The deal, which Sky's Gary Davey called “one of the most important content deals Sky has ever agreed”, will give customers access to hit shows like Twin Peaks and The Affair.

This is the largest and most expansive international deal to date for CBS subsidiary Showtime, and marks the first time the US channel's content have been licenced to a single media company across multiple European territories. 

Sky customers will also be able to watch on demand hit programmes from the American channel's catalogue including Nurse Jackie, House of Lies, Californication and Dexter.

Davey, Sky's Managing Director for Content, added: “We are enormously proud that Sky will be the exclusive home to new Showtime programmes for many years to come.

"The agreement means our customers can enjoy an incredible slate of upcoming new dramas like Billions, Twin Peaks and also explore hundreds of hours of amazing series on demand.”

Also to air on the channel is Billions which recently premiered in the US with the best series debut performance ever for the American network.

Sky Atlantic will be the exclusive home to Showtime programming across all its territories in the UK, Ireland, Austria, Germany and Italy.

The two channels will also continue working in partnership to co-produce gothic horror series Penny Dreadful.

CBS recently announced a similar exclusive agreement with Bell Media for Showtime in Canada.

Armando Nuñez, President and CEO of CBS Global Distribution Group described the deal as the “most significant international deal in the history of Showtime”, adding “this deal shows how robust and profitable Showtime has become as a stand-alone product.”

 

Book tickets for Gary Davey in conversation at The Hospital Club, Covent Garden on 4th February.