At the start of 2026, Spanish viewers switching on their televisions noticed a familiar name missing from the TDT lineup. Paramount Network, previously known as Paramount Channel, officially ended its free-to-air broadcasts in Spain, closing a chapter that had lasted more than a decade.

For many viewers — especially UK expats living in Spain — its disappearance marked the loss of one of the last easy-to-watch English-language channels available without a subscription.

So what exactly was Paramount Channel in Spain, and why did it disappear from TDT?

What Is TDT?

TDT stands for Televisión Digital Terrestre, Spain’s version of free-to-air digital terrestrial television. It is the standard TV system used across Spain, delivering channels via a normal aerial rather than satellite, cable, or the internet.

TDT is equivalent to Freeview in the UK and includes a mix of public and commercial channels that are available free of charge, without any subscription.

What Was Paramount Channel / Paramount Network in Spain?

Paramount Channel launched in Spain in March 2012 as a national free-to-air channel on TDT. It was operated by Paramount’s international television division and quickly became known for its strong focus on movies and well-known TV series.

In 2018, the channel was rebranded as Paramount Network, expanding its scope beyond films into broader entertainment while still keeping movies at its core. In later years, it upgraded to HD broadcasting, aligning with changes to Spain’s TDT technical standards.

A Favourite Among UK Expats

One of the channel’s unique strengths was that much of its content was broadcast in English, making it especially popular with British and Irish expats living in Spain.

Unlike many Spanish channels that required fluency in Spanish, Paramount Network offered familiar, easy-to-follow programming, including:

• Hollywood films in their original English audio

• Popular international series

• Well-known UK shows such as Death in Paradise, which attracted a loyal expat audience

For many expats, Paramount Network became a go-to channel — something comforting and familiar that didn’t require navigating language barriers or paying for satellite or streaming subscriptions.

When Did Paramount Network Close on TDT?

The closure was announced in late 2025, with Paramount confirming that Paramount Network would stop broadcasting on Spanish TDT at the end of the year.

The channel officially ceased terrestrial transmissions at midnight on 31 December 2025, meaning that from 1 January 2026, it was no longer available on free-to-air television in Spain.

Why Did Paramount Network Leave Spanish TDT?

The decision was driven by wider changes in the television industry rather than any single event.

1. A Strategic Shift Toward Streaming

Paramount, like many global media companies, has been moving away from traditional broadcast television and investing more heavily in streaming and digital platforms. Maintaining a nationwide TDT channel involves significant costs, and the company increasingly sees greater value in online distribution.

2. Falling Viewership and Advertising Revenue

Across Spain, TDT viewing has been declining, particularly among younger audiences. Advertising revenue for mid-range entertainment channels has become harder to sustain, even for well-known international brands.

As viewing habits change, fewer viewers are watching scheduled TV, preferring on-demand content instead.

3. A Wider Retreat from TDT by International Brands

Paramount Network’s exit fits into a broader trend. Several international broadcasters have reduced or ended their presence on Spanish TDT, leaving space for local and regional media groups while global companies focus on digital platforms.

What Replaced Paramount Network on TDT?

When Paramount Network left TDT, its broadcast slot was taken over by a new Spanish-run free-to-air channel, Squirrel 2, which launched at the beginning of 2026.

This reflects how Spain’s terrestrial TV landscape is evolving: fewer international brands, and a stronger emphasis on domestically operated channels.

Can You Still Watch Paramount Content in Spain?

Yes — but not via traditional free-to-air TV.

Paramount content remains available in Spain through streaming platforms, including free ad-supported services like Pluto and subscription-based options like Paramount+. However, this requires an internet connection and compatible devices, which is a notable change for viewers who relied on simple aerial-based TV.

For many UK expats, this shift means the loss of one of the last English-language channels available on Spanish TDT without additional equipment or monthly fees.

The End of a Familiar Channel

For Spanish viewers — and especially for UK expats living in Spain — Paramount Channel and later Paramount Network represented easy, accessible entertainment. Its mix of English-language films and popular series made it stand out in a largely Spanish-language TDT environment.

Its closure in 2026 marks not just the end of a channel, but another step in the gradual move away from traditional free-to-air television toward a streaming-first future.