Paramount Network
History
The Paramount Network is an American basic cable television channel owned by the ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks division of ViacomCBS. The network's headquarters are located at the Paramount Pictures studio lot in Los Angeles.
The channel was originally founded by a partnership between Warner Bros. and Chris-Craft Industries under the name United Paramount Network (UPN) in 1995. UPN was originally broadcast on a mixture of major and minor network affiliates, and was considered one of the "Big Six" broadcast networks.
In 2000, Viacom bought Chris-Craft's 50% stake in UPN, becoming the network's sole owner. In 2006, UPN merged with The WB (a joint venture between Warner Bros. and the Tribune Company) to form The CW, a new broadcast network.
The channel was rebranded as the Paramount Network in 2018, shifting towards a general entertainment format featuring a mix of original and syndicated programming. The rebranding was part of a restructuring effort by Viacom to focus on six of its core brands, which also include MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, and BET.
Programming
Paramount Network's programming primarily includes a mix of original series, movies, and syndicated reruns. The network's original programming has included dramas such as Yellowstone, comedies like Nobodies, and non-scripted shows such as Lip Sync Battle and Ink Master.
Paramount Network has also aired a number of special events, including the annual CMT Music Awards (which are also broadcast on sister network CMT), and the biennial One Night Only comedy specials.
Distribution
As of September 2018, Paramount Network is available to approximately 83.5 million pay television households in the United States. The network is also available in Canada through pay television providers, and in various other countries around the world.