Spike TV no longer exists as a separate channel
Spike TV shut down on December 31, 2018, and was rebranded as The Paramount Network. The channel had been on the air since 1983 (originally as The Nashville Network, then TNN, then Spike), but Paramount Global decided to consolidate its cable offerings and fold Spike's programming into a new network under the Paramount brand.
If you're looking for shows that aired on Spike — like Bar Rescue, Ink Master, Cops, or 1000 Ways to Die — they're now scattered across Paramount's streaming and cable properties. Where you find them depends on which show you want and what you already subscribe to.
Key Takeaways
- Spike TV ceased broadcasting on December 31, 2018, and was replaced by The Paramount Network on cable.
- Most Spike original shows are now available on Paramount+ (the streaming service), though not all seasons of every show are included.
- Some Spike programming also appears on other Paramount-owned channels like MTV, VH1, or CMT, depending on the show's content.
- If you want to watch a specific Spike show, check Paramount+ first, then search the Paramount Network's cable schedule or other Paramount services.
Where Spike shows moved after the shutdown
When Spike closed, Paramount didn't delete the shows — it redistributed them. The primary home for Spike originals is now Paramount+, the streaming service. Shows like Bar Rescue, Ink Master, and Lip Sync Battle are available there, though the library is incomplete — not every season of every show is on the service.
Some Spike shows also air on The Paramount Network itself (the cable channel that replaced Spike), but on a limited schedule. Others have been licensed to different Paramount-owned networks: Cops moved to Paramount Network and later to Pluto TV (Paramount's free streaming service). Bar Rescue reruns sometimes appear on MTV or other sister channels depending on the time slot and season.
The easiest way to find a specific show is to search for it by name on Paramount+ first. If it's not there, search "Paramount Network schedule" or check Pluto TV, which carries a rotating selection of older Spike content for free.
What happened to The Paramount Network
The Paramount Network (which replaced Spike) operated as a cable channel from 2018 to 2022. It carried some Spike reruns, original programming, and acquired shows. However, Paramount Global shifted its strategy again in 2022, scaling back The Paramount Network's original content and moving more focus to Paramount+ streaming.
Today, The Paramount Network still exists as a cable channel, but it functions more as a rerun outlet and carries less original programming than it did in its first few years. Most new Paramount content goes directly to Paramount+ rather than to cable.
How to find Spike shows on Paramount+
If you have a Paramount+ subscription, search the app or website for the show title directly. Paramount+ carries a rotating library, so availability changes — a show might be there one month and removed the next as licensing agreements shift. You can also browse by category: many Spike shows fall under "Reality" or "Competition" sections.
Not all Spike shows are on Paramount+. Some were licensed to other networks or streaming services and never made the move. If you can't find what you're looking for, try searching the show title plus "where to watch" — sites like JustWatch or Reelgood will tell you which streaming service or cable channel currently carries it.
Free alternatives for Spike content
Pluto TV (Paramount's free ad-supported streaming service) carries a selection of Spike reruns and Paramount Network shows at no cost. The library is smaller than Paramount+, and the schedule rotates, but if you don't have a paid subscription, it's worth checking.
Some Spike shows also appear on YouTube, either as full episodes uploaded by Paramount or as clips. Availability varies by show and region. Cable on-demand services (if you have cable) sometimes carry Spike reruns as well, though this is becoming less common.
Why Spike was shut down
Paramount Global (then ViacomCBS) consolidated its cable networks to reduce costs and focus on streaming. Spike had been declining in viewership for years as cord-cutting accelerated and younger audiences moved to streaming platforms. Rather than maintain a separate cable channel, Paramount decided to rebrand it and shift the content to Paramount+, where it could reach more people and generate subscription revenue.
This was part of a larger industry trend: cable networks that can't compete on viewership are being folded into parent companies' streaming services or merged with other channels. Spike's shutdown was one of many — MTV, VH1, and other Paramount networks have also seen significant changes in the same period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still watch Spike TV on cable?
No, Spike TV as a channel no longer exists. The Paramount Network replaced it on cable in 2019, but it carries limited Spike reruns and focuses mainly on other content. Most Spike shows are now on Paramount+ streaming.
Is Bar Rescue still on the air?
New episodes of Bar Rescue are no longer being produced. However, past seasons are available on Paramount+. The show ran from 2011 to 2021 and produced hundreds of episodes, most of which are in the streaming library.
Where can I watch Cops now?
Cops aired on Spike for many years but was removed from most platforms in 2020. It's no longer widely available on streaming or cable, though some older episodes may appear on Pluto TV or other services depending on licensing.
Do I need Paramount+ to watch Spike shows?
Not always. Pluto TV carries some Spike content for free. Cable on-demand and YouTube may have episodes too. But Paramount+ has the largest library of Spike originals, and a subscription is the most reliable way to find what you're looking for.
Will Spike TV ever come back?
It's unlikely. Paramount has consolidated its cable networks into streaming, and the industry trend is away from niche cable channels. Spike's content lives on through Paramount+, but the channel itself will not return.