What Companies Does Paramount Own?

What companies does Paramount own? This is a common question among those interested in media giants and entertainment conglomerates. Paramount, once known as ViacomCBS, controls a wide portfolio of entertainment companies, broadcast networks, production studios, and streaming platforms. Its influence spans across film, TV, and digital content, making it one of the most recognized media corporations globally.

Paramount Company Profile

Paramount Global, known simply as Paramount, is one of the largest media and entertainment conglomerates in the world. Headquartered in New York City, Paramount produces, distributes, and streams content across television, film, and digital platforms. It owns a vast portfolio of brands including CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Showtime, and Paramount Pictures, along with digital platforms like Paramount+ and Pluto TV.

Company Overview

Paramount operates across three core business segments:

1. TV Media – This includes cable networks like Comedy Central and BET, along with CBS broadcast television.
2. Filmed Entertainment – Anchored by Paramount Pictures, one of Hollywood’s oldest and most successful film studios.
3. Direct-to-Consumer – Streaming services like Paramount+ and Pluto TV fall under this segment, serving millions of users worldwide.

As of 2025, Paramount has over 22,000 employees, content distribution in more than 180 countries, and an expanding focus on streaming-first content strategies.

Founders

Paramount’s origin dates back to 1912, when the Famous Players Film Company was founded by Adolph Zukor, a Hungarian-American film producer. Zukor is widely credited with pioneering the feature-length movie format and building the Hollywood studio system.

In 1916, Famous Players merged with Jesse L. Lasky’s company to form the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation, which later evolved into Paramount Pictures Corporation. The studio was the first to sign stars under long-term contracts, setting a standard in the industry.

Viacom, the media company that would later own Paramount, was originally spun off from CBS in 1971 to hold the broadcast syndication and cable assets of CBS. The two companies would eventually reunite decades later.

Major Milestones

• 1912 – Founding of Famous Players Film Company by Adolph Zukor.
• 1916 – Merger with Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company to form Paramount Pictures.
• 1927 – CBS is founded as the Columbia Broadcasting System.
• 1971 – Viacom is spun off from CBS to comply with FCC regulations.
• 1994 – Viacom acquires Paramount Pictures.
• 1999 – Viacom acquires CBS, bringing both companies under one umbrella.
• 2006 – Viacom and CBS split into two independent entities.
• 2019 – CBS and Viacom remerge to form ViacomCBS.
• 2020 – Launch of Pluto TV in international markets.
• 2021 – CBS All Access rebrands to Paramount+.
• 2022 – ViacomCBS changes its name to Paramount Global to emphasize its focus on global streaming.
• 2023–2025 – Integration of Showtime into Paramount+, major restructuring of cable operations, and international expansion of streaming services.

Who Owns Paramount?

Paramount Global is a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol PARA. Despite being publicly listed, the company has a dual-class share structure, which means that not all shareholders have equal voting power. In 2025, National Amusements Inc. remains the controlling shareholder, giving the Redstone family effective control of the company. Other major shareholders are institutional investors holding non-voting Class B shares.

Here’s a list of the major shareholders as of July 2025:

National Amusements Inc.

National Amusements Inc. is a private holding company that controls the majority of Class A voting shares in Paramount. It owns about 77% of Class A shares, which gives it nearly complete control over corporate decisions, board appointments, and strategic direction.

The company is led by Shari Redstone, who serves as Chairwoman of Paramount Global. She is the daughter of the late Sumner Redstone, the media mogul who built the Viacom and CBS empire. National Amusements has maintained controlling ownership through several mergers, splits, and rebrands over the decades.

Shari Redstone

Shari Redstone is the single most influential figure in Paramount. Through National Amusements, she holds both economic interest and voting power. She was instrumental in pushing for the re-merger of CBS and Viacom in 2019 and in rebranding the company to Paramount Global in 2022. As of 2025, she remains deeply involved in strategic matters and is often seen as the face behind Paramount’s long-term vision.

Class A vs Class B Shares

Paramount’s dual-share structure divides shareholders into two groups:

• Class A Shares – Carry voting rights. Mostly held by National Amusements Inc.
• Class B Shares – No voting rights. Mostly held by public investors and institutions.

This structure means that although institutional shareholders own a significant percentage of the company’s economic value, they have no effective control over corporate governance.

Institutional Shareholders (2025)

As of July 2025, the largest Class B shareholders of Paramount include the following major financial institutions. These figures represent approximate economic interest, not voting power:

The Vanguard Group

Vanguard holds about 8.5% of Paramount’s Class B shares. It is one of the largest institutional investors globally and maintains a passive investment approach.

BlackRock

BlackRock owns approximately 7.2% of the company. Like Vanguard, it focuses on long-term equity investments and index funds.

State Street Corporation

State Street holds around 4.3% of Paramount. It is another passive investor with large holdings in media, tech, and entertainment sectors.

Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley owns about 3.1% of Class B shares in 2025. It operates as both an investor and a financial advisor.

Fidelity Investments

Fidelity has a stake of approximately 2.6% in Paramount through mutual funds and retirement portfolios.

Other Shareholders

Paramount also has various other institutional and retail investors who own small percentages of Class B shares. While they contribute to the company’s capital and stock liquidity, they do not influence corporate decision-making due to a lack of voting rights.

List of Companies Owned by Paramount

Paramount Global owns and operates a broad mix of entertainment networks, film studios, production houses, and streaming platforms. These are directly owned by Paramount Global, not through its parent company.

As of 2025, the company has restructured many of its units to align with its digital and streaming-first strategy. Each brand listed below plays a unique role in its ecosystem.

Here’s a list of the major companies and brands owned by Paramount Global as of 2025:

Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures is Paramount’s flagship film studio. Founded in 1912, it remains one of the most iconic film producers in the world. It produces and distributes blockbuster films including Mission: Impossible, Transformers, A Quiet Place, and Top Gun. It also owns the rights to several classic and modern film franchises. The studio includes divisions like Paramount Animation and Paramount Players for genre-specific projects.

Paramount Television Studios

This division develops and produces original scripted content for Paramount-owned networks and third parties. It supplies series to Paramount+, CBS, and other platforms globally. Notable titles include Reacher, Jack Ryan, and other drama series aimed at both domestic and international audiences.

CBS Entertainment Group

CBS is Paramount’s flagship broadcast network. It is the most-watched TV network in the U.S. and includes:

• CBS Television Network: A national television network delivering primetime, late-night, and daytime programming.
• CBS News: A global news division delivering national and international coverage.
• CBS Sports: Covers the NFL, NCAA Basketball, PGA Tour, and other major sports.
• CBS Studios: Develops scripted and unscripted content for CBS and other platforms.

CBS Media Ventures

This division handles the domestic television distribution of CBS and third-party content. It syndicates top-rated shows like Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, Inside Edition, and Entertainment Tonight.

Paramount+

Paramount+ is the company’s premium subscription streaming service. Launched as a rebranded version of CBS All Access, it has expanded globally and now includes live sports, news, movies, originals, and a vast back catalog. In 2023, Paramount+ absorbed Showtime, creating a bundled platform called Paramount+ with Showtime.

It features exclusive originals like Halo, 1923, Tulsa King, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Pluto TV

Pluto TV is a free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service offering hundreds of live channels and thousands of on-demand titles. It operates independently from Paramount+ and is available in over 35 countries. Pluto TV serves as Paramount’s gateway to the FAST content market and continues to grow in international markets in 2025.

Nickelodeon Group

Nickelodeon is Paramount’s flagship brand for kids and families. It includes:

• Nickelodeon: The main channel offering animated and live-action series.
• Nick Jr.: A preschool-focused network with educational and age-appropriate content.
• TeenNick: Aimed at older kids and teens.
• Nicktoons: Dedicated to animated series.
• Nick at Nite: Offers classic TV programming.

It owns hit franchises like SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and PAW Patrol, which have become global merchandising empires.

MTV Entertainment Group

MTV Entertainment Group consists of youth- and lifestyle-focused networks, including:

• MTV: Focuses on youth culture, music content, and reality TV.
• VH1: Originally a music channel, now features reality and documentary programming.
• CMT (Country Music Television): Features country music videos, concerts, and reality shows.
• Logo TV: LGBTQ+ focused content including films, reality, and docu-series.

In 2025, many of these networks have shifted to producing content for Paramount+ rather than traditional cable.

BET Media Group

BET (Black Entertainment Television) targets Black audiences in the U.S. and globally. It includes:

• BET: The core network for urban and African-American content.
• BET Her: Focused on African-American women.
• BET+: A streaming service co-owned with Tyler Perry, offering exclusive films and series aimed at Black audiences.

BET continues to expand its streaming offerings with scripted and unscripted originals.

Comedy Central

Comedy Central is Paramount’s dedicated comedy brand. It airs original content such as South Park, The Daily Show, and stand-up specials. In recent years, Comedy Central has shifted many of its flagship titles to digital-first platforms, particularly Paramount+.

Showtime (Integrated into Paramount+)

Previously a premium cable network, Showtime is now fully integrated into Paramount+ as part of “Paramount+ with Showtime.” It still operates as a content brand, offering critically acclaimed original dramas, documentaries, and limited series. Popular titles include Yellowjackets, Billions, Dexter, and The Chi.

Awesomeness

Awesomeness is a Gen Z-focused digital media company producing content for young audiences. Originally a YouTube-based network, it now operates as a full-fledged studio under Paramount. Awesomeness produces films, series, and social media content for both digital and streaming platforms.

Smithsonian Channel

The Smithsonian Channel offers factual programming based on history, nature, science, and culture. It is owned by Paramount through a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution and is also available via Paramount+ as part of its documentary offering.

Paramount Consumer Products

This division handles merchandising and licensing of Paramount’s IP. It manages global partnerships for brands like Star Trek, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Top Gun, SpongeBob SquarePants, and PAW Patrol.

Paramount International Networks

This division oversees the global operation of Paramount’s TV brands and streaming services. It manages:

• Local versions of MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and BET.
• Regional streaming hubs for Paramount+ and Pluto TV.
• International co-productions and local-language content.

Mirrorball Studios

Mirrorball is a boutique production unit under Paramount Global that focuses on high-end scripted content, limited series, and film projects. As of 2025, it serves as a premium storytelling label under the Paramount+ brand umbrella.

Who is the CEO of Paramount?

As of July 2025, Brian Robbins serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Paramount Global. He succeeded former CEO Bob Bakish and was elevated to the top leadership role during a critical phase of the company’s transformation into a streaming-first media powerhouse. Robbins brings extensive experience in youth entertainment, television production, and digital content creation.

Background of Brian Robbins

Brian Robbins has a long and diverse career in media. He began as an actor in the 1980s and later became a prolific television and film producer. He co-founded AwesomenessTV, a digital media brand for Gen Z, which was later acquired by Viacom (now part of Paramount Global). Robbins also held executive roles across several Paramount brands before becoming CEO.

He previously served as:

• President of Nickelodeon
• President of Kids & Family Entertainment for ViacomCBS
• President of Paramount Pictures

His track record includes revitalizing Nickelodeon’s content slate, launching hit kids’ franchises, and driving youth programming across platforms.

Appointment as CEO

Brian Robbins was named CEO of Paramount Global in late 2023, following internal restructuring and strategic changes driven by the company’s shift toward streaming and international expansion. The board selected Robbins due to his hands-on leadership, creative background, and ability to connect with younger audiences—a key demographic for Paramount’s growth.

Leadership Style and Vision

Robbins is known for his creative-first leadership style. Unlike traditional corporate CEOs, he brings a producer’s mindset to the boardroom. He emphasizes storytelling, brand synergy, and platform-focused strategies.

His priorities include:

• Strengthening Paramount+ and Pluto TV globally
• Scaling youth and family content across Nickelodeon and MTV
• Integrating film and streaming pipelines to maximize IP value
• Supporting diverse, creator-led content across all platforms

Key Strategic Moves Under Robbins

Since becoming CEO, Robbins has overseen several key developments:

• Full integration of Showtime into Paramount+
• Acceleration of the international rollout of Paramount+
• Increased investments in sports, live events, and tentpole franchises
• Strategic restructuring of linear TV networks to reduce costs and overlap
• Expanded production partnerships with creators and studios globally

Public and Internal Perception

Internally, Robbins is seen as approachable and creatively driven. He frequently engages with production teams, showrunners, and digital creators. Externally, he’s perceived as a leader who understands the changing dynamics of entertainment—from traditional cable to mobile-first platforms.

Despite navigating a competitive landscape and legacy challenges, Robbins is credited with pushing Paramount toward a more agile and modern future.

Current Role in 2025

In 2025, Brian Robbins continues to lead Paramount Global through a challenging but transformative period. His leadership is defined by innovation, speed, and a content-centric approach, helping the company remain competitive in a streaming-dominated industry.

David Ellison: The Expected Future CEO of Paramount Post-Merger

As of July 2025, David Ellison, the founder and CEO of Skydance Media, is expected to take over as the new Chief Executive Officer of Paramount Global, pending the finalization of a high-profile merger between Paramount and Skydance Media. This potential leadership change is one of the most significant shakeups in the entertainment industry in recent years.

Who is David Ellison?

David Ellison is an American film producer, media executive, and entrepreneur. He is the son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, and he carved out his own place in Hollywood by founding Skydance Media in 2010. Under his leadership, Skydance has grown into a major production company behind hit films such as:

• Top Gun: Maverick
• Mission: Impossible – Fallout
• Terminator: Dark Fate
• The Tomorrow War
• Multiple entries in the Jack Ryan and Reacher franchises.

He has built Skydance into a vertically integrated media company with divisions in animation, gaming, television, and sports content.

The Paramount-Skydance Merger

In 2025, Paramount Global entered into advanced negotiations for a merger with Skydance Media, led by Ellison. The deal involves Ellison’s group investing billions to take a controlling stake in Paramount, which would restructure its ownership and leadership. The merger aims to bring in fresh capital, innovative digital strategies, and new creative leadership.

As part of the proposed agreement:

• David Ellison would become CEO of the merged company
• Shari Redstone, through National Amusements Inc., would relinquish control
• Paramount’s existing board and leadership structure would undergo a major overhaul.

This merger is expected to finalize by late 2025, with regulatory and shareholder approval processes currently underway.

Why David Ellison?

Ellison is seen as a visionary executive with strong relationships across Hollywood and Silicon Valley. He has a reputation for:

• Supporting large-scale franchises and cinematic IP
• Embracing cutting-edge technology in storytelling (like VFX and animation)
• Investing in diversified platforms including video games, sports, and AI-driven content

His leadership style contrasts with traditional network executives. Ellison blends tech-forward thinking with deep industry knowledge, positioning him as the kind of CEO suited to lead a reimagined, content- and technology-driven Paramount.

What His Appointment Could Mean for Paramount

If Ellison becomes CEO post-merger, it could mark a transformational era for Paramount Global. Possible shifts may include:

• Greater focus on blockbuster franchises and global theatrical releases
• Expanded efforts in interactive entertainment and gaming
• Increased capital investment in streaming innovation and AI-powered production
• A leaner, more agile structure designed for tech-media convergence

Ellison is expected to retain many of Paramount’s top creative talents but may reorganize or streamline some legacy divisions to align with his long-term vision.

A New Chapter for Paramount

David Ellison’s expected rise to CEO signals a generational and strategic shift in Paramount’s future. It moves the company from its legacy television and cable DNA toward a hybrid future blending cinema, streaming, gaming, and next-gen media. While Brian Robbins continues to serve as CEO for now, Ellison’s entrance would likely redefine Paramount’s direction in the years to come.

Paramount Annual Revenue and Net Worth

As of 2025, Paramount Global continues to navigate a complex media environment shaped by rapid shifts toward streaming, evolving advertising models, and ongoing merger talks. The company has shown resilience through restructuring, cost-cutting, and strategic investments in content and international expansion. Below is a breakdown of its current financial standing.

Annual Revenue

In fiscal year 2025, Paramount Global reported total revenue of approximately $28.6 billion, marking a slight increase compared to $28.1 billion in 2024. The growth was driven primarily by:

• Expansion of Paramount+, which added several million new global subscribers, especially in Latin America, Canada, and select European markets.
• Ad-supported growth of Pluto TV, which continued to lead in the free streaming space (FAST).
• Steady earnings from CBS broadcast, particularly in sports rights (NFL, NCAA).
• Revenue from film releases like Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 2 and Transformers One.

Revenue Breakdown by Segment

• TV Media (CBS, cable networks): $15.4 billion
• Direct-to-Consumer (Paramount+, Pluto TV): $7.9 billion
• Filmed Entertainment (Paramount Pictures): $5.3 billion

While TV Media remains the largest segment, Direct-to-Consumer revenue continues to gain ground, reflecting Paramount’s long-term strategy to shift toward digital-first platforms.

Operating Income and Profitability

Despite top-line growth, operating income declined slightly due to increased content spending and marketing costs associated with global streaming expansion. Operating income stood at approximately $2.1 billion, compared to $2.5 billion in 2024.

Key factors impacting profitability included:

• Integration costs from combining Showtime with Paramount+
• High content investment across film and original streaming series
• Softness in cable advertising revenue due to cord-cutting trends

However, the company has made efforts to streamline its operations, reduce redundant overhead, and realign resources toward high-performing franchises and markets.

Paramount’s Net Worth

As of July 2025, Paramount Global’s market capitalization is estimated at approximately $20.4 billion, a drop from its valuation in early 2023. This decrease reflects several market challenges, including:

• Lower investor confidence amid leadership uncertainty due to ongoing merger discussions with Skydance Media
• Volatility in the streaming sector impacting stock performance across the industry
• Declines in traditional cable subscriber revenue

That said, Paramount’s asset value remains high, supported by its vast content library, global streaming infrastructure, valuable IP (including Star Trek, SpongeBob, Top Gun, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and real estate holdings (like CBS Television City).

Here is an overview of Paramount Global’s historical revenue and estimated net worth (market capitalization) for the last 10 years (2016–2025):

Strategic Investments and Cash Position

Paramount invested heavily in:

• Global rollouts of Paramount+ and expansion of localized content
• Sports streaming rights and live events
• Technological upgrades for ad-targeting and personalized user experiences on streaming platforms

The company holds approximately $3.4 billion in cash and equivalents as of July 2025, providing some liquidity ahead of its anticipated merger with Skydance.

Conclusion

Paramount owns some of the most influential companies in entertainment and media. From legacy TV brands like CBS and Nickelodeon to new digital platforms like Paramount+ and Pluto TV, its reach spans generations and formats. Understanding what companies Paramount owns offers a clear view of how it maintains its place in the evolving media landscape.

FAQs

Does Paramount own Nickelodeon?

Yes, Paramount Global owns Nickelodeon. It is one of the core networks under the company’s cable television segment, part of the Paramount Media Networks group. Nickelodeon includes the flagship channel, Nick Jr., Nicktoons, and TeenNick, along with international variations.

What company owns CBS?

CBS is owned by Paramount Global. It includes the CBS broadcast network, CBS News, CBS Sports, and CBS Studios. Paramount acquired full control of CBS when Viacom and CBS remerged in 2019 to form ViacomCBS, which later rebranded as Paramount Global.

Who owns MTV now?

MTV is owned by Paramount Global. It is part of the company’s cable television group, alongside channels like VH1, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon. MTV continues to operate both in the U.S. and internationally under the Paramount Media Networks division.

What franchise does Paramount own?

Paramount owns several major entertainment franchises, including Star Trek, Mission: Impossible, SpongeBob SquarePants, Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Top Gun, and PAW Patrol. These franchises are spread across film, TV, streaming, and merchandise.

Does Apple own Paramount?

No, Apple does not own Paramount. As of 2025, Paramount Global remains an independent, publicly traded company, though it is in the process of merging with Skydance Media. Apple has not acquired Paramount, despite past rumors and speculations.

Does Paramount own DreamWorks?

No, Paramount does not own DreamWorks. DreamWorks Animation is owned by NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Paramount previously had a distribution deal with DreamWorks Animation, but that ended years ago.

Is Paramount owned by Disney?

No, Paramount is not owned by Disney. It is a completely separate media company. While both operate in film, television, and streaming, they are corporate competitors. Paramount is owned by its shareholders and controlled by National Amusements Inc.

Does Paramount own MTV?

Yes, MTV is owned by Paramount Global. It is part of the company’s cable networks division and remains a legacy brand under the Paramount Media Networks umbrella.

Who owns Bravo?

Bravo is owned by NBCUniversal, which is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. It is not affiliated with Paramount in any way.

Does Paramount own Pixar?

No, Pixar is owned by The Walt Disney Company. Paramount has no ownership in Pixar or any of its film properties.

Does Paramount own TNT?

No, TNT is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. It is part of the company’s cable television holdings, not Paramount’s.

Does Paramount own Avatar?

Paramount owns the Nickelodeon animated franchise “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” However, the Avatar film series directed by James Cameron is owned by 20th Century Studios, which is a division of The Walt Disney Company.

Does Paramount own Sonic?

No, Paramount does not own the Sonic the Hedgehog IP. However, Paramount Pictures has the film distribution rights for the Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise, which is licensed from SEGA.

Does Paramount own Marvel?

No, Marvel is fully owned by The Walt Disney Company. Paramount previously distributed some early Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films, such as Iron Man and Thor, before Disney acquired full rights.

Does Paramount own SpongeBob?

Yes, Paramount owns SpongeBob SquarePants. It is one of the most valuable properties of Nickelodeon and Paramount Global as a whole. SpongeBob content appears across television, movies, merchandise, and theme park partnerships.

Does Paramount own CBS?

Yes, CBS is a core part of Paramount Global. It includes CBS Television Network, CBS Studios, and CBS News. Paramount gained full ownership after the CBS–Viacom remerger in 2019.

Does Viacom own Paramount?

No, Viacom no longer exists as a standalone company. In 2019, Viacom merged with CBS to form ViacomCBS, which later rebranded as Paramount Global in 2022. So technically, Viacom became part of what is now Paramount, not the other way around.

What company owns Paramount Pictures?

Paramount Pictures is owned by Paramount Global, a U.S.-based multinational media conglomerate. Paramount Pictures is the company’s flagship film studio and is one of the oldest and most recognized in Hollywood.