Buzz
Following the footsteps of Disney and Warner Bros., Viacom has introduced its streaming platform, Paramount+, set to go live on March 4. With the surge of new streaming services like Disney+, Discovery+, and Apple TV+, alongside established giants such as Hulu and Netflix, the options are becoming endless. You might be questioning whether Paramount+ is worth subscribing to. Let’s explore what it brings to the table to help you make an informed decision.
What Exactly is Paramount+?
Paramount+ isn’t entirely new. It’s essentially a rebranded version of CBS All Access, which debuted in 2014. The platform is expanding its content library following the 2019 merger of CBS and Viacom. The revamped service will feature shows from Viacom networks like BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and the Smithsonian Channel, along with a selection of Paramount Pictures films. Additionally, it will include live sports and news coverage. This rebranding appears to be a strategic move for a service previously known for being somewhat lackluster (unless you’re a die-hard Star Trek enthusiast). The fresh approach and expanded offerings might make it appealing to potential subscribers.
How Paramount+ Operates
Existing CBS All Access users will seamlessly transition to Paramount+ on March 4, avoiding the chaotic shift seen with HBO’s rebranding to HBO Max. Current subscribers can access the new platform using their existing credentials without any additional steps.
New users can register for CBS All Access today to enjoy a one-week free trial. After the trial, plans start at $5.99/month for limited ads or $9.99/month for ad-free streaming. Annual subscriptions are available at $59.99 (with ads) or $99.99 (ad-free), offering savings of $10 to $20 based on the selected plan.
For a limited time, Paramount+ (through CBS All Access) is providing a 50% discount for new signups before the rebranding launch. Sign up by March 3 at 11:59 p.m. using the code PARAMOUNTPLUS to secure a full year of service for as low as $2.50 per month. But is a year of essentially CBS All Access worth it even at this discounted rate?
What’s Included
Paramount+ is integrating CBS All Access, bringing along its beloved original series and extensive content library. This platform is your go-to for shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, alongside originals such as Star Trek Discovery, the reimagined Twilight Zone, and Stephen King’s The Stand. Fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender or Legend of Korra might find Paramount+ as the future hub for franchise expansions—once existing Netflix agreements conclude.
If you’re eager to follow ongoing seasons of shows available elsewhere, Paramount+ could be a solid choice. (After exhausting the two seasons of Are You the One on Netflix, I opted for the CBS All Access free trial to continue indulging in the guilty pleasure.) Beyond reality TV, Paramount+ plans to introduce 10,000 new titles from Viacom’s vast collection, featuring Paramount Pictures films (up to 2,500 by summer, per Variety, including exclusives like a Pet Sematary sequel) and additional series from Viacom’s networks. Like its competitors, Paramount+ will roll out exclusive TV shows in the coming years. Variety outlines anticipated releases, such as a Criminal Minds spinoff, a Halo-inspired series, adaptations of Paramount classics like Love Story and The Italian Job, a Frasier revival, and a Real World season one reunion.
In more thrilling updates, Paramount revealed that major 2021 releases, including the seventh Mission: Impossible and A Quiet Place 2, will stream on the platform just 45 days after their theatrical debut. While not matching Warner Bros.’ strategy of simultaneous HBO Max and theater releases (a divisive yet seemingly successful approach, as far as metrics indicate), this move significantly boosts Paramount+’s appeal.
Subscribers to the ad-free plan can download content for offline viewing, aligning with industry standards in 2021.
Viacom has not yet provided a full list of supported devices, but it’s reasonable to expect compatibility with all platforms currently hosting CBS All Access, including:
Apple TV
iPhone and iPad
Android TV
Android phone and tablet
Chromecast
Amazon Fire TV
Portal TV
PlayStation 4
Samsung TV
Vizio TV
LG TV
Roku
Xbox
Xfinity Flex
It’s uncertain whether the expanded content will position Paramount+ as a strong competitor against giants like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video—at least for now. However, with a 50% discount on an already affordable annual plan, it’s likely worth exploring. (Just remember to set a reminder to cancel before the discounted year ends.) This article was updated at 6:50 p.m. ET on Feb. 24 to include news about new films premiering on Paramount+ 45 days after their theatrical release, and again on Feb. 25 to provide additional details on upcoming Paramount+ original series.
