If you don't follow US TV networks closely, then you might not know much about the premium pay-TV channels that it has. Among these are two giants, HBO and Showtime. Sky Atlantic already has exclusive access to programmes like Game of Thrones, but it has now also acquired access to the Showtime catalogue.

The deal will give Sky first-run access to shows like The Affair, Ray Donovan and the upcoming Twin Peaks series which is set to return in 2017. Sky will also get rights to air, and provide on-demand older shows like Dexter and Californication. The deal is only for scripted drama and comedy, but Sky gets first-refusal on other Showtime content too.

What's interesting is the news that this is a pan-European deal. This is almost certainly because Sky now owns the other EU broadcasters that bear its name - previously these weren't part of BSkyB. As Netflix continues its march, traditional broadcasters may need to do more of these deals to keep ahead of the streaming giant.