Showtime Playing Sore Loser To Netflix’s Original Content Deal?

Showtime is pulling several of their hit series from Netflix streaming service. According to reports both Dexter and Californication, two of the only reasons to watch Showtime are being pulled once the company’s contract expires with Netflix late in the year.

Both shows will be available through Showtime’s Anytime streaming service.

The company, owned by CBS, isn’t dissolving their entire relationship, for example Sleeper Cell and The Tudors will remain on the network, while CBS will still show various older shows including Star Trek and Frasier.

It’s still unclear if Showtime is attempting to punish Netflix for recently purchasing first run rights on House Of Cards, a new series featuring Kevin Spacey and produced by David Fincher.

Showtime is downplaying the recent show buy from Netflix, instead standing behind their position that this was always part of their own exit strategy which will allow them to focus on their own paid streaming service.