Showtime costs $12.99 per month as a standalone service, or $9.99 per month if you bundle it with Paramount Plus — and whether it's worth that depends on what you watch

Showtime has a smaller library than Paramount Plus or Netflix, but it focuses on prestige drama and sports. If you watch Dexter, Homeland, The Affair, or boxing and MMA events, the cost makes sense. If you're looking for broad entertainment — comedies, kids' shows, reality TV — you'll find less here, and you might save money by skipping it.

The real question is whether Showtime's originals and live sports justify the extra $12.99 monthly charge on top of what you already pay for Paramount Plus. This guide walks through what Showtime actually offers, what it costs in different combinations, and how to decide if it fits your viewing habits.

Key Takeaways

  • Showtime costs $12.99 per month standalone or $9.99 per month bundled with Paramount Plus, making the bundle $10 cheaper per year than paying separately.
  • Showtime's strength is prestige drama series and live sports (boxing, MMA, soccer), not broad entertainment like comedies or reality shows.
  • You can watch Showtime through the Paramount Plus app if you bundle, or through the standalone Showtime app if you subscribe separately.
  • Showtime offers a free trial period before charging, so you can test whether its current shows match your interests before committing.

What Showtime Offers: Original Series and Live Sports

Showtime produces original drama series aimed at adult audiences. Current and recent shows include Dexter: Original Sin, The Affair, Homeland, Penny Dreadful, and Billions. The network also carries sports programming: professional boxing matches, UFC events, and some international soccer leagues. If these genres match what you actually watch, Showtime becomes a reasonable add-on.

Showtime does not focus on comedies, reality TV, documentaries, or children's programming. If you're looking for those categories, you'll find more options on Paramount Plus, Netflix, or HBO Max. Showtime's library is intentionally narrow — it bets that people who want its shows will want them enough to pay for them.

The service also includes back catalog titles: older films, some classic TV series, and a rotating selection of licensed content. But these are secondary to the original series and live events, which are what drive the subscription cost.

Showtime Standalone vs. Bundled with Paramount Plus

If you already subscribe to Paramount Plus ($5.99 with ads or $11.99 without ads), adding Showtime costs $9.99 per month. That brings your total to $15.98 or $21.98 per month depending on which Paramount tier you chose. If you subscribe to Showtime alone, it costs $12.99 per month.

The math: bundling saves you $3 per month ($36 per year) compared to paying for Showtime separately. If you don't have Paramount Plus yet, the bundle is cheaper than buying both services individually. If you already have Paramount Plus and only want Showtime for one or two shows, the $9.99 add-on is the better choice than a separate subscription.

Both options include the same Showtime content. The only difference is how you access it: bundled subscribers watch through the Paramount Plus app, while standalone subscribers use the Showtime app.

How to Test Showtime Before Paying

Showtime offers a free trial period before your first charge. The length varies — it may be 7 days, 30 days, or longer depending on current promotions. You can cancel during the trial without being charged, so there's no financial risk in testing whether Showtime's current shows appeal to you.

Before starting the trial, check what's actually on Showtime right now. Visit the Showtime website or app and browse the "New & Popular" section. If you see shows you recognize and want to watch, the trial is worth your time. If the current lineup doesn't interest you, skip it — Showtime's content changes slowly, and waiting a few months won't hurt.

When Showtime Makes Sense

Showtime is worth the cost if you watch at least one of its original series regularly, or if you follow boxing or MMA events. One show you actually watch justifies $12.99 per month more easily than paying for a service where you browse and find nothing. If you're bundling with Paramount Plus anyway, the $9.99 add-on is low enough that even casual interest in one show makes it reasonable.

Showtime also makes sense if you're a sports fan. Boxing and UFC events on Showtime often cost $60 to $80 per pay-per-view if you buy them separately. A single event purchase covers four to six months of the Showtime subscription, so if you watch more than one event per year, the service pays for itself.

When to Skip Showtime

Skip Showtime if you don't recognize any current shows and have no interest in its sports programming. Paramount Plus, Netflix, and HBO Max all have larger libraries with more variety. If you're looking for comedies, reality shows, or family content, those services will give you more to watch for the same or lower cost.

Also skip Showtime if you're already paying for multiple streaming services. Adding another $10 to $13 per month adds up quickly. If you're already subscribed to Paramount Plus, Netflix, and HBO Max, Showtime becomes a luxury rather than a necessity — and you likely have enough content already.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Showtime on my TV if I subscribe through the app?

Yes. The Showtime app works on most smart TVs, streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick), and gaming consoles. You can also cast or mirror from your phone to your TV. Check the Showtime website to confirm your specific device is supported before subscribing.

What happens to my Showtime subscription if I cancel Paramount Plus?

If you bundle Showtime with Paramount Plus and cancel Paramount, your Showtime subscription ends too. If you want to keep Showtime, you would need to switch to a standalone Showtime subscription before canceling Paramount.

Does Showtime have ads if I pay for it?

Showtime does not offer an ad-supported tier. Both the standalone subscription and the bundle add-on are ad-free. If you want to avoid ads, you also need the ad-free version of Paramount Plus ($11.99 per month).

Can I share my Showtime login with family members?

Showtime allows multiple profiles on one account, but the terms of service restrict sharing outside your household. Streaming from multiple locations simultaneously may trigger a warning. Check Showtime's current sharing policy before assuming you can give your login to someone outside your home.

How often does Showtime release new episodes?

Showtime releases new episodes on a weekly schedule during the active season for each show. Most series run for 8 to 10 episodes per season, then go on hiatus for months or years before returning. Check the show's page on Showtime to see the current release schedule.