David Nevins’ surprise exit as the top executive at Showtime Networks after an impressive 12-year run signals a troubled path forward for the premium cable channel as a standalone brand in the streaming-first, consolidation-focused industry, insiders said.
Nevins, who was promoted only a year ago to chief content officer for all Showtime and Paramount+ scripted originals, last week announced his plans to depart a company that, according to one individual with knowledge of the corporate culture, has become overrun with “powerful bros” jockeying for position under CEO Bob Bakish. But the underlying business prospects for Showtime remain challenging, especially without Nevins to champion the brand.