Paramount Network rebranding as Paramount Movie Network: Yellowstone may get "cinematic" treatment

Variety

Within the next year, the ViacomCBS-owned Paramount Network will shift to made-for-TV movies featuring big name stars--while keeping its biggest hit Yellowstone. "The current plan is to program 52 original movies per year on the network, or one movie per week," reports Variety's Joe Otter. "Each movie will have a budget in the low-to-mid-seven-figure range. Once per quarter, the network expects to program a miniseries or scripted series on the scale of its hit drama Yellowstone, potentially spinning off characters from those projects into their own films or sequels in the future." Yellowstone is expected to be presented as a "cinematic experience," possibly with two episodes airing in one night. As part of the rebrand, Paramount Network is moving out of unscripted programming. Reality shows like Ink Master, Wife Swap and Battle of the Fittest Couples are all being canceled. Meanwhile, unscripted shows like Bar Rescue and Lip Sync Battle will be moved to other ViacomCBS channels. “We’re doubling down on scripted but diversifying with made for TV movies, mini-series and blockbuster series with movie stars like Yellowstone, Chris McCarthy, president of entertainment and youth brands for ViacomCBS domestic media networks tells Variety. "Made-for-TV movies provide all the creative upside and ability to work with great talent, without the full time commitment of a series or feature. Plus, we’re maximizing our investment because we can build a valuable library to use across our streaming, cable and global footprints."