Paramount Premium Does Not Include Showtime
Paramount Premium (the mid-tier plan) does not come with Showtime. You get Paramount+ content—movies, TV shows, and originals—but not Showtime's separate library of films, series, and sports programming. If you want both services, you need to pay for them separately or choose a bundle that combines them.
Paramount Premium costs less than Paramount+ with Showtime, which is the highest tier. That higher tier bundles both services into one subscription. The difference in price reflects what you get: Premium gives you Paramount+ alone, while the top tier adds Showtime's full catalog on top of it.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Premium includes only Paramount+ content and does not include access to Showtime programming.
- Paramount+ with Showtime is a separate, more expensive subscription tier that bundles both services together.
- You can add Showtime to Paramount Premium through Paramount's add-on option, though this costs extra each month.
- Showtime offers its own originals, movies, and sports events that are not available on Paramount+ alone.
The Three Paramount+ Subscription Tiers
Paramount offers three subscription levels, each with different content and pricing. The lowest tier is Paramount+ with Ads, which includes Paramount+ content with commercial breaks. The middle tier is Paramount Premium (ad-free), which gives you the same Paramount+ library without ads. The highest tier is Paramount+ with Showtime, which bundles both Paramount+ and Showtime together, also ad-free.
Each tier costs a different amount per month. Paramount Premium sits between the ad-supported version and the Showtime bundle in both price and content. If you only want Paramount+ without ads, Premium is the right choice. If you also want Showtime, you need to either upgrade to the bundle or add Showtime separately to your Premium plan.
What Showtime Offers That Paramount+ Does Not
Showtime is a separate premium channel with its own original series, films, and sports programming. Shows like Dexter, Homeland, and The L Word are Showtime originals, not Paramount+ originals. Showtime also carries live sports events, stand-up comedy specials, and a rotating library of theatrical films that differ from what appears on Paramount+.
The two services have different content strategies. Paramount+ focuses on movies and shows from the Paramount film studio, CBS television library, and Paramount-produced originals. Showtime operates as its own premium channel with a distinct slate of programming. They overlap in some areas, but each has exclusive content the other does not carry.
How to Add Showtime to Paramount Premium
If you have Paramount Premium and want Showtime, you can add it as an add-on without changing your subscription tier. Go to your account settings within the Paramount+ app or website, find the add-ons section, and select Showtime. You will be charged an additional monthly fee on top of your Paramount Premium bill.
Adding Showtime this way costs less than upgrading to the Paramount+ with Showtime bundle, depending on what promotional pricing is available at the time. However, if you plan to keep both services long-term, the bundle tier may offer better value. Compare the current prices of Premium plus the Showtime add-on against the bundle price to see which works for your budget.
Comparing Premium and the Showtime Bundle
| Feature | Paramount Premium | Paramount+ with Showtime |
|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ content | Yes | Yes |
| Showtime content | No (unless added separately) | Yes |
| Ads | None | None |
| Simultaneous streams | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
The bundle tier bundles both services into one login and one bill, which is simpler if you want both. Paramount Premium alone is cheaper if you only want Paramount+ content. The add-on option lets you test Showtime without committing to the full bundle, but it may cost more per month than the bundle itself depending on current pricing.
When to Choose Each Option
Choose Paramount Premium if you primarily watch Paramount+ originals, movies from the Paramount film library, and CBS shows. This tier gives you everything Paramount+ offers without ads at a lower price than the bundle. It is the right choice if you have no interest in Showtime's programming.
Choose Paramount+ with Showtime if you want both services and plan to use both regularly. The bundle combines them into one subscription and often costs less than paying for Premium plus the Showtime add-on separately. Choose the add-on route only if you want to try Showtime for a month or two before deciding whether to keep it long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Showtime shows on Paramount Premium?
No, Showtime content is not included with Paramount Premium. You would need to add Showtime as an add-on or upgrade to the Paramount+ with Showtime bundle to watch Showtime originals and programming.
Is the Paramount+ with Showtime bundle cheaper than Premium plus the add-on?
It depends on current pricing, which changes periodically. Check both options in your account settings to compare the monthly cost of Premium plus the Showtime add-on against the bundle price. Often the bundle is cheaper, but promotional pricing can shift this.
Do I need a separate Showtime account if I add it to Paramount Premium?
No. When you add Showtime through Paramount+, you access it within the same app and account. You do not need a separate Showtime login or subscription.
What happens to my Showtime add-on if I downgrade to the ad-supported tier?
Your Showtime add-on would remain active and continue to charge you monthly. Contact Paramount+ support if you want to remove the add-on before downgrading your plan.
Can I watch Paramount+ shows on a Showtime subscription?
Only if you have the Paramount+ with Showtime bundle. A standalone Showtime subscription does not include Paramount+ content. The bundle is the only way to access both libraries under one subscription.