Pivot (fictional)

Pivot is an American digital cable and satellite television network owned by Applause Networks. It serves as the company's flagship basic cable network. It was launched on August 1, 2013 through a merger between Halogen TV and Documentary Channel. Originally focused on socially conscious programming targeted at young adults between 18 and 34 years old, it has since shifted to a format consisting of a variety of programming, with a focus on comedy, along with some sports events. The network is headquartered alongside Applause Networks' other properties in.

Sale to Applause Networks
On August 17, 2016, Participant Media announced that they were exploring a sale or shutdown of Pivot by early 2017, citing low ratings, small viewing audiences, and an overall shift away from television by Participant under current CEO David Linde. On September 22, Participant Media announced it would sell Pivot to Applause Networks, the owner of premium cable channels Applause, Now and TheaterOne. The sale was completed on October 2.

By early 2017, Pivot had begun dropping Participant Media productions and most of its dramatic programming as a part of a format shift toward comedic programs, such as sitcom reruns, original reality television series, and theatrically released comedy films. Pivot would also begin to carry Applause Sports programming.

Programming
Pivot's current programming consists primarily of reruns of sitcoms and drama series, original scripted programming and some reality television series, as well as airings of feature films. Pivot and sister premium channels Applause and Applause en Español share rerun rights to The Simpsons with FX Networks' FXX and Walt Disney Television's Freeform; while Pivot shares the rerun rights to Futurama with Paramount Global's Comedy Central, Warner Bros. Discovery's Adult Swim and FX Networks' FXX.

Pivot also carries Applause Sports programming, including AHA on Pivot featuring American Hockey Association games.