Esquire Network is shutting down, it has been announced today. The NBCUniversal Entertainment cable channel will move to an online digital platform that will launch this spring.
The news comes just a month after the network lost 15 million subscribers when AT&T's DirecTV and U-Verse dropped the channel. Negotiations had been ongoing between Esquire and Carter Communications and Verizon over contract-carriage renewals.
Esquire was launched in 2013 as a partnership between NBCUniversal and Hearst Corp., replacing Style Network. The channel airs primarily unscripted programming that targets male audiences - such as Friday Night Tykes, Joyride, Brew Dogs and Team Ninja Warrior. The network also ventured into scripted programming with overseas acquisitions Spotless and Beowulf.
A relaunched, direct-to-consumer digital service, available via Esquire.com, will be home to existing Esquire Network programming as well as new series such as Borderland USA (working title) and Edgehill, which will premiere on the digital platform this spring.
"Since its launch, Esquire Network has seen consistent growth among total viewers and key demos and has delivered significant value to our advertising partners. Men today consume content on a variety of platforms and it is essential that we follow our viewers," said Adam Stotsky, President, E! and Esquire Network. "We are grateful to the team that has contributed to Esquire's many successes to date, and this new strategy sets us up for the future."
Added Hearst Magazines president David Carey: "We look forward to our continued partnership with NBCUniversal with this digital driven, forward-looking strategy, which reinforces the brand's premium value proposition."
