Paramount+ Premium does not include Showtime as a separate channel

Paramount+ Premium is a standalone streaming service that gives you access to Paramount's own content library — movies, TV shows, and originals — but Showtime programming is not bundled into any Paramount+ tier. If you want to watch Showtime shows like Dexter, Yellowjackets, or The L Word: Generation Q, you need to pay for Showtime as an add-on subscription through Paramount+, or subscribe to Showtime separately through other platforms.

Paramount owns both Paramount+ and Showtime, but they operate as distinct services with separate subscription costs. This separation exists because Showtime has its own subscriber base and content strategy, and Paramount charges for access to it as an additional tier rather than including it in the base Premium plan.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount+ Premium includes Paramount's movies, TV shows, and originals, but Showtime content requires a separate paid add-on.
  • You can add Showtime to your Paramount+ Premium account for an additional monthly fee, or subscribe to Showtime through other platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV Channels.
  • The Paramount+ Premium tier removes ads from Paramount content but does not remove ads from Showtime if you add it as an add-on.
  • Paramount+ also offers a lower-cost Essential tier, which also does not include Showtime and requires the same add-on fee if you want access.

How to add Showtime to your Paramount+ account

If you have Paramount+ Premium and want to watch Showtime, you can add it directly through your Paramount+ account settings. Log in to your account, go to your subscription or billing section, and look for the option to add Showtime as an add-on. Paramount charges a monthly fee for this add-on, which appears on your next billing statement.

The add-on price varies depending on your region and current promotions, so check your account settings for the exact cost before confirming. Once added, Showtime content becomes available in the Paramount+ app alongside your other subscriptions.

Showtime add-on pricing and what you get

Adding Showtime to Paramount+ costs money on top of your Premium subscription. The exact amount depends on your location and whether Paramount is running a promotional offer at the time you add it. You should see the price clearly displayed in your account before you confirm the add-on.

When you add Showtime, you gain access to Showtime's full library of original series, movies, sports programming, and documentaries. However, if you have Paramount+ Premium, the ad-free experience applies only to Paramount content — Showtime content may still include ads depending on your add-on tier.

Alternative ways to watch Showtime

You do not have to add Showtime through Paramount+ if you prefer another route. You can subscribe to Showtime directly as a standalone app, or add it as a channel through Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Channels, or The Roku Channel. Each option has the same content but different interfaces and billing arrangements.

Choosing where to watch depends on which platform you already use most often. If you spend most of your time in Paramount+, adding Showtime there keeps everything in one place. If you prefer to manage subscriptions through Amazon Prime Video or another platform, that option is available too.

Paramount+ Premium vs. Essential: Showtime access is the same

Paramount+ offers two tiers: Premium (ad-free) and Essential (with ads). Neither tier includes Showtime. Both require you to pay an additional fee to add Showtime if you want it. The difference between the tiers is only in whether you see ads on Paramount content — the Showtime add-on works the same way on both.

If you are deciding between Premium and Essential, the Showtime question should not factor into your choice, since you will pay extra for Showtime no matter which tier you choose. Your decision should rest on whether you want ads removed from Paramount's own content.

What Paramount+ Premium includes without Showtime

Paramount+ Premium gives you ad-free access to Paramount's library: movies from Paramount Pictures, shows from CBS and other Paramount networks, and Paramount+ original series. This includes shows like Star Trek: Discovery, Halo, The Good Fight, and Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, plus films and sports content like NFL games and college football.

The Premium tier also includes live TV feeds from some Paramount-owned channels, depending on your region. You get 4K streaming on compatible devices and the ability to read episodes to watch offline. None of this changes if you add Showtime — you straightforward get Showtime content on top of what you already have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Showtime shows on Paramount+ without paying extra?

No. Showtime content is not included in any Paramount+ subscription tier. You must pay an additional monthly fee to add Showtime, whether you have Premium or Essential. There is no way to access Showtime through Paramount+ without this add-on cost.

If I add Showtime to Paramount+ Premium, will I see ads on Showtime shows?

It depends on the Showtime add-on tier you choose. Paramount offers both ad-supported and ad-free versions of the Showtime add-on at different prices. Your Premium subscription removes ads only from Paramount content, not from Showtime. Check your add-on options to see which version you are purchasing.

Is it cheaper to subscribe to Showtime separately instead of adding it to Paramount+?

Pricing is usually the same whether you add Showtime through Paramount+ or subscribe to it separately, but promotional offers change frequently. Compare the current price in your Paramount+ account settings against the standalone Showtime app or other platforms like Amazon Prime Video to see which option costs less at the moment you are ready to subscribe.

What happens to my Showtime access if I cancel Paramount+?

If you cancel your Paramount+ subscription but keep the Showtime add-on, your Showtime access continues through Paramount+ until your billing cycle ends. After that, you would need to subscribe to Showtime through another platform or as a standalone service if you want to keep watching.