Astral’s The Movie Network and CBS Studios International, which distributes Showtime programming globally, today announced that they have renewed and expanded upon their long-standing relationship with a new multi-year deal that will have Showtime’s acclaimed lineup of original dramas, comedies and documentaries – including upcoming seasons of Californication, DexterTM and United States of TaraTM and new series such as Episodes – available to subscribers of The Movie Network on-air, on-demand and online.

“Showtime’s original programming is among the most cutting-edge and acclaimed content out there and is exactly the sort of premium experience that makes The Movie Network such a unique entertainment and value proposition,” said Kevin Wright, Senior Vice President, Programming, Astral Television Networks. “This multi-year deal expands upon our ability to provide this award-winning programming across multiple platforms, including The Movie Network OnDemand service and TMN OnLine which is offered through distributors such as BellTV, Rogers and Videotron.”

“Showtime has established itself as a leader in premium programming with such must-have, critically acclaimed shows as Dexter and United States of Tara,” said Bruce Swanson, Senior Vice President and General Sales Manager, CBS Studios International. “This new agreement will enable The Movie Network to build on their current stable of Showtime shows while also delivering on its multiplatform strategy to offer programming to their subscribers across multiple screens.”

The Movie Network currently carries the majority of Showtime’s premium original programming, including Emmy® winners Californication, Dexter and United States of Tara and such acclaimed cutting-edge series as The Green Room; La La Land; Lock ‘N Load; Look; Penn & Teller: Bullshit!; The Real L WordTM; Secret Diary of a Call Girl; and, Tracy Ullman: State of the Union. New series launching in January 2011 include Episodes, starring Matt LeBlanc.