Buzz
In the past year, most streaming platforms have hiked their prices, with some increases being more perplexing than others. Following the June merger of Paramount+ and Showtime, the subscription costs for both plans—ad-free with Showtime and ad-supported without Showtime—have risen. Interestingly, only one of these tiers provides additional content, yet both now come with a higher price tag.
The lowest-cost Paramount+ plan is now pricier than before
The budget-friendly Paramount+ option, known as Paramount+ Essential, includes ads and excludes Showtime content. Its monthly fee has increased to $5.99, up from the previous $4.99. For those opting for an annual subscription, the cost is now $59.99/year, marking a $10 rise. Keep in mind that local taxes may apply, depending on your location within the U.S.
This subscription tier does not provide a live stream of your local CBS channel. However, you can still watch NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League soccer games via dedicated live feeds.
Pricing for Paramount+ With Showtime
If you're looking for an ad-free experience combined with Showtime content, the Paramount+ with Showtime plan is your best option. Priced at $11.99 per month or $119.99 annually (before taxes), it offers access to all content from both streaming services, now unified under one platform.
While this plan is $2 more expensive per month than the previous Paramount+ standalone option, it delivers additional content to justify the price hike. Subscribers who signed up annually before the merger will retain their current rate until the next billing cycle, after which the new pricing will apply.
