Where to find live TV specials on Paramount Plus
Live TV specials on Paramount Plus appear in the Live tab at the top of the app or website. Open Paramount Plus, look for the navigation menu, and select Live. The specials that are currently broadcasting will show up there with a "Live" label and a countdown timer showing when they start.
Not all live content appears in the same place. Some specials — particularly awards shows, sports events, and breaking news — may also appear on your home feed under a "What's On Now" or "Live & Upcoming" section. These sections update throughout the day as broadcast times change.
If you know a specific special is coming, you can search for it by name using the search bar. Paramount Plus will show you the air date and time, and you can set a reminder so you do not miss the start.
Key Takeaways
- Live specials are found in the Live tab at the top of the Paramount Plus app or website, labeled with a countdown timer to air time.
- You need an active Paramount Plus subscription to watch live content, and some live specials may require the ad-free tier depending on the program.
- Setting a reminder in the app will notify you when a special is about to begin, so you do not have to check manually.
- Live specials can also appear on your home feed under sections like "What's On Now" or "Live & Upcoming" throughout the day.
Checking your subscription tier for live access
Paramount Plus offers two subscription levels: the ad-supported plan and the ad-free plan. Most live TV specials are available on both tiers, but some premium events — particularly certain sports broadcasts or exclusive specials — may be limited to the ad-free plan or require an add-on subscription.
Before a special airs, Paramount Plus will display which subscription tier you need. If you have the ad-supported plan and the special requires ad-free, you will see a message telling you to upgrade. You can upgrade your plan directly in the app settings under Account, then Subscription.
Check your current plan by opening the app, going to your profile icon in the top right corner, and selecting Account. Your active subscription will be listed there along with your billing date.
Setting reminders so you do not miss the start
Paramount Plus lets you set reminders for upcoming live specials. When you find a special in the Live tab or through search, look for a bell icon or "Set Reminder" button. Tap it, and the app will send you a notification when the special is about to begin — usually 15 minutes before air time.
Reminders work whether you have the app open or closed. The notification will appear on your phone or device's home screen, and tapping it will open Paramount Plus directly to the live broadcast.
If you miss the reminder, you can still watch the special after it airs if Paramount Plus makes it available on demand. Not all live specials are offered as replays, so check the program details to see if a replay will be available.
Streaming live specials on different devices
You can watch live TV specials on Paramount Plus through the mobile app (iOS and Android), the web browser on a computer, smart TV apps (including Samsung, LG, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV), and gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.
The Live tab works the same way across all devices. Start the special on one device and switch to another — your progress will not always sync, so you may need to restart the broadcast on the new device. For the smoothest experience, stay on the same device for the entire special.
If you are streaming on a smart TV, make sure your internet connection is stable. Live broadcasts require a consistent stream, and a weak connection can cause buffering or dropouts. A wired connection through an ethernet adapter is more reliable than Wi-Fi for live events.
What to do if a live special is not showing up
If a special you expected to see is missing from the Live tab, it may not have started broadcasting yet. Check the air date and time again — Paramount Plus displays these in your local time zone, so confirm the time is correct for your location.
Some live specials are regional or available only in certain countries. If you are outside the United States, the special may not be available on your version of Paramount Plus. Check the program details to see if there are geographic restrictions.
If the special should be live right now and you still cannot find it, try closing and reopening the app. Sometimes the Live tab takes a moment to update. If that does not work, check your internet connection and make sure you are logged into the correct account.
Watching replays of live specials after they air
Many live specials become available as on-demand replays after the broadcast ends. These usually appear in the same place you found the live version — in the Live tab or through search — and are labeled "Available On Demand" or "Replay."
Not every live special gets a replay. Awards shows, breaking news, and some sports events may only be available during the live broadcast. The program details will tell you whether a replay will be offered and for how long it will stay available.
Replays are often available for several days or weeks after the broadcast, but Paramount Plus may remove them after a set period. If you want to watch a replay, do not wait too long — check back within a few days of the broadcast to make sure it is still there.
Troubleshooting playback problems during live broadcasts
If a live special is buffering or freezing, the issue is usually your internet connection. Check your speed by running a speed test on your device. Paramount Plus recommends at least 5 Mbps for standard quality and 25 Mbps for 4K. If your speed is lower, move closer to your Wi-Fi router or switch to a wired connection if possible.
If your connection is fast but the broadcast is still stuttering, try closing other apps that use the internet. Streaming video, downloads, and video calls can all compete for bandwidth. Close them and restart the broadcast.
If the special is still not playing, log out of Paramount Plus and log back in. Clear your app cache by going to Settings on your device, finding Paramount Plus in the app list, and selecting "Clear Cache." Then open the app again and try the broadcast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a subscription to watch live TV specials on Paramount Plus?
Yes, you need an active Paramount Plus subscription. Both the ad-supported and ad-free plans include access to live content, though some premium specials may require the ad-free tier or an add-on subscription. Check the special's details before it airs to see which plan you need.
Can I watch a live special if I miss the broadcast?
Many live specials are offered as on-demand replays after they air, but not all. Awards shows and some sports events may only be available during the live broadcast. Check the program details to see if a replay will be available and how long it will stay on the platform.
Why is the live special not showing up in the Live tab?
The special may not have started broadcasting yet, or it may be restricted to certain regions. Check the air date and time in your local time zone. If the special should be live and you still cannot find it, try closing and reopening the app or checking your internet connection.
Can I watch live specials on my smart TV?
Yes, Paramount Plus works on most smart TVs, including Samsung, LG, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. read the Paramount Plus app from your TV's app store, log in, and navigate to the Live tab. Make sure your internet connection is stable for the best streaming experience.
What should I do if the broadcast keeps buffering?
Check your internet speed — Paramount Plus recommends at least 5 Mbps for standard quality. Close other apps using the internet, move closer to your Wi-Fi router, or switch to a wired connection. If buffering continues, log out and back in, then clear the app cache and try again.