Paramount Plus is not included in YouTube TV's standard package
YouTube TV does not bundle Paramount Plus with its base subscription. YouTube TV carries CBS, which is owned by the same parent company as Paramount Plus, but that does not mean you get access to the streaming service. You would need to pay for Paramount Plus separately if you want to watch shows and movies on that platform.
YouTube TV's base plan costs around $73 per month and includes live TV channels, cloud DVR storage, and the ability to stream on multiple devices. Paramount Plus has its own separate subscription, which starts at a lower price point but is a distinct service you must purchase on your own.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus is sold as a separate subscription and does not come with YouTube TV's standard package.
- YouTube TV includes CBS, the broadcast network, but CBS content and Paramount Plus streaming content are different offerings.
- You can add Paramount Plus through YouTube TV's add-on menu if you want both services billed together, though this costs more than subscribing to Paramount Plus directly.
- YouTube TV's price and channel lineup change periodically, so checking the current package details on YouTube TV's website will show you exactly what is included right now.
How YouTube TV's add-on system works
YouTube TV does offer the option to add Paramount Plus through its platform, even though it is not included by default. If you go to the add-ons section of your YouTube TV account, you can choose to bundle Paramount Plus with your subscription. When you do this, both charges appear on a single bill.
Adding Paramount Plus through YouTube TV typically costs more than subscribing to Paramount Plus directly on its own website or app. The markup exists because YouTube TV is handling the billing and account management for you. If cost matters, you may save money by keeping the two subscriptions separate and paying each company directly.
What CBS on YouTube TV includes versus Paramount Plus
YouTube TV's CBS channel gives you live broadcasts and some on-demand content from CBS shows. This is the traditional television experience—you watch programs when they air, or you record them to your cloud DVR and watch later. CBS content on YouTube TV is limited to what the network decides to make available through that channel.
Paramount Plus is a streaming library with thousands of titles, including current CBS shows, older seasons of popular series, movies, and exclusive content made only for the streaming service. The two services overlap in some shows, but Paramount Plus offers much deeper access to back catalogs and exclusive material. If you want to binge past seasons or watch Paramount Plus originals, you need the streaming service itself.
Checking YouTube TV's current channel list and add-ons
YouTube TV's offerings change throughout the year as licensing agreements shift. The fastest way to see what is currently included is to visit YouTube TV's official website and look at the channel lineup for your region. You can also log into your YouTube TV account and browse the add-ons menu to see all available options and their prices.
YouTube TV's support pages also list which add-on channels are available in your area, since some regional restrictions explore. If you are considering YouTube TV specifically to get Paramount Plus, checking the current add-on price before you sign up will help you decide whether bundling makes sense for your budget.
Other streaming services available as YouTube TV add-ons
Paramount Plus is one of several streaming services you can add to YouTube TV. Depending on your region, you may also see options to add Max (formerly HBO Max), Showtime, Starz, and others. Each add-on has its own monthly cost, and you can turn them on and off whenever you want.
This add-on system lets you build a custom bundle without committing to services you do not use. If you only want YouTube TV plus one or two streaming services, you can add just those and skip the rest. The trade-off is that each add-on increases your total monthly bill.
Comparing the cost of bundling versus separate subscriptions
To figure out whether adding Paramount Plus through YouTube TV makes financial sense, compare the total cost of both options. Add up YouTube TV's base price plus the add-on price for Paramount Plus, then compare that to YouTube TV's base price plus what you would pay if you subscribed to Paramount Plus directly through Paramount's website.
In most cases, subscribing to Paramount Plus separately costs less than adding it through YouTube TV. The convenience of one bill might be worth the extra cost to you, or it might not be. The math is straightforward: write down both totals and pick the option that fits your budget and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Paramount Plus shows on the CBS channel that comes with YouTube TV?
Not all of them. CBS on YouTube TV shows live broadcasts and some on-demand content, but it does not include the full Paramount Plus library. Exclusive Paramount Plus originals and older seasons of shows are only available if you subscribe to Paramount Plus separately.
If I cancel YouTube TV, do I lose Paramount Plus too?
Only if you added Paramount Plus as a YouTube TV add-on. If you subscribed to Paramount Plus directly through Paramount's website, canceling YouTube TV will not affect your Paramount Plus account. The two subscriptions are separate unless you specifically bundled them through YouTube TV.
Can I try Paramount Plus free through YouTube TV?
YouTube TV does not offer a free trial of Paramount Plus as an add-on. You would need to pay the add-on price from the first month. If Paramount Plus itself is running a promotional offer, you would need to subscribe directly through Paramount to take advantage of it.
Does YouTube TV's price include any streaming services at all?
YouTube TV's base price covers live TV channels and cloud DVR, but no streaming services are bundled in. All streaming services, including Paramount Plus, are sold separately as add-ons or through their own websites.