Paramount Plus is not automatically included with DirecTV

Paramount Plus does not come standard with any DirecTV package. You can add it as a separate subscription through DirecTV for a monthly fee, but it is not bundled into your base service the way some streaming apps are with other providers. If you want to watch Paramount Plus content, you will need to either pay for it as an add-on or subscribe to it independently outside of DirecTV.

DirecTV does offer Paramount Plus as an optional add-on that you can layer onto your account. The cost and terms depend on which DirecTV plan you have and current promotions running at the time you sign up. Some promotional offers may include a free trial period or a discounted rate for the first few months, but these change regularly and are not may provide.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus is sold separately from DirecTV and requires its own monthly subscription fee.
  • You can add Paramount Plus to your DirecTV account as an optional add-on rather than subscribing to it independently.
  • DirecTV occasionally runs promotions that offer free trial periods or discounted rates for Paramount Plus, but these are temporary and vary by location and plan.
  • If you do not add Paramount Plus through DirecTV, you can still watch it by subscribing directly through Paramount's website or app.

How to add Paramount Plus to your DirecTV account

If you decide you want Paramount Plus, you can add it through your DirecTV account rather than managing two separate subscriptions. Log into your DirecTV account online or through the DirecTV app, then look for the add-ons or premium channels section. Paramount Plus should appear as an option you can enable with a few clicks.

Once you add it, the charge will appear on your monthly DirecTV bill alongside your regular service charges. You will be able to watch Paramount Plus content through the DirecTV app or website using the same login credentials as your DirecTV account. This method keeps everything in one place if you prefer to manage all your subscriptions together.

The difference between adding it through DirecTV and subscribing directly

Adding Paramount Plus through DirecTV means the subscription is tied to your DirecTV account and billed monthly on the same invoice. If you cancel DirecTV, your Paramount Plus add-on will also cancel unless you have set it up separately. You will use your DirecTV login to access the service.

Subscribing to Paramount Plus directly through Paramount's website or app keeps it completely separate from your DirecTV service. You manage it independently, pay a separate bill, and can cancel it without affecting your DirecTV account. Direct subscriptions sometimes offer different pricing tiers — including an ad-supported version at a lower cost — that may not be available through the DirecTV add-on route.

What content is available on Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus includes original series like Yellowstone, The Handmaid's Tale, and Star Trek: Discovery, along with movies from the Paramount film library. You also get access to live sports events, including NFL games on Thursday nights, college football, and other live programming. The exact content library changes as new shows premiere and older titles rotate off the service.

The service also carries reruns of popular shows like The Office, South Park, and Cheers, plus reality television and documentary content. If you are primarily interested in specific shows or sports, check the current Paramount Plus catalog before committing to the subscription, since content availability can shift.

Promotional offers and trial periods

DirecTV runs periodic promotions that may include a free trial of Paramount Plus or a discounted monthly rate for the first few months. These offers are not permanent and vary depending on your location, which DirecTV plan you have, and the time of year. Some promotions are available only to new DirecTV customers, while others explore to existing subscribers.

If you are considering adding Paramount Plus, contact DirecTV customer service or check your account dashboard to see what current offers are available to you. Promotional pricing typically reverts to the full monthly rate once the promotional period ends, so factor that into your decision. Read the terms carefully to understand when the promotional rate expires and what the regular price will be.

Other streaming services bundled with DirecTV

While Paramount Plus is not included, DirecTV does bundle some other streaming services depending on your package and current promotions. HBO Max (now called Max) is sometimes included or discounted for DirecTV customers. Apple TV Plus and other services may also be offered as promotional add-ons at certain times.

The streaming services included or discounted with DirecTV change frequently based on partnerships and promotions. When you sign up for DirecTV or review your account, ask specifically which streaming services are currently bundled or available at a discount with your plan. This can help you decide whether adding Paramount Plus separately makes sense for your viewing habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount Plus on my DirecTV box?

Yes, if you add Paramount Plus to your DirecTV account, you can access it through the DirecTV app on your TV box, on the DirecTV website, or through the DirecTV mobile app. You will use your DirecTV login to sign in. The experience is the same as if you subscribed directly, but it is billed through your DirecTV account.

What happens to Paramount Plus if I cancel DirecTV?

If you added Paramount Plus as a DirecTV add-on and then cancel your DirecTV service, the Paramount Plus subscription will also cancel unless you have set it up as a separate direct subscription with Paramount. If you want to keep Paramount Plus after leaving DirecTV, you will need to sign up for it independently before your DirecTV service ends.

Is Paramount Plus cheaper through DirecTV or through Paramount directly?

Pricing is usually the same, but DirecTV occasionally runs promotions that offer a discounted rate or free trial for the first few months. Paramount's direct subscription sometimes offers an ad-supported tier at a lower price than the ad-free version, which may not be available through DirecTV. Compare current pricing on both platforms before deciding which route works best for you.

Do I need DirecTV to watch Paramount Plus?

No. You can subscribe to Paramount Plus directly without having DirecTV at all. Adding it through DirecTV is optional and is only useful if you want to keep all your subscriptions on one bill or if DirecTV is currently running a promotional offer that saves you money.