A&E is not on Paramount Plus as a dedicated channel, but some A&E programs do appear in the Paramount Plus catalog

Paramount Plus does not carry the A&E linear channel or a full A&E content library. However, Paramount Plus has licensed certain A&E shows — mostly reality and documentary series — and rotates them through the service. The shows that appear vary by region and change over time, so what's available to you depends on where you are and when you check.

Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global, which also owns A&E Networks. That ownership means Paramount Plus can license A&E content, but it does not mean all A&E shows are there. A&E also licenses its programs to other streaming services, and some shows remain exclusive to A&E's own streaming platform, A&E Crime Central.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus carries some A&E reality and documentary shows, but not the full A&E channel or a complete A&E library.
  • The A&E shows available on Paramount Plus change regularly and vary by your region and subscription tier.
  • To see what A&E content is currently on Paramount Plus, search the app or website directly rather than relying on a static list.
  • If you want may provide access to A&E's full catalog, A&E Crime Central is A&E's dedicated streaming service and carries more A&E originals.

How to search for A&E shows on Paramount Plus

Open the Paramount Plus app or website and use the search bar to type "A&E" or the name of a specific show you're looking for. If the show is in the current catalog, it will appear in the results. You can also browse by genre — many A&E shows fall under "Reality," "Documentary," or "True Crime" categories, though not every show in those categories is from A&E.

Paramount Plus does not have a dedicated A&E section or hub the way it might for other content partners. This means you have to search actively rather than browse a curated A&E collection. If a show does not appear in search, it is not currently available on Paramount Plus, though it may return later.

Which A&E shows typically appear on Paramount Plus

Reality and documentary series are the most common A&E content on Paramount Plus. Shows in the true crime, home renovation, and lifestyle categories have historically rotated through the service. However, because the catalog changes, there is no definitive list of what will be there on any given day.

Some A&E shows are exclusive to A&E Crime Central, A&E's own streaming platform. If you search for a specific A&E show and it does not appear on Paramount Plus, that show may be on A&E Crime Central instead. A&E Crime Central is a separate subscription service focused on true crime and documentary content.

The difference between Paramount Plus and A&E Crime Central

Paramount Plus is a general entertainment streaming service that includes movies, TV shows, and originals from across Paramount Global's portfolio — including some A&E content. A&E Crime Central is a dedicated streaming service run by A&E Networks that focuses specifically on true crime, documentaries, and A&E originals.

If you want the broadest selection of A&E shows, A&E Crime Central is the more reliable choice because it carries A&E's full catalog rather than a rotating selection. Paramount Plus is better if you want a general streaming service that occasionally includes A&E programs alongside other entertainment. The two services have different subscription costs and do not bundle together.

Checking your Paramount Plus subscription tier

Paramount Plus offers two subscription tiers: one with ads and one without ads. Some content, including certain A&E shows, may be available only on the ad-supported tier or only on the ad-free tier, depending on licensing agreements. Check your account settings to see which tier you have.

If you have the ad-supported tier and a show appears only on the ad-free tier, you can upgrade your subscription through your account settings. Paramount Plus will charge the difference between your current tier and the higher tier, prorated to your billing cycle.

What to do if an A&E show is not on Paramount Plus

If you search for a specific A&E show and it does not appear, you have several options. First, check A&E Crime Central directly — the show may be exclusive to that platform. Second, check the A&E website or app, which may have clips or full episodes available for free with ads. Third, the show may be available through other streaming services or for purchase through digital retailers like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.

You can also set a reminder to check back on Paramount Plus in a few weeks or months. Because licensing agreements change and catalogs rotate, a show that is not available today may return later. However, there is no way to know in advance when or if that will happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch live A&E on Paramount Plus?

No. Paramount Plus does not carry the live A&E channel. You can only watch on-demand A&E shows that are in the Paramount Plus catalog. To watch A&E live, you need cable or a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, or Sling TV.

Is A&E Crime Central included with Paramount Plus?

No. A&E Crime Central is a separate subscription service. It does not come with Paramount Plus and requires its own subscription. However, both are owned by Paramount Global, so you may see bundle offers from time to time.

Why do A&E shows disappear from Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus licenses A&E content for a set period. When a licensing agreement expires, the show is removed from the catalog. It may return later if the agreement is renewed, or it may move to another streaming service. This is standard practice across all streaming platforms.

Can I read A&E shows from Paramount Plus to watch offline?

Yes, if the show is available on Paramount Plus, you can read it to your phone or tablet using the Paramount Plus app and watch it without an internet connection. The read feature is available on both subscription tiers.