Paramount Plus is not included in any DirecTV package

Paramount Plus does not come bundled with DirecTV service. You cannot order it as an add-on through DirecTV, and it will not appear in your channel guide. If you want to watch Paramount Plus content while you have DirecTV, you need a separate subscription to Paramount Plus itself, which you manage independently.

DirecTV and Paramount Plus are separate services owned by different companies. DirecTV is a satellite television provider. Paramount Plus is a streaming service run by Paramount Global. The two do not have a package deal, though you can certainly pay for both at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus is a standalone streaming service and does not bundle with any DirecTV package or tier.
  • You can watch Paramount Plus on a smart TV, phone, tablet, or computer while keeping your DirecTV service active.
  • Paramount Plus offers a free ad-supported tier and a paid ad-free tier, both separate from your DirecTV bill.
  • If you want to watch Paramount Plus on your TV, you can use a streaming device, a smart TV app, or cast from your phone.

How to watch Paramount Plus if you have DirecTV

The simplest way is to sign up for Paramount Plus on any device and then watch it on your TV. You do not need to do anything special with your DirecTV account. Paramount Plus works on its own.

If you want to watch on your television set, you have three main options. First, if your TV is a smart TV (Samsung, LG, Sony, or similar), you can read the Paramount Plus app directly to the TV and log in there. Second, you can use a streaming device like a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast, all of which have the Paramount Plus app. Third, you can use your phone or tablet to cast or mirror the video to your TV if your TV supports AirPlay or Chromecast.

Your DirecTV box does not need to be involved. You can have DirecTV on one input and Paramount Plus on another, or use them at different times on the same TV.

Paramount Plus subscription options

Paramount Plus offers two tiers. The basic tier includes ads and costs less per month. The premium tier removes ads and costs more. Both tiers give you access to the same shows and movies — the difference is whether you see commercials.

Paramount Plus also occasionally runs promotional pricing for new members, such as a discounted first month or a free trial period. These offers change, so check the Paramount Plus website directly when you are ready to sign up. You will set up your subscription and payment method through Paramount Plus, not through DirecTV.

What content is on Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus includes original series like Yellowstone, The Offer, Halo, and Star Trek: Discovery. It also carries movies from the Paramount film library, live sports including NFL games and college football, and reruns of shows from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central.

The exact content available depends on your location and subscription tier. Some live sports and recent movies may be exclusive to the premium ad-free tier. Check the Paramount Plus app or website to see what is currently available in your area.

Why Paramount Plus is not bundled with DirecTV

DirecTV and Paramount Plus are owned by different parent companies and operate as separate businesses. DirecTV is owned by AT&T and operates as a satellite service. Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global and operates as a streaming service. They do not have a financial agreement to bundle their services the way some cable companies bundle streaming apps.

DirecTV does offer some streaming content through its own app, DirecTV Stream, which is a separate streaming service. But Paramount Plus is not part of that offering. If you want Paramount Plus, you pay for it separately.

Using Paramount Plus alongside your DirecTV service

Having both services at the same time is straightforward. Your DirecTV bill and your Paramount Plus bill are separate. You will see them on different statements or credit card charges depending on how you set up payment.

You can watch DirecTV through your satellite box and Paramount Plus through a streaming app or device on the same TV. Many households do this — they keep their DirecTV service for live sports, news, or other channels, and add streaming services like Paramount Plus for on-demand content. There is no conflict between the two services.

Alternatives if you want to drop DirecTV

If you are considering canceling DirecTV and switching entirely to streaming, Paramount Plus alone will not replace it. You would likely need multiple streaming services to cover what DirecTV offers. Paramount Plus has some live sports and news, but not the full range of channels and live programming that DirecTV provides.

Other streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Max, and Apple TV Plus each carry different content. Some people build a combination of streaming services that works for their viewing habits, while others keep a traditional TV service for live content. The choice depends on what you watch and how much you want to spend across all services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount Plus through my DirecTV remote?

No. Your DirecTV remote controls your satellite box, not streaming apps. You will need to use the remote that came with your smart TV, streaming device, or phone to navigate Paramount Plus. Some newer smart TVs allow you to program a universal remote to control multiple devices, but this requires setup outside of DirecTV.

Will Paramount Plus show up in my DirecTV channel guide?

No. Paramount Plus is a separate service and does not integrate with the DirecTV channel guide or on-screen menu. You access it through its own app on a smart TV or streaming device, not through your DirecTV box.

Do I need a special DirecTV package to watch Paramount Plus?

No. Any DirecTV package works fine alongside Paramount Plus. You do not need to upgrade or change your DirecTV service. Paramount Plus is completely independent and works the same way whether you have DirecTV or not.

What streaming devices work with Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus is available on Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Sony Smart TVs, iPhones, iPads, Android phones, and computers. If your TV is not smart, a streaming device plugged into an HDMI port will let you watch Paramount Plus on your television.

Can I use my DirecTV login to access Paramount Plus?

No. Paramount Plus requires its own separate login and account. You cannot use your DirecTV username and password to sign into Paramount Plus. You will create a new Paramount Plus account with its own email and password.