The channel's Sunday and Monday night timeslots and former name were taken by Rainbow's other new pay service Bravo, which featured programming centered around the performing arts, foreign and arthouse films.

The first program was an interview with John and Bo Derek, followed by footage of January playmate Shannon Tweed, the West German adult movie Vanessa, and a magazine features including "Ribald Classics".

[7] The original programming and style of the Playboy Channel was developed by Hugh Hefner, and producer Michael Trikilis.

Playboy hired its own sales and marketing staff and launched the channel on several major multiple system operators.

In October 1983, Rainbow Media exited the partnership by selling its share to Playboy, but would continue to distribute the channel until 1986.

Programming featured music reviews, celebrity interviews, men's fashion and segments on cars.

In 2010, Playboy TV unveiled a new program slate,[9] which featured series tailored to both male and female viewers.