Dish Network does not bundle Paramount Plus with its standard TV packages

Dish Network (now operating as Dish Wireless after its 2023 transition) does not include Paramount Plus as part of its television service. If you want to watch Paramount Plus content through Dish, you need to subscribe to Paramount Plus separately and access it through a compatible streaming device or smart TV, not through your Dish account or bill.

This is different from some other pay-TV providers. For example, certain cable and satellite companies have negotiated bundle deals with streaming services, but Dish has not made such an arrangement with Paramount. Your Dish service and your Paramount Plus subscription remain completely separate.

Key Takeaways

  • Dish Network does not offer Paramount Plus as an add-on or included service within any of its TV packages.
  • You must subscribe to Paramount Plus directly through Paramount's website or app if you want access to that streaming service.
  • Paramount Plus works on most smart TVs, streaming devices, phones, and tablets, so you can watch it independently of your Dish service.
  • Dish does offer some other streaming services as add-ons (such as premium movie channels), but Paramount Plus is not among them.

How to get Paramount Plus if you have Dish

To watch Paramount Plus, go directly to the Paramount Plus website or read the Paramount Plus app on your device. You can subscribe there with a credit card or other payment method. Paramount Plus offers both ad-supported and ad-free tiers, and the price varies depending on which you choose.

Once you have a Paramount Plus account, you can watch on any device that supports the app: smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Roku, Fire TV, and others), phones, tablets, computers, or streaming boxes. Your Dish service and your Paramount Plus account do not need to communicate with each other.

What streaming services Dish does offer

Dish provides some streaming add-ons through its service, though the options are limited compared to what you can subscribe to independently. These include premium movie channels like HBO Max (now called Max), Showtime, and Starz, which you can add to your Dish bill for a monthly fee.

However, these are negotiated partnerships specific to Dish's business model. Paramount Plus has not entered into a similar arrangement with Dish, so it remains unavailable as a Dish add-on. This may change in the future if the companies reach a new agreement, but as of now there is no bundled option.

Why some providers bundle streaming and others don't

Streaming services like Paramount Plus negotiate separately with each pay-TV provider. Some companies (like certain cable providers) have worked out deals to include streaming services in their packages or offer them at a discount. Dish has chosen not to pursue this with Paramount Plus, possibly because of cost, licensing terms, or business strategy differences.

From your perspective, this means you have flexibility: you can keep Dish for live TV and add Paramount Plus independently if you want both. You are not locked into a bundle, and you can cancel Paramount Plus without affecting your Dish service.

Comparing costs: Dish plus Paramount Plus versus streaming-only

If you have Dish and want Paramount Plus, you will pay for both services separately. Dish's TV packages start at different price points depending on the channels included, and Paramount Plus costs between roughly $6 and $12 per month depending on the ad tier you choose. The exact amounts vary by region and change over time.

Some households find that paying for Dish plus a few streaming services still costs less than switching to streaming-only options, while others find the opposite. The math depends on which channels you actually watch and how many streaming services you want. There is no single right answer—it depends on your viewing habits.

Devices that work with both Dish and Paramount Plus

Most modern smart TVs can run both the Dish receiver interface and the Paramount Plus app. If you have a Dish receiver connected to your TV, you can also plug in a separate streaming device (like a Roku, Fire TV stick, or Apple TV) to the same television and switch between them using your TV remote.

This setup lets you watch Dish live TV on one input and Paramount Plus on another without any conflict. You do not need to choose between them or replace your Dish equipment. The two services operate independently on your TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount Plus through my Dish remote?

No. Paramount Plus is not integrated into Dish's system, so you cannot access it through your Dish remote or receiver. You need to use a separate device (a smart TV app, streaming stick, phone, or tablet) to watch Paramount Plus. Your Dish remote controls only Dish content.

Will Dish ever add Paramount Plus to its packages?

It is possible, but there is no announcement or indication that this will happen. Streaming partnerships depend on negotiations between the companies, and those terms change. If you want to know whether Dish is considering this, you can contact Dish customer service, but as of now Paramount Plus remains separate.

Is there a discount if I have both Dish and Paramount Plus?

Not through Dish. Paramount Plus does not offer a discount for Dish customers. However, Paramount Plus itself has promotional pricing from time to time (such as discounted first months), so it is worth checking the Paramount Plus website directly for current offers.

What if I cancel Dish—can I keep Paramount Plus?

Yes. Since Paramount Plus is a separate subscription, canceling Dish will not affect it. You can keep your Paramount Plus account active as long as you want, regardless of whether you have Dish or any other TV service.

Can I use Paramount Plus on my Dish receiver?

Most Dish receivers do not have built-in apps for streaming services. You would need to use a separate device like a smart TV, streaming stick, phone, or tablet to access Paramount Plus. Check your specific Dish receiver model to confirm, but the standard answer is no.