Hulu and Paramount Plus are separate services — Hulu does not include Paramount Plus

Hulu and Paramount Plus are owned by the same parent company, Paramount Global, but they remain two distinct streaming services. If you subscribe to Hulu, you do not automatically get access to Paramount Plus content. You need a separate subscription to Paramount Plus to watch its shows and movies.

The confusion often arises because Paramount owns both platforms and because some bundle options exist. However, a standard Hulu subscription covers only Hulu's library. To watch Paramount Plus originals like Yellowstone, 1883, Tulsa King, or Star Trek: Discovery, you must pay for Paramount Plus separately or choose a bundle that includes it.

Key Takeaways

  • Hulu and Paramount Plus are separate subscriptions with different content libraries, even though the same company owns both.
  • Paramount Plus offers its own original series, movies, and live TV that do not appear on Hulu.
  • You can bundle Hulu with Paramount Plus at a lower combined price than paying for each separately.
  • The bundle option includes ad-supported versions of both services or ad-free versions, depending on which tier you choose.

What content is exclusive to Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus hosts original series and films that you will not find on Hulu. These include Yellowstone and its prequel 1883, Tulsa King (a comedy-drama starring James Gandolfini's son Michael), Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard, The Offer (about the making of The Godfather), and Halo. Paramount Plus also carries theatrical films from Paramount Pictures, often releasing them on the service weeks or months after they leave theaters.

The service also includes live sports through CBS, including NFL games on Thursday nights, college football, and golf tournaments. If you want to watch these events, Hulu does not offer them — you need Paramount Plus specifically.

Bundle options that combine both services

Paramount offers a bundle that pairs Hulu with Paramount Plus at a reduced rate compared to buying each subscription separately. The bundle comes in two tiers: one with ads on both services, and one ad-free on both services. The ad-supported bundle costs less per month than the ad-free version.

When you purchase the bundle, you get one login for Hulu and one login for Paramount Plus. You can use these on different devices at the same time, depending on which tier you choose. The bundle does not change what content is available — you straightforward get both libraries under one account structure with a single monthly charge.

How the bundle pricing compares to separate subscriptions

Pricing for streaming services changes regularly, so the exact dollar amounts vary. However, the bundle typically costs less per month than paying for Hulu and Paramount Plus separately. For example, if Hulu costs $8 per month and Paramount Plus costs $6 per month, the bundle might cost $12 or $13 combined, rather than $14.

The savings depend on which ad tier you choose. Ad-supported bundles save more money than ad-free bundles, because the ad-free versions of each service cost more individually. Check the current pricing on both the Hulu and Paramount Plus websites to see the exact numbers, since they change and may differ by region.

What happens if you already have Hulu

If you currently subscribe to Hulu, you can add Paramount Plus to your account without canceling Hulu. You would then pay for both services — either as separate monthly charges or by switching to the bundle option. Switching to the bundle usually means your Hulu plan changes to match the bundle tier (ad-supported or ad-free), so your monthly cost may go up or down depending on which Hulu plan you currently have.

Some Hulu subscribers have Hulu bundled with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus through Disney's bundle. If you have that bundle and want to add Paramount Plus, you would need to purchase Paramount Plus separately, because Disney's bundle does not include it. The two bundles do not overlap.

Differences in content libraries and what each service offers

Hulu focuses on television series — both current network shows and older catalog titles — plus some original series and films. Paramount Plus emphasizes its own original content, live sports, and theatrical films from Paramount Pictures. The two services have some overlap in older movies and shows, but their original programming is almost entirely separate.

If you watch network television shows like The Bachelor, Grey's Anatomy, or Saturday Night Live, Hulu is where you find them the day after they air. If you want Yellowstone or NFL Thursday Night Football, you need Paramount Plus. Many households that want both services choose the bundle to avoid paying full price twice.

How to add Paramount Plus if you have Hulu

Log into your Hulu account on the Hulu website or app. Look for an option to upgrade or add a service — this is usually in account settings or billing. You will see the option to switch to the Hulu and Paramount Plus bundle. Select the ad tier you want (ad-supported or ad-free), confirm the new monthly price, and the change takes effect when ready.

Alternatively, you can keep your Hulu subscription as-is and purchase Paramount Plus as a completely separate subscription. This means two separate logins and two separate monthly charges, but it gives you more flexibility if you want different ad tiers for each service. Most people find the bundle simpler and cheaper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount Plus shows on the Hulu app?

No. Paramount Plus content appears only in the Paramount Plus app or website. Even if you have both subscriptions, you must open the Paramount Plus app to watch its shows. The two services do not merge into a single app or library.

Does the Hulu and Paramount Plus bundle include Disney Plus?

No. The Hulu and Paramount Plus bundle is separate from Disney's bundle of Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus. You can subscribe to both bundles if you want all five services, but they are sold separately and do not combine into one offer.

What if I cancel Hulu but keep Paramount Plus?

You can cancel Hulu and keep Paramount Plus without any problem. If you are on the bundle, canceling Hulu removes it from your account, and you pay only for Paramount Plus going forward. Your Paramount Plus subscription and login remain active.

Do I need Paramount Plus to watch Paramount movies on Hulu?

Some Paramount theatrical films appear on Hulu, and you do not need Paramount Plus to watch them. However, newer Paramount films often release on Paramount Plus first, before coming to Hulu or other platforms. Check which service has the specific movie you want to watch.

Can I use the same login for Hulu and Paramount Plus if I buy the bundle?

You get one Hulu login and one Paramount Plus login when you buy the bundle, but they are separate logins. You cannot use the same username and password for both apps. However, they are linked to the same account for billing purposes, so one monthly charge covers both.