Paramount Plus Does Not Include Showtime by Default

Paramount Plus and Showtime are separate services with separate subscription costs. When you sign up for Paramount Plus, you get access to Paramount Plus content only — CBS shows, movies, sports, and originals like Yellowstone and The Offer. Showtime channels and Showtime originals like Dexter, Homeland, and Penny Dreadful are not included.

You can add Showtime to your Paramount Plus account as an add-on subscription, but it costs extra and is billed separately. This is different from bundling — you are not forced to buy both together, and you can cancel either one without affecting the other.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus and Showtime are two different services; Showtime does not come with a standard Paramount Plus subscription.
  • You can add Showtime as a paid add-on directly through your Paramount Plus account for an additional monthly fee.
  • Some cable and streaming bundles (like Amazon Prime Video Channels or Apple TV Channels) offer both services together, but this is a separate purchase path from Paramount Plus alone.
  • Showtime content is not available on Paramount Plus unless you pay for the Showtime add-on.

How to Add Showtime to Paramount Plus

If you want Showtime content, you add it through your Paramount Plus account settings. Log in to Paramount Plus, go to your account or profile menu, and look for "Add-ons" or "Subscriptions." Showtime will appear as an option to purchase. The add-on fee is charged monthly to the same payment method as your Paramount Plus subscription.

The process takes less than a minute. You do not need to create a separate Showtime account or log in elsewhere — Showtime content becomes available when ready in the Paramount Plus app under a dedicated section. You can cancel the Showtime add-on at any time without canceling Paramount Plus itself.

Showtime Add-On Pricing and What You Get

The Showtime add-on costs extra per month beyond your Paramount Plus bill. The exact price depends on your Paramount Plus plan (with ads or ad-free) and can change, so check your account settings for the current rate before you purchase.

When you add Showtime, you gain access to the full Showtime library: current and past seasons of Showtime originals, movies, documentaries, sports programming, and live Showtime channels if available in your region. You watch everything through the Paramount Plus app — there is no separate Showtime app to read or log into.

Other Ways to Get Showtime Without Paramount Plus

You do not have to use Paramount Plus to watch Showtime. You can subscribe to Showtime as a standalone service through the Showtime app or website, or you can add Showtime through other platforms. Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Roku all offer Showtime as a channel add-on, and the price and features are the same regardless of which platform you choose.

Some cable and satellite providers (like Comcast, AT&T, or Dish) also bundle Showtime as part of their TV packages. If you already pay for cable, check whether Showtime is included in your plan — many providers offer it at no extra cost to certain tiers.

Differences Between Paramount Plus and Showtime Content

Paramount Plus focuses on CBS network shows, movies from the Paramount film library, sports (including NFL games and golf tournaments), and Paramount originals. Showtime specializes in prestige dramas, limited series, documentaries, and stand-up comedy specials. There is some overlap — both services carry movies and some original programming — but the bulk of each service's library is distinct.

If you watch a lot of CBS or Paramount movies, Paramount Plus alone may be enough. If you follow Showtime originals or want access to Showtime's documentary and comedy catalog, you will need to add Showtime. Many people subscribe to both because the content libraries do not overlap enough to make one redundant.

Managing Your Paramount Plus and Showtime Subscription

Your Paramount Plus and Showtime subscriptions are linked through your account but billed separately. You can see both charges on your monthly bill. If you want to pause or cancel Showtime, go to your account settings and remove the add-on — your Paramount Plus subscription continues unchanged.

If you cancel Paramount Plus entirely, your Showtime add-on is also canceled because it was tied to that account. If you want to keep Showtime, you would need to subscribe to it separately through another platform (like Amazon Prime Video or the Showtime app) before you cancel Paramount Plus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Showtime on the Paramount Plus app if I add it?

Yes. When you add Showtime as an add-on, all Showtime content appears in the Paramount Plus app. You do not need a separate Showtime app or account. Everything streams through one app.

What happens to my Showtime add-on if I cancel Paramount Plus?

The Showtime add-on is canceled along with your Paramount Plus account because it was tied to that subscription. If you want to keep Showtime, you must subscribe to it separately through another service like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or the Showtime app before you cancel Paramount Plus.

Is Showtime cheaper if I add it through Paramount Plus instead of buying it separately?

The price is the same. Whether you add Showtime through Paramount Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or the Showtime app directly, the monthly cost for the Showtime add-on is identical. Choose based on which platform you prefer to use.

Do I need Paramount Plus to watch Showtime?

No. You can subscribe to Showtime on its own through the Showtime app, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Roku, or many cable providers. Adding it to Paramount Plus is optional and only makes sense if you already use Paramount Plus and want both services in one place.