Lifetime is not included in Paramount Plus

Lifetime is a separate cable channel owned by A&E Networks, and it is not part of Paramount Plus. Paramount Plus carries movies and shows from the Paramount library, CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central — but Lifetime content requires a different subscription or cable package.

If you want to watch Lifetime programming, you have a few routes: subscribe to Lifetime+ (Lifetime's own streaming service), add Lifetime to a cable or live TV streaming bundle, or watch some Lifetime shows through the Lifetime app if you already have Lifetime through a cable provider.

Key Takeaways

  • Lifetime is owned by A&E Networks and does not appear on Paramount Plus under any subscription tier.
  • Lifetime+ is Lifetime's own streaming service and is the direct way to watch Lifetime originals and movies on demand.
  • Some live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV include Lifetime as an add-on or base channel.
  • If you have Lifetime through a cable provider, you can often stream Lifetime content through the Lifetime app without paying extra.

How to watch Lifetime content if you have Paramount Plus

Having Paramount Plus does not give you access to Lifetime. You will need to set up a separate subscription or use an existing cable login. The fastest route depends on what you already pay for.

If you only have Paramount Plus and want Lifetime shows, Lifetime+ is the standalone option. It costs money per month and includes Lifetime originals, movies, and some back catalog shows. You sign up directly through Lifetime's website or through the Lifetime app.

If you have cable or a live TV streaming service, check whether Lifetime is already included. Many cable packages include Lifetime as a base channel, and some live TV services bundle it in. If it is included, you can log into the Lifetime app with your cable credentials and stream on demand without an extra fee.

Live TV streaming services that include Lifetime

Several live TV streaming bundles carry Lifetime as part of their channel lineup. These services let you stream live TV and on-demand content, and they often cost more than Paramount Plus alone but less than traditional cable.

YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV all offer Lifetime in their base or standard tiers. Pricing and channel lineups change, so check each service's current channel list before signing up. Some also offer a free trial period, which lets you test whether the service works for your viewing habits.

If you already subscribe to one of these services, log into the Lifetime app with your live TV provider credentials. You should then be able to stream Lifetime shows on demand without paying extra.

The difference between Lifetime+ and cable Lifetime

Lifetime+ is Lifetime's streaming-only service. It includes Lifetime original movies and series, some older Lifetime shows, and a library of movies. You watch on demand — there is no live channel. Lifetime+ costs a monthly fee and works on phones, tablets, computers, and some streaming devices.

Cable Lifetime and live TV Lifetime are the same channel you would see on traditional television. You get live programming on a schedule, plus the ability to stream on demand through the Lifetime app if your provider supports it. The trade-off is that cable and live TV bundles cost more than Paramount Plus, though they include many other channels.

If you only want Lifetime originals and do not care about live TV or other channels, Lifetime+ is usually the cheaper choice. If you want a broad range of channels and live TV, a live TV streaming service might make sense.

Using the Lifetime app with your cable provider

If you have Lifetime through cable, a satellite provider, or a live TV streaming service, you can use the Lifetime app to stream shows and movies on your phone, tablet, or computer. You do not need a separate Lifetime+ subscription.

Open the Lifetime app, select "Sign In," and choose your cable or streaming provider from the list. Enter your provider login credentials. Once you are signed in, you can browse and stream Lifetime's on-demand library. The app also shows what is airing live on the Lifetime channel if you want to tune in to the schedule.

Not all providers are supported in the app, so if your provider does not appear in the list, you may not be able to stream through the app — but you can still watch Lifetime on the channel itself if it is part of your package.

Why Lifetime is not on Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS). Lifetime is owned by A&E Networks, which is a separate company. Each streaming service carries content from its own parent company and licensed content it has negotiated separately.

Paramount Plus focuses on content from Paramount Pictures, CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and BET. Lifetime content stays within the Lifetime ecosystem — either on cable, through Lifetime+, or through live TV services that have licensed Lifetime as a channel.

This separation is common in streaming. Different companies own different networks, so you typically need multiple subscriptions to watch across different brands. Paramount Plus, Netflix, Disney+, and Lifetime+ are all separate services because they are owned by different parent companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Lifetime movies on Paramount Plus?

No. Lifetime content is not available on Paramount Plus. You would need Lifetime+, cable with Lifetime included, or a live TV streaming service that carries Lifetime.

Does Lifetime+ cost extra if I already have Paramount Plus?

Yes. Lifetime+ is a separate subscription with its own monthly cost. Having Paramount Plus does not reduce the price of Lifetime+ or include it as a bundle.

Can I watch Lifetime for free anywhere?

Some Lifetime content is available free on the Lifetime website and app, though it is limited and may include ads. Full access to the Lifetime library requires either Lifetime+, cable with Lifetime, or a live TV streaming service that includes it.

What if I have cable — do I still need Lifetime+?

No. If your cable package includes Lifetime, you can watch it on the channel and stream on demand through the Lifetime app using your cable login. You do not need to pay for Lifetime+ separately.

Is Lifetime available on any other streaming services besides Lifetime+?

Lifetime content is not on other major streaming services like Netflix or Disney+. It appears on live TV streaming services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV if those services carry Lifetime in your area. Check the current channel list for each service, as lineups vary by location.