Showtime is not included in Paramount Plus at no extra cost — it is a separate paid add-on subscription

Showtime content is available through Paramount Plus, but only if you pay an additional monthly fee on top of your Paramount Plus subscription. Paramount Plus offers two ways to watch Showtime: you can add the Showtime channel as an add-on within the Paramount Plus app, or you can subscribe to Showtime as a standalone service. Both routes cost extra money beyond your base Paramount Plus plan.

The add-on option is simpler if you already use Paramount Plus. You stay in one app, and the Showtime content appears alongside your other shows and movies. The standalone Showtime subscription gives you access to Showtime's full library and live channels, but you manage it separately from Paramount Plus.

Key Takeaways

  • Showtime is a paid add-on to Paramount Plus, not included in any Paramount Plus plan at no extra charge.
  • You can add Showtime within the Paramount Plus app for a monthly fee, or subscribe to Showtime separately.
  • The Showtime add-on through Paramount Plus gives you access to Showtime's shows, movies, and live channels within one app.
  • Pricing for the Showtime add-on varies depending on whether you have an ad-supported or ad-free Paramount Plus plan.

How to Add Showtime to Your Paramount Plus Account

To add Showtime through Paramount Plus, open the Paramount Plus app or website and go to your account settings. Look for the option to add channels or add-ons — the exact wording depends on which device you are using. Select Showtime from the list of available add-ons, confirm the monthly price, and complete the purchase using your payment method on file.

Once you add Showtime, the content becomes available when ready in your Paramount Plus app. You will see a Showtime section in the menu, and Showtime shows and movies will appear in search results and recommendations alongside other Paramount Plus content. You do not need to read a separate app or log in anywhere else.

What You Get With the Showtime Add-On

The Showtime add-on through Paramount Plus includes Showtime's full on-demand library of original series, movies, and documentaries. You also get access to live Showtime channels, so you can watch programming as it airs. This is the same content available through a standalone Showtime subscription, just accessed through the Paramount Plus interface.

Popular Showtime originals like Dexter, Homeland, The L Word, and Penny Dreadful are part of the add-on. Showtime also produces documentaries and sports programming, all of which are included. The library updates regularly as Showtime releases new seasons and films.

Showtime Add-On Pricing and Plan Options

The cost of adding Showtime to Paramount Plus depends on which Paramount Plus plan you have. If you subscribe to Paramount Plus with ads, the Showtime add-on costs one price per month. If you have the ad-free Paramount Plus plan, the Showtime add-on costs a different price. Both prices are higher than the base Paramount Plus subscription alone.

You can cancel the Showtime add-on at any time through your account settings. Your cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle, so you will retain access until that date. If you add Showtime again later, you start a new billing cycle from that date.

Standalone Showtime vs. the Paramount Plus Add-On

If you do not have Paramount Plus, you can subscribe to Showtime directly as a standalone service. Standalone Showtime works through its own app or through other platforms like Apple TV Channels or Amazon Prime Video Channels. The content is identical to the Showtime add-on within Paramount Plus, but you manage the subscription separately.

The main difference is convenience. If you already watch Paramount Plus regularly, adding Showtime keeps everything in one app and one bill. If you do not use Paramount Plus, a standalone Showtime subscription may be simpler and potentially less expensive than paying for both services.

How to Cancel the Showtime Add-On

To remove Showtime from your Paramount Plus account, go to your account settings and find the section for add-ons or subscriptions. Select Showtime and choose the option to cancel or remove it. Confirm the cancellation when prompted.

Your access to Showtime content ends at the end of your current billing period. You will not be charged again after that date. If you change your mind, you can add Showtime back at any time by following the same steps you used to add it initially.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Showtime without Paramount Plus?

Yes. You can subscribe to Showtime as a standalone service through the Showtime app, or through platforms like Apple TV Channels or Amazon Prime Video. You do not need a Paramount Plus subscription to watch Showtime content.

Does Paramount Plus come with any premium channels included?

No. Paramount Plus base plans do not include any premium channel add-ons. All add-on channels, including Showtime, cost extra. However, some Paramount Plus plans bundle other services like Paramount Plus itself with other subscriptions through third-party offers.

Will I see Showtime content in my Paramount Plus recommendations if I do not have the add-on?

Showtime content may appear in search results and recommendations, but you will not be able to watch it without the add-on. When you try to play a Showtime title, Paramount Plus will prompt you to add the Showtime channel.

Can I share the Showtime add-on with family members on my account?

That depends on your Paramount Plus plan. Some plans allow multiple profiles or household members to watch simultaneously. The Showtime add-on applies to your entire account, so anyone with access to your Paramount Plus account can watch Showtime content.