Paramount Network Heads to the U.K.

Viacom International Media Networks UK is bringing Paramount Network to free-to-air TV in the U.K.

Launching on July 4, the channel will feature premium scripted drama, comedy and movies. Paramount Network will be scheduled and programmed by the Channel 5 editorial team under the direction of Ben Frow, C5’s director of programs. The international rollout is being overseen by Jill Offman, executive VP of Comedy Central and Paramount Network International.

Paramount Network is the home of various free-to-air premieres, including the seventh season of Suits. The U.S. series Designated Survivor and The Mick both join the slate later in the year.

Frow said: “Paramount Network is set to deliver high-end Hollywood entertainment with blockbuster movies, scripted drama and critically acclaimed comedy featuring some of the biggest names on the planet. Supported by Channel 5’s creative scheduling and audience insight and underpinned by Viacom’s brand-building expertise, Paramount Network is a popular premium content destination in a free-to-air world.”

Offman added: “Launching on TV screens in the U.K. is another critical milestone for the Paramount Network brand, which we’re convinced will resonate strongly with British viewers given Paramount’s distinguished and successful history of epic, cinematic storytelling for global audiences. Delivering free-to-air content to millions of U.K. households underlines our belief that, despite the growing popularity of on-demand, viewers continue to value highly TV channels that offer an intelligently scheduled linear lineup of quality entertainment.”