Sky takes on Netflix and Prime

SKY is launching its own subscription video on-demand service to rival Netflix and Prime.

SkyShowtime, a joint venture between its owner Comcast and US rival, ViacomCBS, will go live next year.

It will run content from Sky, NBC, Showtime, Nickelodeon, film studios Paramount and Universal. The pay-TV giant said the service will cover 20 European countries as it expands beyond its strongholds of the UK, Germany and Italy.

Chief executive Dana Strong said the partnership provides an “innovative approach”.