What Showtime is and how to watch it

Showtime is a streaming service and cable channel owned by Paramount that shows original series, films, sports, and documentaries. You can watch it three ways: as a standalone streaming app (Showtime), as an add-on channel through another streaming service like Apple TV+ or Prime Video, or as part of a cable or satellite TV package.

The standalone Showtime app lets you stream on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. You can download episodes to watch offline. If you add Showtime through another service, you watch through that service's app instead — for example, through the Prime Video app if you buy it there.

Showtime's library includes series like Dexter, Homeland, and Penny Dreadful; films; live sports including professional boxing and soccer; and documentaries. The full catalog changes monthly as titles rotate in and out.

Key Takeaways

  • Showtime costs between $5.99 and $11.99 per month depending on whether you buy it standalone or through another service, and whether you pay monthly or annually.
  • You can watch on multiple devices at once if you have a Showtime account, but the number of simultaneous streams depends on your plan.
  • Most cable and satellite packages include Showtime, but the cost and channel number vary by provider.
  • You can pause, resume, or cancel your subscription at any time without penalty.
  • Showtime offers a free trial period when you first sign up, though the length varies by where you buy it.

Standalone Showtime pricing and what's included

If you buy Showtime directly through the Showtime app or website, the cost is $11.99 per month if you pay monthly, or $119.99 per year if you pay annually (which works out to about $10 per month). Both plans include the same content and features — the annual plan is simply a discount for committing upfront.

Your Showtime account lets you stream on up to three devices at the same time. You can create a household profile so family members have their own watchlist and viewing history, though they all share the same three-stream limit. If you need more simultaneous streams, you cannot upgrade within Showtime itself; you would need a separate account.

Showtime includes live sports events, on-demand films and series, and the ability to rewind or fast-forward through most content. It does not include ads — you watch without commercial breaks.

Adding Showtime through other streaming services

You can add Showtime as a channel through Prime Video, Apple TV+, Roku Channel, YouTube TV, Hulu, or other platforms. The price varies by service: through Prime Video it costs $10.99 per month, through Apple TV+ it costs $8.99 per month, and through other services the price may differ. You pay the add-on fee on top of any subscription you already have to that service.

When you add Showtime through another service, you watch the content through that service's app, not through a separate Showtime app. Your login is tied to that service's account. If you cancel the add-on, you lose access immediately.

The advantage of adding Showtime this way is convenience — you manage one bill and one app instead of juggling multiple subscriptions. The disadvantage is that you pay a premium compared to buying Showtime standalone, and you are locked into that service's streaming quality and device limits.

Showtime through cable and satellite TV

Most cable and satellite providers include Showtime as an add-on channel you can order. The cost ranges from $10 to $23 per month depending on your provider and package, and it appears as a line item on your cable bill. You watch through your cable box or through the provider's streaming app if they offer one.

If Showtime is already included in your cable package, you do not pay extra — check your channel guide or call your provider to confirm. Some providers bundle Showtime with other premium channels like HBO or Starz at a discounted rate.

The downside of getting Showtime through cable is cost: you typically pay more than the standalone price, and you cannot pause or cancel mid-month without calling customer service. The upside is that you get it on your TV without needing a separate device or app.

Free trial periods and how they work

Showtime offers a free trial when you first sign up, but the length depends on where you buy it. If you buy directly from Showtime, the trial is usually 30 days. If you add it through Prime Video, Apple TV+, or another service, the trial length varies — sometimes it is 7 days, sometimes 30 days, sometimes there is no trial at all. Check the offer before you sign up.

During the trial, you have full access to all content and features. Your payment method is on file, and if you do not cancel before the trial ends, you are charged the full subscription price. You can cancel anytime during the trial without being charged.

To cancel, log into your account, go to settings or subscription management, and select cancel. If you bought through a third-party service like Prime Video, you cancel the add-on through that service's settings, not through Showtime itself.

Devices you can watch on

Showtime works on iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets, computers (Windows and Mac), Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and some other smart TV brands. You can download the Showtime app on most of these devices, or cast to them from your phone.

If you buy Showtime through Prime Video or Apple TV+, you watch through those apps instead, which may have different device support. Check the service's device list before you sign up if you plan to watch on a specific device.

Your account remembers where you stopped watching, so you can start a show on your phone and pick it up on your TV later. You can also download episodes to watch offline on phones and tablets, though not on all devices.

Canceling and pausing your subscription

You can cancel your Showtime subscription at any time. If you bought directly from Showtime, log into your account, go to subscription settings, and select cancel. If you added it through Prime Video, Apple TV+, or another service, cancel the add-on through that service's settings.

Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle. If you paid for a month, you keep access until the end of that month. If you paid annually, you keep access until the end of the year. You are not charged again after cancellation.

Some services let you pause your subscription for a set period instead of canceling — this keeps your account and watchlist intact without charging you. Check your account settings to see if pause is an option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Showtime password with someone outside my household?

Showtime's terms of service say your account is for personal use in your household only. Sharing passwords with people outside your home technically violates the terms, though enforcement is inconsistent. If Showtime detects unusual activity, it may ask you to verify your identity or restrict simultaneous streams.

Does Showtime have ads?

No. Showtime does not include ads on any plan. You watch all content without commercial breaks. This is different from some other streaming services that offer a cheaper ad-supported tier.

Can I watch Showtime offline?

Yes, on phones and tablets. The Showtime app lets you download episodes to watch later without an internet connection. Downloads are available on iOS and Android, though not all titles can be downloaded.

What happens if I pause my subscription?

If your service offers a pause option, you stop being charged while your account stays active. Your watchlist and viewing history are saved. When you resume, you pick up where you left off. Not all services offer pause — check your account settings.

Is Showtime included in any streaming bundles?

Yes. Paramount offers a bundle that includes Showtime, Paramount+, and other services at a discounted rate compared to buying them separately. Some cable packages also bundle Showtime with HBO, Starz, or other premium channels. Prices and availability vary by provider.