Check Paramount Plus directly using the search bar
The fastest way to learn about a show or movie is on Paramount Plus is to search for it inside the app or website. Open Paramount Plus, tap or click the search icon (usually a magnifying glass), type the title you're looking for, and hit enter. If the show or movie appears in the results, it's available on that service.
When you search, Paramount Plus will show you the title, a description, and whether it's a movie, series, or special. If the title doesn't appear in search results at all, it's not currently on Paramount Plus — it may be on another streaming service, available only on cable, or not yet released.
This method works the same way on the Paramount Plus website (paramountplus.com), on the mobile app for iPhone or Android, or on streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick. The search function is identical across all of them.
Key Takeaways
- Search for the title directly in the Paramount Plus app or website using the search bar to see if it's available.
- If a show or movie doesn't appear in search results, it is not currently on Paramount Plus.
- Paramount Plus carries CBS shows, movies from the Paramount film library, and original series made by the service.
- Some shows air on CBS first and arrive on Paramount Plus a day or two later, so timing matters if you want to watch when ready after broadcast.
What kinds of shows and movies are on Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus carries content from several sources. The service includes current and past episodes of CBS television shows, movies from the Paramount Pictures film library, and original series and films made specifically for Paramount Plus. This means you'll find dramas, comedies, reality shows, sports programming, and movies all in one place.
The library changes regularly — new episodes of current shows arrive on a schedule, older shows rotate in and out, and new original content launches throughout the year. If you're looking for a specific show that aired on CBS, there's a good chance it's on Paramount Plus, but not every CBS show is available on the streaming service.
Understanding the difference between live TV and on-demand content
Paramount Plus offers two types of viewing. The basic plan includes on-demand content — you can search for a show or movie and watch it whenever you want. The higher-tier plan (Paramount Plus with Showtime) includes live TV, which means you can watch CBS and other channels as they broadcast in real time, just like cable television.
If you have the basic plan and search for a show, you'll see episodes available to watch on demand. If you have the plan with live TV, you can also tune in to CBS as it airs. Check your subscription level in your account settings to see which plan you have.
Why a show might not appear even though it aired on CBS
Not every CBS show ends up on Paramount Plus. Some shows are owned by networks or production companies that have deals with other streaming services instead. For example, a show might air on CBS but stream exclusively on Netflix or Hulu. Other shows may be available on Paramount Plus but only for a limited time before they're removed.
Timing also matters. New episodes of current CBS shows usually arrive on Paramount Plus the day after they air on television, but this isn't always when ready. If you need to watch something the same night it airs, you may need to watch it live on CBS or use the CBS website if you have cable login credentials.
Using the browse categories to explore what's available
If you're not searching for a specific title, you can browse Paramount Plus by category. The app and website show sections like "New & Popular," "TV Shows," "Movies," "Originals," and genre-specific categories like "Drama" or "Comedy." Scrolling through these sections shows you what's currently on the service without needing to know a title in advance.
This browsing method is useful if you want to see what's new this week or explore what's available in a category you enjoy. Each title shows a brief description and usually a rating or review score to help you decide what to watch.
Checking if a show is coming to Paramount Plus soon
Paramount Plus doesn't always publish a public schedule of upcoming content, but you can check a few places. The "Coming Soon" section in the app sometimes lists titles arriving in the next few weeks. You can also visit the Paramount Plus website and look for announcements about new shows and movies.
If you're waiting for a specific show, your best option is to search for it periodically or check entertainment news sites that cover streaming releases. Some shows announce their streaming date when they premiere on CBS, so watching the broadcast or checking the network's website can tell you when it will arrive on Paramount Plus.
What to do if you can't find a show on Paramount Plus
If you've searched and the show doesn't appear, it's not on Paramount Plus right now. At that point, you have a few options. You can check other streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, or Amazon Prime Video. You can also search for the show on a service like JustWatch or Reelgood, which tells you which streaming services carry a specific title in your region.
Some shows are available for purchase or rent through digital stores like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon, even if they're not on a subscription streaming service. Cable on-demand may also have the show if you have a cable subscription. Finally, some shows are only available through their original network's website or app, sometimes for free with ads and sometimes with a cable login.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a cable login to watch Paramount Plus?
No. Paramount Plus is a standalone streaming service — you pay a monthly subscription directly to Paramount Plus and don't need cable. However, some content on the CBS website does require a cable login, so the two services are separate.
Why does a show air on CBS but not appear on Paramount Plus yet?
New episodes usually arrive the day after they air on CBS, but there can be delays. Some shows also have licensing agreements that keep them off streaming for a period of time after broadcast. Check back in a few days if you just watched something air on television.
Can I watch live CBS on Paramount Plus?
Only if you have the Paramount Plus with Showtime plan, which includes live TV. The basic Paramount Plus plan has on-demand content only. You can check which plan you have in your account settings.
If a show is on Paramount Plus, can I watch all seasons?
Usually, but not always. Some shows have all seasons available, while others may have only recent seasons or a limited selection. Search for the show and check how many seasons appear in the results to see what's available.
Is there a way to know when a new episode of my favorite show arrives?
Paramount Plus doesn't have a built-in notification system for specific shows, but you can check the show's page regularly or follow Paramount Plus's social media accounts for announcements about new releases. Some streaming apps let you add shows to a watchlist, which may send you a reminder when new content is added.