-fiction and live programming. Historically, Showtime's content distribution evolved from cable-centric delivery to a streaming-first model with the integration of its library into Paramount+ beginning in 2022, culminating in the linear network's rebranding to "Paramount+ with Showtime" in January 2024 to bundle premium originals like Yellowjackets exclusively for streaming subscribers. By June 2025, the tier was renamed "Paramount+ Premium," emphasizing ad-free access to Showtime's full slate alongside Paramount's broader catalog, reflecting a broader industry pivot toward unified streaming platforms.

Film

Feature films

Showtime (2002 American film) Showtime is a 2002 American directed by . The screenplay was written by Keith Sharon, , and , based on a story by Jorge Saralegui. The film stars as veteran LAPD detective Mitch Preston and as enthusiastic officer Trey Sellars, who are forced to partner for a show after an incident involving a manufacturer goes viral. Supporting cast includes as the show's producer, and cameos by and . Produced by with a budget of $85 million, it was released theatrically on March 15, 2002. The plot follows , a no-nonsense , and Sellars, a eager for fame, as they navigate high-stakes chases and scrutiny while solving a case tied to illegal arms dealing. The film satirizes reality and procedurals, blending action sequences with humor centered on the mismatched duo's cultural clashes. Filming took place primarily in , emphasizing urban settings to heighten the comedic tension between authenticity and performance. Upon release, Showtime received mixed to negative , with a 25% approval rating on based on 122 reviews, where critics noted its formulaic script and uneven pacing despite the stars' chemistry. It holds a 5.6/10 average on from over 66,000 user ratings. Commercially, the film grossed $37.9 million in the United States and , contributing to a worldwide total of approximately $78 million, falling short of its budget but marking one of three releases that year. These entries focus on theatrical feature films titled "Showtime," distinguishing them from television movies or series episodes produced by , which are covered elsewhere.

Production and distribution

Showtime's involvement in film production began in the early with the development of original made-for-cable movies, marking an expansion beyond merely licensing theatrical releases for broadcast. Early examples include the 1984 adaptations and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, which were produced exclusively for the network and showcased its commitment to prestige television films. In 1992, Showtime formalized its production efforts by establishing the Showtime Entertainment Group, a dedicated unit aimed at creating up to 20 original motion pictures annually for premiere on the network, thereby increasing its slate of exclusive content. This initiative allowed Showtime to control more of its programming pipeline, focusing on high-quality dramas and genre films tailored for premium cable audiences. Distribution has been a cornerstone of Showtime's film strategy, relying on strategic partnerships with major studios to secure pay-TV rights for recent theatrical releases. In the 1980s, a key alliance formed through the 1983 merger of Showtime with , owned by Warner-Amex, which enhanced access to titles and broadened the network's library of blockbuster and independent films. Subsequent deals included a landmark 1988 agreement with , valued at $100 million to $150 million over five years, granting Showtime exclusive pay-TV rights to films like Rambo III and Terminator 2: Judgment Day. More recently, Showtime has prioritized independent cinema through output deals, such as a 2019 multi-year pact with for exclusive rights to features like Lady Bird and Hereditary, and a 2022 three-year agreement with for titles including . These partnerships provide a vital revenue window for indies post-theatrical release, often contributing significantly to their overall earnings. By 2024, Showtime's distribution model evolved with its full integration into Paramount+, reflecting the shift from linear cable to streaming. The standalone Showtime app was discontinued on April 30, 2024, with all content migrating to Paramount+, and the linear channel rebranded as Paramount+ with Showtime on January 8, 2024, to streamline access for subscribers. In June 2025, the service underwent further rebranding to Paramount+ Premium, emphasizing ad-free access to Showtime's film library alongside Paramount's broader catalog. This transition has enabled simultaneous streaming premieres for original productions, such as the 2024 adaptation of , a produced by Showtime that highlights the network's ongoing investment in literary adaptations for modern audiences. Showtime's for films centers on from its 20 million-plus U.S. households, supplemented by licensing fees paid to studios for pay-TV windows—typically 18 to 36 months post-theatrical—and backend participation in for co-financed projects. For original films, Showtime retains full ownership, generating income through domestic and international syndication, , and now streaming residuals. This approach has notably supported independent cinema by offering a lucrative post-theatrical outlet; for instance, films under the 2019 deal have seen extended visibility on Showtime, boosting their cultural impact and financial returns beyond limited theatrical runs.

Music

Albums

Several albums have been released under the title Showtime or Show Time across various genres, often capturing themes of performance, energy, and live spectacle in their music and presentation. James Brown's Showtime, released in April 1964 by Smash Records, marked a pivotal transition in the singer's career from his previous label, King Records, blending R&B, , and elements with overdubbed audience sounds to simulate a live atmosphere despite being primarily a studio recording. Produced by and arranged by Sammy Lowe, the album features 12 tracks, including covers like and alongside originals such as which became a hit single reaching No. 24 on the Hot 100. It received mixed reviews for its contrived live feel but is noted for showcasing Brown's evolving raw vocal style and band dynamics during his mid-1960s peak. Ry Cooder's Show Time, his sixth album and first live recording, was issued in January 1977 by , capturing performances from December 1976 at the Great American Music Hall in with his Chicken Skin Revue band, emphasizing rootsy Americana, , and influences. The 10-track set includes highlights like the instrumental opener "Tattler" and the gospel-tinged "Jesus on the Mainline," highlighting Cooder's prowess and collaborations with vocalists such as . Critically praised for its joyful, intimate energy, the album peaked at No. 53 on the and contributed to Cooder's reputation as a versatile roots musician. The Band's Showtime!, a double live album released on November 12, 1982, by EMI America, documents their September 4, 1982, concert at Pine Knob Music Theater in , during the height of their popularity. Spanning 20 tracks drawn from hits like "" and "Freeze-Frame" as well as deeper cuts from albums such as (1978) and Love Stinks (1980), it features high-energy blues-rock performances led by Peter Wolf's charismatic vocals and ' harmonica. The album reached No. 23 on the , reflecting the band's commercial momentum post-Freeze-Frame, though some critics found it less innovative than their earlier live effort (1972). Dizzee Rascal's Showtime, the British grime artist's second studio album, came out on September 6, 2004, via in the (September 14 in the ), expanding on his Mercury Prize-winning debut (2003) with more polished production by The TDK and Cage, incorporating , garage, and electronic elements. Key tracks include the assertive opener "Showtime" and the club-oriented "Stand Up Tall," addressing themes of fame and street life; it debuted at No. 8 on the and sold over 16,000 copies in the by mid-2007. Widely acclaimed for broadening grime's accessibility, the album solidified Rascal's role in urban music evolution. Other notable releases include Slave's funk album Show Time (1981, Cotillion Records), featuring the hit single "Snap Shot" and showcasing the band's tight grooves during their later career phase, and the 2011 compilation Showtime: The Album tied to the Philippine variety show It's Showtime, blending pop and OPM tracks for its theme song and segments.

Songs and singles

"Showtime" is a song by American rock musician David Lee Roth, released as the opening track on his 1988 solo album Skyscraper. The track features a high-energy style with prominent guitar riffs and Roth's signature charismatic vocals, reflecting his transition from to a more theatrical sound. It was supported by a directed by Roth himself, showcasing exaggerated performance antics that emphasized the song's theme of theatrical bravado. The song's cultural impact lies in its embodiment of excess, often cited in discussions of Roth's solo era as a bold statement of independence. In 1990, English band released "Showtime" as the and from their third studio album. Produced by the band and , the song exemplifies their industrial dance sound with aggressive beats, synthesized basslines, and Douglas McCarthy's shouted vocals, exploring themes of performance and confrontation. It reached number 5 on the chart and was remixed by for the single release, enhancing its club appeal. The accompanying video, directed by , depicted a stark, minimalist aesthetic that influenced early 1990s alternative electronic visuals. 's "Showtime" remains a seminal track in EBM, frequently sampled and referenced in compilations for its raw energy. Canadian singer included "Showtime" on her 2006 album Loose, co-written with and Nate "Danja" Hills. The pop track blends R&B and elements with Furtado's soulful delivery, using the "showtime" motif to celebrate romantic confidence and performance. It gained traction through radio play, contributing to Loose's global success with over 12 million copies sold. The song's upbeat production and lyrics about seizing the moment have made it a staple in Furtado's live sets, symbolizing in . British grime artist titled his 2004 sophomore album Showtime, with the opening track of the same name setting the tone for his rapid-fire flows and streetwise narratives over a gritty beat produced by . Released via , the song critiques fame and urban life, peaking at number 46 on the and earning a Mercury Prize nomination for the album. Its cultural impact includes bridging and grime, influencing a generation of MCs with its raw authenticity and has been used in media placements for British urban dramas. Other notable tracks include "Showtime" by American country artist Jon Langston from his 2015 EP Now You Know, a high-octane about ; the EP peaked at #26 on Billboard's chart and featured in sports event broadcasts. Additionally, "Showtime" by English band , released in 2024 as a —the band's first new music in five years—peaked at #39 on the , capturing energy with themes of anticipation and release, and has seen use in promotional media for live events, with their fourth studio album forthcoming as of 2025.

Sports

Basketball

The "Showtime" moniker refers to the distinctive fast-break playing style employed by the during the 1980s, characterized by high-speed transitions, precise passing, and crowd-pleasing flair that transformed the team into a cultural phenomenon. This era, spanning roughly from 1979 to 1991, emphasized up-tempo offense over methodical half-court sets, allowing the Lakers to outrun opponents and generate excitement through athleticism and creativity. The style originated under initial coach Jack McKinney, who prioritized quick ball advancement via multiple outlets rather than relying solely on a single , but it fully crystallized after took over as head coach in 1981. The nickname "Showtime" was coined by Lakers owner , inspired by the emcee's announcement "It's Showtime" at the nightclub The Horn, to capture the exciting, entertainment-focused style of the team starting in 1979 with Magic Johnson's arrival. Under , the offense revolved around Johnson's visionary playmaking at —where he averaged 11.2 assists per game across 685 contests alongside center —and Abdul-Jabbar's dominant scoring inside, often finishing with his signature for 22.0 points per game during his Lakers tenure. Key supporting players like forward added explosive finishing on the break, exemplified by his 1988 Finals MVP performance of 36 points in Game 7, while defender provided perimeter versatility to enable the transition game. Innovations such as Johnson's no-look passes, which deceived defenders by disguising delivery while maintaining court vision, became hallmarks of the system's psychological and visual appeal. Guided by Riley's emphasis on conditioning and showmanship, the Showtime Lakers captured five NBA championships in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988, defeating rivals like the in pivotal series that highlighted their stylistic contrast to more physical, deliberate opponents. Their success, including nine Finals appearances during the era, stemmed from a balanced attack that averaged over 110 points per game in championship seasons, blending Johnson's transition orchestration with Abdul-Jabbar's half-court reliability. The Showtime era's legacy endures in contemporary NBA strategies, particularly the "pace-and-space" offenses that favor rapid ball movement, three-point shooting, and versatile bigs—elements foreshadowed by the Lakers' run-and-gun approach and Johnson's positional flexibility as a 6'9" . This influence helped elevate the league's global popularity by prioritizing entertainment alongside victory. The 2022 HBO series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, adapted from Pearlman's book Showtime: Magic, , , and the Dynasty of the 1980s, further immortalized the period through dramatized accounts of its on- and off-court dynamics.

Combat sports and events

Showtime Sports, the dedicated sports programming arm of , began operations in 1986 with the launch of , a monthly series that became a cornerstone of the network's combat sports coverage. This initiative marked Showtime's entry into broadcasting, producing live events and (PPV) spectacles that highlighted major title bouts and emerging talents. Over nearly four decades, the division aired hundreds of fights, emphasizing high-stakes matchups that drew significant viewership and established Showtime as a key player in the sport. One of the division's landmark PPV events was the 2018 middleweight unification bout between Canelo Álvarez and Daniel Jacobs at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, which drew 1.12 million global viewers on DAZN and showcased Álvarez's dominance with a unanimous decision victory. Showtime Sports also expanded into mixed martial arts (MMA) through strategic partnerships, beginning with Strikeforce in 2007, where it broadcast live events including high-profile fights like Nick Diaz vs. Paul Daley in 2011. Following Zuffa's acquisition of Strikeforce in 2011, Showtime retained its broadcasting role, airing up to eight live events annually until the promotion folded into the UFC in 2013, honoring all fighter contracts in the process. In the 2020s, Showtime deepened its MMA involvement via an exclusive deal with Bellator MMA starting in 2021, producing events like the Patricio Pitbull vs. Emmanuel Sanchez lightweight title fight on April 2, 2021, leveraging the network's long history in the sport dating back 15 years. This partnership ended in 2023 when Paramount Global sold Bellator to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) for an undisclosed sum under $100 million, amid Showtime's closure of its sports division to focus on scripted content. Parallel to Showtime Networks' efforts, "It's Showtime" operated as an independent Dutch-based kickboxing promotion from 1998 to 2012, founded by Simon Rutz in Zaandam, Netherlands, with its inaugural event in 1999. The series gained prominence in the early 2000s for hosting elite international talent, culminating in its acquisition and merger into Glory Kickboxing in 2012 to consolidate top promotions under one global banner. Notable bouts included the 2007 heavyweight clash between Badr Hari and Remy Bonjasky at It's Showtime Reality in Haarlem, where Bonjasky secured a controversial decision victory after a intense three-round war marked by Hari's aggressive striking. Another highlight was their 2008 rematch under similar rules, though primarily associated with K-1 crossover, underscoring the promotion's role in fostering rivalries that elevated European kickboxing. Fights in "It's Showtime" adhered to K-1 rules, featuring three rounds of three minutes each for non-title bouts and five rounds for championships, with no low kicks permitted in lighter divisions to emphasize speed and technique. The promotion established eight weight classes, including MAX 61 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, 77 kg, 85 MAX, 95 MAX, and , crowning champions through tournament formats and direct challenges. Seminal titleholders included , who captured the heavyweight belt in 2009 by defeating via second-round , and Danyo Ilunga, who held the 95 MAX crown after a 2012 win over Ali Cenik, exemplifying the promotion's focus on knockout artistry and international competition. As of 2025, following the full integration of Showtime into Paramount+ in 2024, the network's combat sports legacy persists through transitional MMA arrangements, including the announcement of a seven-year, $7.7 billion UFC broadcasting deal effective January 2026, positioning Paramount+ as the exclusive U.S. home for UFC events and PPV. This comes after the 2023 acquisition of Bellator, which absorbed Showtime's former MMA roster and ended direct network involvement, though select legacy content and promotions like Showtime Boxing Promotions continue independent events.

Other uses

Technology and software

The Showtime streaming app was a standalone over-the-top () service launched by in June 2015, designed specifically for cord-cutters without traditional cable subscriptions. It allowed users to access the network's library of original series, movies, documentaries, and live sports events for a monthly fee of $10.99, with availability across multiple platforms including and mobile devices, web browsers, , , , , Samsung Smart TV, , consoles, and . Key features included offline downloads for select content, personalized watchlists, and integration with for sharing viewing progress, making it a pioneer in premium streaming before the broader industry shift. In early 2024, following the merger of Showtime content into Paramount+ announced in 2022, the standalone Showtime app was discontinued on April 30, 2024, to consolidate services under the Paramount+ platform. Existing subscribers were automatically migrated to the ad-free Paramount+ with Showtime tier, which retained access to the full library while adding Paramount's broader catalog of films, series, and live content. The integration aimed to streamline and reduce operational costs, as the standalone app had seen declining direct subscribers amid competition from larger bundled services. Post-merger metrics showed the combined Paramount+ and Showtime reaching over 60 million global subscribers by the end of 2023, with significant growth in the U.S. market driven by bundled offerings from cable providers. Another notable technological product named Showtime is the 1999 arcade video game , developed and published by as a sequel to the 1996 title NBA Hangtime. This fast-paced, 2-on-2 basketball simulation featured licensed NBA teams and from the 1998-1999 season, emphasizing exaggerated dunks, alley-oops, and power-ups like rapid shots and defensive steals in a three-quarter court environment. Released initially for arcades using Midway's , it supported up to four and included modes such as games, tournaments, and a season mode with NBA announcer providing commentary. The game was later ported to home consoles including , , and in late 1999 and 2000, where it received praise for its arcade-style accessibility and multiplayer fun, though criticized for lacking depth in simulation elements compared to competitors like . Among discontinued platforms associated with Showtime, the Showtime Anytime app served as an authentication and streaming companion for cable and satellite subscribers from its launch in 2011 until its shutdown on December 14, 2023. It enabled live and on-demand access to Showtime channels via provider login, supporting devices like , , , and smart TVs, but was phased out as part of the shift to Paramount+ integration. Similarly, the earlier SHO Sync interactive app, introduced in 2011 for second-screen engagement with polls and trivia synced to live broadcasts, was discontinued in 2015 due to low adoption and evolving mobile priorities. These closures reflect the network's transition from siloed apps to a unified streaming ecosystem.

Events and brands

Showtime at the Apollo is a renowned amateur talent competition held weekly at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York City, which has served as a cornerstone of Black entertainment since its inception. The event originated as Amateur Night in 1934, shortly after the theater's transition to catering primarily to African American audiences, and quickly became a launchpad for emerging performers in jazz, blues, gospel, and later hip-hop and comedy. Iconic figures such as Ella Fitzgerald, who won her first competition there in 1934 at age 17, and James Brown, who honed his stage presence during early appearances, credit the Apollo with shaping their careers. The competition's rigorous audience participation, including the infamous "Sandman" routine where a broom-wielding figure drags off underperforming acts amid boos and jeers, fosters a high-stakes environment that tests resilience and authenticity, contributing to its reputation as one of the toughest crowds in entertainment history. This cultural ritual not only entertains but also symbolizes the community's discerning role in elevating Black artistry, with the Apollo's Walk of Fame—inducting luminaries like Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin—permanently honoring those who triumphed. Over decades, the event has influenced broader African American cultural expression, from launching legends like Billie Holiday to inspiring modern revivals that maintain its legacy as a beacon for undiscovered talent. The television adaptation, titled Showtime at the Apollo, brought the live spectacle to national audiences starting September 12, 1987, initially in syndication before moving to from 2004 to 2008, with specials airing as late as 2018. While the TV version captured the energy of Amateur Night, including booing and walk-ons, it aired separately from the ongoing live events at the theater. Beyond this, "showtime" evokes the climactic moment in various live events, particularly in fashion, where it signals the start of presentations during weeks like ; for instance, promotions often declare "It's Showtime" to build anticipation for designer showcases uniting emerging and global brands. In the commercial realm, Showtime has branded consumer products, most notably the Showtime Rotisserie and BBQ Oven, an infomercial sensation from in the late 1990s. Launched around 1998, the countertop appliance, pitched by inventor with the "Set it and forget it!", revolutionized home cooking by automating grilling and sold over 8 million units, generating more than $1 billion in sales for housewares through direct-response television marketing. This product exemplified the era's boom, blending with persuasive to become a name synonymous with convenience. Following the August 7, 2025, completion of the merger between and —which integrated Showtime's assets into the new Skydance Corporation as of November 2025—the company announced plans for a significant expansion of production output, streaming enhancements, and cost-cutting measures including layoffs and a price increase, aimed at bolstering the integrated Showtime content within the platform. In parallel, "Showtime" has surged in viral contexts, with dance challenges like the "Showtime Dance Trend" gaining traction in 2024–2025, where users perform energetic routines timed to performance cues, amassing millions of views and blending entertainment nostalgia with . These digital phenomena distinguish "Showtime" as a versatile term for peak-moment excitement, separate from its origins or software applications.

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