Paramount TV Studios is closing its doors this week, marking the end of an era for the 11-year-old studio. The shutdown will result in significant layoffs, with about 15% of its U.S. workforce affected. This move is part of a broader cost-cutting effort by Paramount Global to save $500 million ahead of its merger with Skydance Media. The decision follows a previous wave of layoffs impacting around 800 employees six months ago, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
As part of the closure, Paramount TV Studios President Nicole Clemens will depart the company. All ongoing projects and current series, including popular shows like Reacher, Time Bandits, and Cross, will be transferred to CBS Studios. Clemens, who joined the studio in 2018, expressed pride in the team's resilience and creativity, highlighting the studio's impact on the industry despite the challenges faced. Co-CEO George Cheeks emphasized that the studio's closure is a strategic decision influenced by changes in the TV and streaming markets, rather than a reflection of its performance.
Looking ahead, Paramount's shift to CBS Studios will not affect the fate of the existing shows. This transition underscores the dynamic nature of the entertainment industry, where adaptation and consolidation are key. While the studio's closure represents a significant change, the legacy of Paramount TV Studios' contributions to television, from acclaimed series to groundbreaking storytelling, will continue under its new banner.
(Sources: Marisa Williams, Collider; Brian Welk, IndieWire, CNET)