Streaming service Paramount+ did not just cancel “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies,” according to a Friday report. Rather, in exchange for an apparent tax write-off, the platform opted to remove the series entirely.
The Hollywood Reporter noted that the prequel series — based on the iconic 1978 musical — was not the only series to receive such treatment. Also on the chopping block were “Star Trek: Prodigy,” “The Game,” and “Queen of the Universe” — all three of which were also slated for removal from the platform.
Paramount Global released a statement attributing the move to easing the integration of content from Showtime, which is being added to the platform this week.
“In the unified Paramount+ with Showtime plan, the Showtime portfolio of edgy, critically acclaimed programming will complement the broad and popular Paramount+ library in a seamless offering that appeals to everyone, enables more discovery between the brands and builds overall viewership,” the statement read in part.
“As we prepare to combine Paramount+ and Showtime later this month in the U.S., we are refining our content offering to deliver the best streaming experience for subscribers. This is consistent with our content strategy since launch and across our business, which ensures we make smart, efficient choices, informed by audience data and insights. We are removing select programming as we look to optimize Showtime’s robust slate of premium originals,” it continued.
“Pink Ladies” show creator Annabel Oakes lamented the decision in an Instagram story, complaining that it amounted to a “complete erasure” of the show she had worked so hard to create.
“In a particularly brutal move, it is also being removed from @paramountplus next and unless it finds a new home you will no longer be able to watch it anywhere. The cast, my creative partners, and I are all devastated at the complete erasure of our show,” Oakes explained.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the move might also have been financially motivated. Warner Brothers-Disney reportedly took a tax write-down — to the tune of $1.5 billion — after recently removing lower-performing content from their streaming services. WBD also licensed some content to free ad-supported streamers in an effort to recoup some of their loss.
Paramount+ is expected to announce the removal of additional content in the coming weeks, but none as high-profile as the four projects already named.