Paramount Plus does not include Showtime as a separate channel, but Showtime content is available through a paid add-on

Paramount Plus and Showtime are both owned by Paramount Global, but they operate as separate services. Your Paramount Plus subscription gives you access to Paramount Plus originals, movies, and TV shows, but it does not automatically include Showtime programming. To watch Showtime content on Paramount Plus, you must pay an additional monthly fee for the Showtime add-on.

The Showtime add-on costs $11.99 per month when purchased through Paramount Plus. This is the same price as a standalone Showtime subscription, so there is no discount for bundling it with Paramount Plus. Once you add it, Showtime content appears in the Paramount Plus app alongside your other shows and movies.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus does not include Showtime content in any of its subscription tiers — you must pay $11.99 per month for the Showtime add-on.
  • The Showtime add-on is the same price whether you buy it through Paramount Plus or as a standalone subscription.
  • Once you add Showtime, all Showtime originals, movies, and live programming appear in your Paramount Plus app.
  • Some internet and cable providers bundle Showtime with their packages, which may be cheaper than adding it to Paramount Plus separately.

What content you get with the Showtime add-on

The Showtime add-on gives you access to Showtime originals like Dexter, Homeland, Billions, and The L Word. You also get Showtime movies, which rotate monthly, and live access to the Showtime channel if you want to watch programming as it airs.

Showtime originals are the main draw for most subscribers. The service produces drama series, limited series, documentaries, and comedy specials. New episodes typically release on Sunday nights, and full seasons become available to stream after they finish airing.

The movie library changes regularly, so what is available this month may not be available next month. Showtime also includes access to Showtime Sports, which covers boxing, MMA, and other sporting events that air on the Showtime channel.

How to add Showtime to your Paramount Plus account

Log into your Paramount Plus account on any device. Go to your account settings or subscription page — the exact location depends on whether you are using the app, website, or streaming device. Look for an option to add premium channels or add-ons.

Select Showtime from the list of available add-ons. You will see the price ($11.99 per month) and a confirmation that it will renew automatically each month. Complete the purchase using your existing payment method on file. The add-on usually activates within minutes, though it can take up to an hour.

Once activated, open the Paramount Plus app and look for a Showtime section or filter. All Showtime content will now be searchable and available to stream. You can cancel the add-on at any time from your account settings, and you will retain access through the end of your current billing period.

Comparing the cost of Showtime through different services

The price of Showtime varies depending on how you subscribe. Through Paramount Plus, it costs $11.99 per month. A standalone Showtime subscription through the Showtime app or website also costs $11.99 per month. Some cable and internet providers include Showtime as part of their TV packages or offer it at a discount, sometimes as low as $5 to $8 per month for the first few months.

If you already have cable or satellite TV, check your bill or contact your provider to see whether Showtime is included or available at a promotional rate. Many providers offer Showtime free for three to six months as an incentive to sign up or stay. After the promotional period ends, the price usually rises to $11.99 or higher.

Streaming Showtime through Paramount Plus is convenient if you already use Paramount Plus and want everything in one app. However, it is not cheaper than other options, so compare what your cable or internet provider offers before deciding.

Paramount Plus subscription tiers and what they include

Paramount Plus offers two main subscription tiers: with ads and without ads. The with-ads tier costs $5.99 per month, and the ad-free tier costs $11.99 per month. Neither tier includes Showtime content.

Both tiers give you access to Paramount Plus originals, movies, TV shows, live sports, and news. The difference is that the cheaper tier shows advertisements during playback, while the ad-free tier does not. If you want Showtime, you add it on top of whichever tier you choose, so your total cost would be either $17.98 per month (with ads plus Showtime) or $23.98 per month (ad-free plus Showtime).

Whether you need Showtime depends on what you want to watch

If you watch Paramount Plus primarily for Star Trek, Halo, The Offer, or other Paramount Plus originals, you do not need Showtime. Paramount Plus has a large library of its own content that does not overlap with Showtime.

Add Showtime if you want to watch current or past seasons of shows like Dexter, Homeland, Billions, Penny Dreadful, or The Affair. Showtime also produces boxing and MMA events that are not available anywhere else, so sports fans may find it worth the cost.

If you are unsure whether Showtime has content you want to watch, visit the Showtime website or app and browse the current lineup before committing to the add-on. Most people can tell within a few minutes whether the library justifies $11.99 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Showtime live through Paramount Plus?

Yes. When you add the Showtime add-on to Paramount Plus, you get access to the live Showtime channel. You can watch programming as it airs or stream episodes on demand after they air. The live feed is available in the Paramount Plus app on all supported devices.

Does Paramount Plus ever bundle Showtime for free?

Paramount Plus does not currently offer a free Showtime bundle with any subscription tier. However, Paramount Global occasionally runs promotions that discount the Showtime add-on for new subscribers. Check the Paramount Plus website or app to see whether any current offers are available in your region.

What happens to my Showtime content if I cancel the add-on?

You lose access to Showtime content when ready when the add-on is canceled. You retain access through the end of your current billing period, but once that period ends, Showtime shows and movies will no longer play. Your Paramount Plus subscription and all other content remain active.

Can I get Showtime cheaper through a cable provider?

Many cable and internet providers offer Showtime at promotional rates or include it in their TV packages. Call your provider or check your account online to see what Showtime options are available. Promotional rates are often lower than $11.99 per month for the first few months, though the price increases after the promotion ends.

Is Showtime content available on other streaming services?

Some Showtime originals appear on other platforms, but the full Showtime library is only available through Showtime itself or Paramount Plus with the add-on. For example, you might find individual episodes of a Showtime show on another service, but you will not find the complete series or live access to the Showtime channel anywhere else.