What Paramount+ is and who runs it

Paramount+ is a streaming service owned and operated by Paramount Global, the media company behind CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and the movie studio Paramount Pictures. You pay a monthly or annual fee to watch shows, movies, and live sports on your devices — phone, tablet, computer, or TV. Paramount+ does not provide housing assistance, rental support, or government benefits.

The service streams content over the internet, so you need a working internet connection to use it. You can download some shows and movies to watch offline later, but the app itself requires an active subscription to function.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount+ offers two paid tiers — a standard plan with ads and an ad-free plan — plus a free tier with limited content and ads.
  • Monthly costs range from free to around $13 per month depending on the plan, though prices vary by region and change over time.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time without penalty, and the service will stop working at the end of your current billing period.
  • Paramount+ is available on most devices including phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.
  • The service includes live CBS broadcasts in most U.S. markets, plus on-demand movies and shows from Paramount's library.

The three subscription tiers and what each includes

Paramount+ offers a free tier, a standard paid tier with ads, and a premium tier without ads. The free tier includes a limited selection of shows and movies, plus ads between content. You do not need a payment method to use the free tier.

The standard paid tier (sometimes called "with ads") costs less than the ad-free tier and includes the full Paramount+ library, live CBS in most markets, and some sports events. Ads play during shows and movies. The ad-free tier removes those ads but costs more per month. Both paid tiers renew automatically each month unless you cancel.

Paramount+ also offers bundle deals with other services — for example, combining Paramount+ with Showtime or with other streaming platforms. Bundle pricing is usually lower than paying for each service separately, but the exact options and prices depend on your region and change periodically.

How to set up an account and start watching

To create a Paramount+ account, go to the Paramount+ website or open the app on your device. You will need an email address and a password. If you choose a paid tier, you will also need to provide a payment method — a credit card, debit card, or other payment option Paramount+ accepts in your region.

After you enter your payment information, your subscription begins immediately. You can start watching right away on any device where you sign in with your account. If you choose the free tier, you can skip the payment step entirely.

Paramount+ lets you create multiple user profiles within one account, so different people in your household can have separate watch histories and recommendations. Each profile can be personalized separately.

Canceling your subscription and what happens after

You can cancel your Paramount+ subscription at any time through your account settings on the website or in the app. Cancellation is immediate, but you keep access to the service through the end of your current billing period. If you paid for a month, you can watch until the end of that month. If you paid for a year, you can watch until the year is up.

After your access ends, you cannot watch any content unless you resubscribe. Your user profiles and watch history are saved for 12 months, so if you resubscribe within that time, your settings and recommendations return.

Paramount+ does not charge a cancellation fee or penalty. You will not be charged again after you cancel, even if you do not formally delete your account.

Devices where Paramount+ works

Paramount+ is available on most common devices. This includes iPhones and iPads, Android phones and tablets, computers running Windows or Mac, and smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and other manufacturers. You can also watch on streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and Xbox.

To watch on a device, download the Paramount+ app from that device's app store, or visit the Paramount+ website on a web browser. Sign in with your account email and password. The app or website will remember your login, so you do not have to enter it every time.

You can watch on multiple devices at the same time, but the number of simultaneous streams depends on your plan. The standard and ad-free tiers typically allow a certain number of streams at once — check your plan details for the exact limit.

Content available on Paramount+

Paramount+ includes live CBS broadcasts in most U.S. markets, so you can watch news, sports, and primetime shows as they air. The service also has a large library of on-demand shows and movies from Paramount's studios, including originals made specifically for Paramount+, older CBS shows, movies from the Paramount film library, and content from MTV, Nickelodeon, and other Paramount-owned networks.

Sports content includes NFL games, college football, and some other events, though the exact sports available depend on your region and plan. Some live sports require the ad-free tier or a higher subscription level.

The library changes regularly — Paramount+ adds new content and removes older content based on licensing agreements. You can browse what is currently available in the app or on the website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Paramount+ account with family members in another house?

Paramount+ allows multiple people to watch on the same account, but the service has rules about sharing outside your household. Check Paramount+'s current terms of service for the specific limits on account sharing, as these policies change. You can always create separate accounts for different households.

What if I forget my password?

Go to the Paramount+ login page and select "Forgot password." Enter your email address, and Paramount+ will send you a link to reset your password. Click the link in the email and create a new password. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or try again with the email address associated with your account.

Does Paramount+ work without internet?

You need internet to sign in and start watching, but Paramount+ lets you download some shows and movies to watch offline later. Open the app, find the content you want, and look for a download button. Downloaded content expires after a set period, so you will need to reconnect to the internet eventually to keep watching.

Can I change my plan after I subscribe?

Yes. Log into your account settings and select your subscription plan. You can switch between the ad-supported and ad-free tiers, or change to a bundle. Changes take effect on your next billing date. If you upgrade mid-month, Paramount+ may charge a prorated amount for the remainder of the month.

What payment methods does Paramount+ accept?

Paramount+ accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes other payment methods depending on your region — for example, PayPal or carrier billing through your phone company. The exact options available appear during signup. You can update your payment method in your account settings at any time.