The Desk appreciates the support of readers who purchase products or services through links on our website. Learn more...

Comcast to close E! Entertainment in some European countries

A promotional slate for the E! Entertainment channel as it aired in Germany. (Still image courtesy Comcast/Sky Deutschland, Graphic by The Desk)

Für die deutsche Version klicken oder tippen Sie hier

Comcast will close a German-language variant of its E! Entertainment cable network in several European countries by the end of the year.

The linear channel will stop broadcasting in Germany, Austria and Switzerland as Comcast shifts programming away from its linear channels toward a localized version of its streaming service Peacock, which launched in those countries earlier this year.

The E! Entertainment channel was available on pay television systems throughout the Germanic countries, including Comcast’s own satellite service Sky Deutschland. Many of the shows aired on E! Entertainment were dubbed or subtitled versions of programs available on the domestic E! channel, including “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” “Botched,” “I Am Cait” and “Rob & Chyna.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for Comcast’s European business said the E! Entertainment channel was being shut down to “strategic reasons.” Other localized channels, including SyFy Deutschland, 13th Street and Universal TV, are expected to continue.

Other version of E! Entertainment, including a localized channel in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Eastern Europe, are expected to continue broadcasting.

Photo of author

About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is an award-winning journalist with more than 10 years of experience covering the business of television and radio broadcasting, streaming services and the overall media industry. In addition to his work as publisher of The Desk, Matthew contributes regularly to StreamTV Insider and KnowTechie, and has worked for several well-known news organizations, including Thomson Reuters, McNaughton Newspapers, Grasswire, Comstock's magazine, KTXL-TV and KGO-TV. Matthew is a member of IRE, a trade organization for investigative reporters and editors, and is based in Northern California.

Email: [email protected] | Signal: 530-507-8380