Paramount+ is coming in 2021. #ViacomCBS’ global #streaming service will carry the iconic Paramount name into the streaming era. pic.twitter.com/ESysB7zZWP
— ViacomCBS (@ViacomCBS) September 15, 2020
CBS All Access has enjoyed plenty of success in the US since its launch in 2014, with it notably being the domestic home to shows including Star Trek series such as Discovery, Picard, and Lower Decks.
However, ViacomCBS have now confirmed that changes to the platform are in the pipeline, with a rebrand on the way and new plans to take the service international.
Big changes ahead
It has been revealed that CBS All Access will change its name to Paramount+ in the early part of next year, while it will also be introduced to global markets including Australia, Latin America and Nordic countries.
The official statement on the plans also confirmed that new original series are being created for the platform, including a 10-part limited event show about the making of The Godfather. A new Behind The Music show will also delve into the MTV archives, while there will be a true-crime docuseries called The Real Criminal Minds.
Further original content is expected to be announced ahead of launch, with the shows joining the existing line-up of programming on CBS All Access. As well as the aforementioned Star Trek content, the platform includes the likes of Why Women Kill, The Twilight Zone and The Good Fight.
Major competition
ViacomCBS’s plan is clearly intriguing, particularly as it will put the company’s streaming service in direct competition with some very big names across the world.
The likes of Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Netflix are major players in an increasingly crowded marketplace, with many different brands now working to attract the attention of film and TV fans all over the globe. The latter in particular have taken some high-profile steps in recent times, including reportedly signing a deal which will see the brand make programming with Prince Harry and his wife Meghan.
The plans surrounding Paramount+ also emphasise how it seems like streaming is well and truly here to stay as a way that we access entertainment. As well as having an impact on the world of TV and film, it is also having an influence on the games industry through services like the Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming platform.
The concept has seen classic casino games such as blackjack and roulette transformed into events which are hosted by dealers via a video link, while other gameshow-style experiences have also emerged. Finally, streaming is massive in music through services like Deezer. It was recently revealed how the platform has introduced a Country Selector mode, which allows you to switch to songs from different countries while you are travelling.
Missing home? Or simply want to immerse yourself in a new culture? 🌍
Introducing Country Selector, a new feature that allows you to switch between countries and explore local artist tracks, curated playlists, charts and shows.
Available now for all Deezer users. pic.twitter.com/6DvLwhlLKm
— Deezer (@Deezer) September 16, 2020
Exciting developments
All in all, the rise of streaming has led to some very exciting developments in the entertainment world. News of ViacomCBS pushing on with Paramount+ is fascinating and it will be interesting to see just how the service manages to compete with other big names when it finally launches globally next year.
Interesting related article: “Generating revenue from live streaming.”