Paramount+

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About Paramount+

Welcome to A Mountain of Entertainment. Stream hit movies, exclusive originals, live sports like NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League, everything you love from SHOWTIME (Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan only), and favorites from CBS, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, MTV, VH1 and more.

- Watch full episodes on demand from hit series like Survivor, NCIS, SpongeBob SquarePants, Big Brother and more!

- Obsess over originals. Watch subscriber-only originals such as Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, 1923 and Special Ops: Lioness.

- Make every night a movie night with blockbuster hits and fan-favorite films from Paramount Pictures, MGM and more.

- Access live streams with around-the-clock news coverage on CBS News 24/7, scores + highlights on CBS Sports HQ and entertainment news on Mixible, plus 20 live channels of curated favorites.

- Create up to 6 individual profiles for each member of your household. Have kids? Use our Kids Mode profile feature.

- Save your faves with our watchlist feature, My List.

Get even MORE with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan:

- Watch ad-free* shows and movies.

- Stream your local, live CBS station, plus SHOWTIME East and West.

- Catch the best in live events including NCAA March Madness, The Masters Tournament, The GRAMMYs and more.

- Stream SHOWTIME originals and movies.

- Download and watch offline*.

Try Paramount+ FREE now. Download the app to get started.

*Live TV includes commercials and select shows have promotional interruptions. Downloaded content is accessible for earlier of 30 days from date of download or 48 hours from start of playback. Content availability subject to change. Please note use of the Paramount+ app is limited to the United States. Paramount+ promotional offers for new subscribers only. Live TV subject to availability. Prices shown are in U.S. dollars. Other restrictions apply.

Your subscription will automatically renew after any applicable promotional period and your Apple ID account will be charged the subscription price on a recurring basis until you cancel. You can cancel your subscription at any time through your Apple ID account settings. If you cancel your subscription, the cancellation will go into effect at the end of your current subscription period, as applicable. You will have continued access to the Paramount+ Service for the remainder of your paid subscription period.

Please note: This app features Nielsen’s proprietary measurement software which will allow you to contribute to market research, like Nielsen’s TV Ratings. Please visit http://www.nielsen.com/digitalprivacy for more information.

Paramount+ Subscription Terms:

www.pplus.legal/subscription

Paramount Privacy Policy:

https://privacy.paramount.com/policy

Do Not Sell My Personal Information:

https://www.viacomcbsprivacy.com/donotsell

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The complete guide to Paramount+ in 2025

Paramount+ serves 77.9 million subscribers globally with a hybrid streaming model that combines 40,000+ hours of on-demand content with live sports and CBS programming. At $7.99 monthly for the Essential plan or $12.99 for Premium (formerly "Paramount+ with SHOWTIME"), the service positions itself as an affordable alternative to Netflix and Disney+, though persistent technical issues and a 73% user satisfaction rate reveal significant challenges beneath its competitive pricing.

The streaming platform's unique value proposition centers on exclusive sports rights—including NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League, and Serie A—alongside content from six major entertainment brands: CBS, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, BET, and Paramount Pictures. This multi-generational approach distinguishes Paramount+ from competitors, though its 9% US market share places it sixth among major streaming services, trailing leaders Netflix and Prime Video (each at 22%).

What makes Paramount+ different from other streamers

Paramount+ stands out in the crowded streaming landscape through its combination of live television and on-demand content, a model most competitors have abandoned. The service provides live CBS station feeds in 99% of US markets (Premium tier only), making it one of the few platforms where subscribers can watch local news, live sports, and primetime shows as they air. This hybrid approach includes themed live channels like Crime and Justice, Adult Animation, and TV Classics that stream content 24/7, similar to traditional cable channels.

The platform's sports coverage represents its strongest competitive advantage. With over 1,000 live events annually, Paramount+ offers NFL games through CBS, complete UEFA Champions League and Europa League coverage through 2030 (a $1.5 billion deal), Serie A matches, NWSL games, and PGA Tour events. This extensive sports portfolio comes at the entry-level $7.99 Essential tier—unusual among streaming services where sports typically require premium subscriptions.

Content integration from six major entertainment brands creates a uniquely diverse library. Unlike Netflix's algorithm-driven approach or Disney+'s family focus, Paramount+ aggregates distinct brand identities: CBS for mature audiences, Nickelodeon for children, MTV for young adults, Comedy Central for comedy fans, BET for diverse audiences, and Smithsonian Channel for educational content. The June 2025 rebranding simplified the premium tier from "Paramount+ with SHOWTIME" to "Paramount+ Premium," though all SHOWTIME content remains included at the same $12.99 monthly price.

Content library spans franchises and live programming

The platform's content strategy revolves around franchise ownership and live programming unavailable elsewhere. The Star Trek universe serves as a cornerstone, with Strange New Worlds entering its third season in 2025 (with season 5 confirmed as the final season), the Michelle Yeoh-led Section 31 movie premiering January 24, 2025, and Starfleet Academy in development. The complete classic Star Trek catalog—from the original series through Enterprise—provides depth for franchise fans.

Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone universe represents another major draw, though ironically the original Yellowstone series streams on Peacock due to pre-merger licensing. Paramount+ houses the prequels 1883 and 1923 (with Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren's second season premiering February 2025), plus upcoming series 1944 and The Madison starring Michelle Pfeiffer. The franchise expands to broadcast with Y: Marshals featuring Luke Grimes planned for CBS in 2026.

Live sports programming includes all NFL games broadcast on CBS, with local market Sunday afternoon games streaming live for Premium subscribers. The UEFA Champions League deal provides exclusive English-language coverage of all matches, supported by the studio show "UCL Today" featuring Kate Scott, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richards. Additional soccer coverage spans Serie A (all 380 matches), NWSL, Scottish Professional Football League, and Argentine Primera División.

Original series production focuses on established franchises and proven creators. Criminal Minds: Evolution continues the procedural franchise, while Mayor of Kingstown (Season 4), Tulsa King (Season 3), and Special Ops: Lioness represent the platform's investment in prestige dramas. The Frasier revival with Kelsey Grammer and reality programming including RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars and Big Brother maintain broad audience appeal.

The massive content acquisition of South Park marks a significant 2025 milestone. A $1.5 billion deal brings all 310+ episodes exclusively to Paramount+ in the US, plus 14 new made-for-streaming movies with two specials annually through 2027. This represents the platform's largest content investment and directly challenges competitors for adult animation dominance.

Pricing tiers offer flexibility with hidden limitations

Paramount+ maintains a two-tier pricing structure that appears straightforward but includes important distinctions. The Essential plan at $7.99 monthly ($59.99 annually) provides access to the full content library with advertisements, live sports coverage, and three simultaneous streams. However, this tier excludes live CBS station access, offline downloads, and premium picture quality, limiting its appeal for cord-cutters seeking full broadcast replacement.

The Premium tier at $12.99 monthly ($119.99 annually) adds significant value through ad-free viewing (except live TV), complete SHOWTIME library access, live CBS feeds in most markets, mobile downloads (up to 25 titles), and 4K/HDR streaming on select content. Nearly 200 titles support 4K resolution, including Top Gun: Maverick, Mission: Impossible films, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, though some premium shows like Star Trek: Picard stream in Dolby Vision but only 1080p resolution.

Special pricing targets key demographics: students and military members receive 50% discounts through SheerID verification ($3.99 Essential, $6.49 Premium monthly), while AARP members get 10% off any plan. The Walmart+ bundle represents exceptional value, including Paramount+ Essential free with membership ($12.95 monthly or $98 annually), effectively saving $95.88 yearly on streaming.

International pricing varies significantly across the 28-29 countries where Paramount+ operates. UK subscribers pay £4.99 monthly for Basic or £7.99 for Standard tiers. European pricing ranges from €5.99-7.99 monthly in Germany and Austria to CHF 7.90-17.90 in Switzerland. Recent expansions brought ad-supported tiers to Canada (CAD $6.99) and Australia (AUD $6.99) in 2025, while partnerships enable access in additional markets like the Philippines (via Blast TV) and South Korea (through Coupang Play).

The three-device streaming limit applies universally regardless of plan, a restriction that falls short of competitors—Apple TV+ allows six simultaneous streams while Netflix Premium permits four. Download functionality remains mobile-exclusive on the Premium tier, with strict limitations: 25 titles maximum per device, five copies of the same title across all devices, 30-day storage, and 48-hour viewing windows once playback begins.

Platform availability covers major devices with gaps

Paramount+ achieves broad device compatibility, though not without limitations. Smart TV apps cover Samsung, LG, Vizio (SmartCast 3.0+ required), Sony Android TV, and Hisense (2020+ models), while streaming devices include all Roku models, Amazon Fire TV family, Apple TV (HD and 4K), and Chromecast with Google TV. Gaming console support spans PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Mobile apps require iOS 14+ or Android 5+ and represent the only platforms supporting offline downloads. Web streaming works across Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge browsers, though no dedicated desktop applications exist. This browser-only approach for computers contrasts with competitors offering native Windows and Mac apps.

Recent distribution deals expand access through traditional providers. A January 2025 Comcast agreement brings Paramount+ Premium to qualifying Xfinity customers through set-top box integration, similar to existing Charter Spectrum arrangements. These partnerships recognize that many households maintain cable subscriptions alongside streaming services.

Notable platform gaps include inconsistent smart TV performance (particularly on Samsung and Vizio models), no native app for Windows or Mac computers, and the complete absence of download capability outside mobile devices. Users frequently report that different platforms offer varying interface versions and feature sets, creating an inconsistent experience across devices.

User experience plagued by persistent technical problems

The Paramount+ interface follows standard streaming conventions with a large content carousel, branded content hubs, and personalized recommendations, yet execution issues severely impact usability. The home screen organizes content by Paramount brands (CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon), genres, and trending titles, with dedicated sections for Search, Shows, Movies, Live TV, News, and user lists.

Technical performance represents the platform's greatest weakness based on extensive user feedback. App store ratings average 4.0/5 on iOS from 451,169 reviews, but third-party review platforms paint a drastically different picture: Trustpilot shows 1.2/5 stars from 2,723 reviews, while PissedConsumer averages 2.2/5 from 4,914 users. Only 28% of subscribers would recommend the service to others.

Common technical complaints include constant buffering regardless of internet speed, apps freezing mid-episode requiring force quits, slow loading times for content and menus, frequent "Video Unavailable" and "Error 3005" messages, and navigation lag that makes browsing frustrating. Smart TV apps receive particularly harsh criticism, with Samsung, LG, and Vizio users reporting crashes and compatibility issues.

The live TV experience lacks basic DVR functionality—users cannot pause, rewind, or fast-forward live broadcasts, a significant limitation compared to traditional cable or YouTube TV. Continue watching features work inconsistently, often restarting episodes from the beginning rather than resuming progress. Search functionality, while present, lacks the sophistication of Netflix's semantic search or Disney+'s character-based discovery.

Streaming quality varies by plan and content

Video quality depends heavily on subscription tier and specific content. The Premium plan unlocks 4K Ultra HD streaming for nearly 200 titles, with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support on select movies and shows. However, 4K availability remains limited compared to Apple TV+ (all content in 4K) or Netflix's extensive UHD library.

Streaming specifications require minimum 4 Mbps bandwidth for basic 480p quality, with Paramount+ recommending 25 Mbps per person for smooth HD streaming. Multi-person households need 100 Mbps for optimal performance. Live TV streams at 1080p/60fps for CBS-owned stations but drops to 720p/30fps for affiliate stations. Audio options include Dolby Atmos on premium titles like Top Gun: Maverick and the Mission: Impossible series, 5.1 surround sound for most content, and basic stereo as the fallback option.

Users report frequent quality drops during peak hours, with apps defaulting to lower resolutions despite adequate bandwidth. Unlike some competitors, Paramount+ provides no manual quality controls, preventing users from forcing higher resolutions or managing data usage. The platform's adaptive streaming often struggles with consistency, leading to jarring quality changes mid-scene.

Comparison with competitors reveals mixed positioning

Against Netflix's 300+ million subscribers and 8,391 titles, Paramount+'s 77.9 million users and 3,606 titles appear modest. However, pricing tells a different story—Paramount+ Premium at $12.99 includes SHOWTIME content and live sports, while Netflix's ad-free plans start at $17.99 without any live programming. The value proposition improves for sports fans who would need multiple services to match Paramount+'s live coverage.

Disney+ offers closer competition with family-focused content at $9.99 (ads) or $15.99 (premium), making Paramount+ roughly $2-3 cheaper monthly. Disney's advantage lies in franchise strength (Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar) and superior bundling with Hulu and ESPN+, while Paramount+ counters with broader adult programming and integrated live sports at the basic tier.

Max (formerly HBO Max) commands higher prices ($9.99-$20.99) for premium scripted content and Warner Bros. films. With 6,928 titles and 14% market share, Max's prestige positioning contrasts with Paramount+'s mass-market approach. Yet Paramount+'s sports rights and CBS integration offer unique value Max cannot match.

Prime Video's inclusion with Amazon Prime membership ($14.99 monthly) alongside 10,872+ titles makes pure comparison difficult. As the market leader tied with Netflix at 22% share, Prime Video's value extends beyond streaming. Paramount+ cannot compete on scale but differentiates through live programming absent from Prime Video.

Apple TV+ takes the opposite approach with ~200 exclusively original titles at $9.99, all in 4K/HDR with six simultaneous streams. While Apple prioritizes quality over quantity, Paramount+ serves audiences seeking variety, live sports, and traditional TV integration—needs Apple TV+ doesn't address.

Recent 2025 updates streamline branding and expand access

The June 2025 rebranding from "Paramount+ with SHOWTIME" to simply "Paramount+ Premium" simplified marketing while maintaining all SHOWTIME content at the same price. This change reflects broader industry trends toward consolidated branding as services mature.

Content updates for 2025 include Star Trek: Section 31 (premiered January 24), Strange New Worlds Season 3, Dexter: Resurrection, and exclusive South Park streaming rights. The platform added over 100 MTV Unplugged episodes and expanded international content through local productions in Europe and Latin America.

Technical improvements remain minimal despite user complaints. While Paramount+ promises "latest app improvements" in update notes, users report little noticeable enhancement in performance or stability. The company has announced but not delivered multi-view sports features and expanded 4K content, leaving subscribers waiting for meaningful technical upgrades.

International expansion accelerated through partnerships rather than direct launches. Recent deals include Coupang Play in South Korea, beIN Media Group covering the Middle East and Turkey, and Blast TV in the Philippines. This partnership model provides quick market entry but limits control over user experience.

User reviews highlight value despite frustrations

Professional reviews acknowledge Paramount+'s competitive pricing and content variety while criticizing technical execution. Tom's Guide calls the library "decent" but "not quite enough to make it a must-have," while What Hi-Fi praises sports content but notes "average picture and sound quality."

User feedback reveals deep frustration with technical issues overshadowing content value. Common praise focuses on affordable pricing, especially with discounts; extensive live sports unavailable elsewhere; strong kids programming through Nickelodeon; comprehensive Star Trek coverage; and included SHOWTIME content on Premium tier.

Persistent complaints dominate user forums and review sites. Even Premium subscribers see promotional content, contradicting "ad-free" marketing. Buffering affects users regardless of internet speed or device. Apps crash frequently across all platforms. Customer service provides generic troubleshooting without resolution. Billing issues include unauthorized charges and difficult cancellations.

The 73% satisfaction rate falls below major competitors, with only 28% of users willing to recommend the service. This gap between content value and technical execution defines the Paramount+ experience—subscribers tolerate problems for unique content rather than enjoying a polished platform.

International availability remains limited but expanding

Paramount+ operates in 28-29 countries, significantly trailing Netflix's 190+ country reach. Core markets include the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and parts of Europe (France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy) and Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and others).

Regional content varies substantially. UK subscribers access a smaller library than US users, while Latin American markets receive local productions alongside US content. Sports rights differ by territory—Mexican subscribers get different soccer coverage than US viewers. The Star Trek franchise faces complicated international licensing, with some series on competing platforms in various countries.

Expansion strategy favors partnerships over direct launches. Recent deals created branded hubs within local services: JioCinema in India, Coupang Play in South Korea, and various telecommunications partnerships across Europe and the Middle East. This approach enables rapid market entry but sacrifices direct customer relationships and consistent user experience.

Pricing localization shows careful market consideration. UK plans start at £4.99 monthly, European pricing ranges €5.99-12.99, while emerging markets see lower price points. The ad-supported tier rollout in Canada (CAD $6.99) and Australia (AUD $6.99) in 2025 signals commitment to international growth through accessible pricing.

Exclusive partnerships drive content differentiation

Paramount Global's ownership structure enables unique content integration across legacy Viacom brands. CBS provides news, primetime dramas, and reality programming; Nickelodeon delivers kids content and animation; MTV offers reality shows and music programming; Comedy Central contributes stand-up specials and adult animation; BET serves diverse audiences with targeted programming; and Smithsonian Channel adds educational content.

The Taylor Sheridan partnership drives prestige drama development across the Yellowstone universe. Despite the original series streaming elsewhere, Paramount+ benefits from exclusive prequels and spinoffs that leverage the franchise's popularity. Plans for broadcast integration with Y: Marshals on CBS demonstrate cross-platform strategy.

Sports partnerships define competitive advantage. The UEFA Champions League deal through 2030 provides exclusive English-language coverage increasingly valuable as soccer grows in America. NFL rights through CBS guarantee weekly games during football season. Additional partnerships cover PGA Tour golf, NCAA basketball and football, and various international soccer leagues.

Third-party distribution expands reach beyond direct subscriptions. Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, and Roku Channel offer Paramount+ as add-on subscriptions. The Walmart+ bundle includes Essential tier access, reaching price-conscious consumers. Cable partnerships with Comcast and Charter integrate streaming into traditional TV packages.

Live TV and sports coverage justifies subscription for many

Live programming distinguishes Paramount+ from on-demand-only competitors. The Premium tier includes local CBS station feeds covering news, primetime shows, and sports. This feature proves essential for cord-cutters maintaining access to broadcast television without antenna requirements.

Sports coverage spans multiple leagues and events. NFL on CBS delivers Sunday afternoon games in local markets, while UEFA Champions League provides midweek soccer. Serie A offers weekend matches, complemented by Copa América, Gold Cup, and other Concacaf tournaments. March Madness brings college basketball tournament games broadcast on CBS.

The sports studio programming adds context beyond live games. "The Golazo Show" provides Champions League whip-around coverage similar to NFL RedZone. Pre and post-game analysis features respected personalities like Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher. CBS Sports HQ streams 24/7 sports news and highlights.

Live channels recreate cable-style viewing with themed programming. The Crime and Justice channel runs procedural dramas continuously. Adult Animation features comedy series. TV Classics showcases older CBS content. These channels suit viewers preferring curated content over active selection.

SHOWTIME integration adds premium value

The Premium tier's inclusion of SHOWTIME content significantly enhances value despite the June 2025 rebranding that dropped SHOWTIME from the tier name. Subscribers access the complete SHOWTIME library including prestige dramas like Yellowjackets, Billions, and Dexter franchises; documentaries and comedy specials; SHOWTIME Championship Boxing events; and linear channel feeds for East and West coasts.

Original SHOWTIME production continues under Paramount+ ownership. New series like Dexter: Original Sin and Fellow Travelers join returning shows like The Chi (Season 7). The integration allows single-app access rather than managing separate subscriptions, while the $12.99 price point matches standalone SHOWTIME's former cost while adding the full Paramount+ library.

Select SHOWTIME content now appears on the Essential tier, marking a shift from strict paywall separation. This strategy exposes more viewers to premium content while maintaining incentive to upgrade for full access and ad-free viewing.

Family features provide basic parental controls

Parental control options center on age-based profiles rather than granular content management. Parents can create "Younger Kids" profiles accessing only TV-Y and G-rated content or "Older Kids" profiles with content up to TV-PG and PG ratings. Each account supports up to six profiles total.

PIN protection prevents unauthorized profile switching, requiring a 4-digit code to access adult profiles or account settings. Parents can set rating thresholds requiring PIN entry for content above selected levels. Live TV access can be PIN-protected separately, addressing concerns about news or sports content.

Limitations frustrate parents seeking stricter controls. Trailers and promotional content bypass restrictions, potentially exposing kids to inappropriate previews. No mechanism exists to block specific titles across all profiles. Tech-savvy children may find workarounds to profile restrictions.

Kids content from Nickelodeon provides extensive programming including SpongeBob SquarePants universe, PAW Patrol series and movies, Blue's Clues & You!, and classic shows like Rugrats and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Educational options from Smithsonian Channel add value for learning-focused families.

Technical issues define user frustrations

Customer complaints consistently highlight technical problems across all platforms and subscription tiers. Buffering tops the list, with users reporting constant interruptions regardless of internet speed. Testing shows the issues stem from Paramount+'s infrastructure rather than user connections, as the same devices stream Netflix or Disney+ without problems.

App stability varies wildly by platform. Smart TV apps crash frequently, particularly on Samsung and Vizio models. Mobile apps fare better but still experience freezes requiring force quits. Roku and Fire TV users report app updates that break previously working features. The web player shows better stability but lacks features available in dedicated apps.

Streaming quality problems frustrate Premium subscribers paying for 4K access. Apps frequently default to lower resolutions without explanation, and quality fluctuates dramatically during single episodes. The absence of manual quality controls prevents users from forcing consistent resolution or managing bandwidth usage.

Account and billing issues compound technical frustrations. Users report unauthorized charges after cancellation, difficulty reaching customer service for billing disputes, and password reset emails that never arrive. The support team's generic troubleshooting scripts rarely resolve issues, leading to cancellations driven by poor service rather than content dissatisfaction.

Geographic restrictions and VPN blocking affect international users and travelers. Paramount+ actively detects and blocks VPN usage, preventing access outside home countries. The service blocks shared IP addresses common to VPN services, requiring dedicated IPs or Smart DNS workarounds. Content varies significantly by region without clear explanation of differences.

Password sharing remains technically possible within the three-stream limit, as Paramount+ hasn't implemented Netflix-style household verification. Terms of service restrict sharing to household members, but enforcement relies on stream limits rather than active monitoring. This may change as the industry shifts toward stricter account sharing controls.

Looking ahead: Paramount+ faces critical decisions

Paramount+ enters the second half of 2025 at a crossroads. With 77.9 million subscribers and approaching domestic profitability, the service has established itself as a viable Netflix alternative for price-conscious consumers and sports fans. However, persistent technical issues, limited international reach, and fierce competition from better-funded rivals threaten long-term growth.

The pending Skydance merger could provide resources for necessary infrastructure improvements and content investment. Addressing app performance and stability issues must take priority—no amount of exclusive content justifies the frustration users experience daily. International expansion through partnerships enables growth but may limit the control needed to ensure consistent quality.

Paramount+'s unique combination of live sports, broadcast integration, and diverse brand content creates genuine differentiation in an increasingly homogeneous streaming landscape. The question remains whether corporate leadership will invest in platform improvements matching content ambitions, or continue tolerating technical mediocrity that undermines subscriber satisfaction and growth potential.