Viacom is set to make some big changes soon and their TV networks will reportedly go through various transformations as they are set to align their various media properties. Spike TV could be the first to go through a big change as it's set to rename itself as Paramount Network.
Change is Coming to Spike TV
Spike TV will soon be known as Paramount Network, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Viacom is going through serious restructuring and have decided to make some drastic changes on their various media properties. Spike TV is well known for their shows focused on the male audience and recently became one of the popular cable channel through "Lip Sync Battle" as it features popular personalities lip synching to their chosen songs.
The change, according to Variety, will emphasize the recent focus of CEO Bob Bakish of aligning Paramount not only in films but also in TV. It's practically a rebranding that would allow Viacom to push their feature films and TV networks in the same direction. By aligning TV and film, Paramount hopes to create a niche and brand that would attract more viewers.
More Scripted Shows in 2017
But even though Spike TV will go through a series rebranding, it appears that the change for now is only on the name. The cable channel will continue its venture to unscripted shows that made it so popular while pushing for brand new, scripted titles.
On the other hand, Spike TV (for now) will continue its brand as a cable TV for male audience. Their current line-up of shows continues and their agreement Bellator MMA is not going away soon. But as the channel officially renames itself as Paramount TV, some changes in their program should be expected especially when it shifts its focus away from male-centric shows.
