Paramount Network is a cable channel, not the same as Paramount+

Paramount Network is a traditional cable television channel owned by Paramount. It is separate from Paramount+, the streaming service. If you have cable or satellite TV, Paramount Network appears as a channel on your lineup — the exact channel number depends on your provider and region. If you do not have cable, you will not find Paramount Network on your TV unless you use a live TV streaming service that carries it.

The confusion happens because both services share the Paramount name and parent company. Paramount+ is a subscription streaming platform where you watch on-demand shows and movies. Paramount Network is a linear cable channel with scheduled programming, commercials, and live broadcasts. They are two different products with different content libraries.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Network is a cable channel available through traditional cable or satellite providers, not a streaming service like Paramount+.
  • Your channel number for Paramount Network varies by provider — call your cable company or check your provider's channel guide to find it.
  • If you do not have cable, you can watch Paramount Network through live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV, which carry the channel as part of their packages.
  • Paramount+ and Paramount Network have different content and do not share the same library, so a Paramount+ subscription does not give you access to Paramount Network programming.

Finding Paramount Network on cable and satellite

If you subscribe to cable or satellite TV, Paramount Network is included in most standard packages. The channel number is not the same everywhere — it depends on your provider and your location. Common channel numbers range from the 600s to the 800s, but this varies widely.

The fastest way to find it is to call your cable or satellite provider's customer service line or log into your account online. Most providers have a searchable channel guide on their website or in their mobile app. Search for "Paramount Network" by name, and the guide will show you the exact channel number in your area. You can also use your TV remote's search function if your provider's box supports it.

Watching Paramount Network without cable

If you do not have a cable subscription, you can still watch Paramount Network through a live TV streaming service. These services stream cable channels over the internet and include Paramount Network in their channel lineup. The main options are YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and Fubo.

Each service has different channel packages and pricing. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV include Paramount Network in their base packages. Sling TV carries it in the Sling Orange package. Fubo includes it as well. All of these services offer free trial periods, so you can test whether the channel lineup and interface work for you before paying. Check each service's current channel list on their website, since lineups change and vary by region.

What you will find on Paramount Network

Paramount Network shows original series, reality TV, documentaries, and acquired programs. The channel has aired shows like "Yellowstone," "Ink Master," and "Lip Sync Battle," though content rotates and some shows move to Paramount+ after their cable run ends. The channel also airs movies and live events depending on the day and time.

Because Paramount Network is a linear cable channel, you watch on a set schedule with commercials. You cannot pause, rewind, or watch on-demand the way you can on Paramount+. If you want to watch a specific show from Paramount Network on your own schedule, you may be able to find it on Paramount+ if it is part of that service's library, but this is not may provide.

The difference between Paramount Network and Paramount+

Paramount Network is a cable channel with live, scheduled programming. Paramount+ is a subscription streaming service where you choose what to watch and when. The two services have different content libraries, different pricing, and different ways of watching. A Paramount+ subscription does not include Paramount Network, and having cable with Paramount Network does not give you Paramount+.

Some shows appear on both services, but at different times. A show might air first on Paramount Network as a cable broadcast, then move to Paramount+ weeks or months later. Other shows are exclusive to one service or the other. If you want to watch a specific program, check which service carries it before you sign up.

Using the Paramount app to find Paramount Network content

The Paramount app (which is the mobile and web version of Paramount+) does not stream Paramount Network live. However, if you have a cable subscription that includes Paramount Network, you can use the Paramount app to sign in with your cable credentials and watch some cable content on-demand through a feature called TV Everywhere or cable authentication.

This feature is not available for all programs, and it depends on your cable provider's agreement with Paramount. Check the Paramount app's settings to see if your provider is supported. If it is, you can sign in once and then access participating cable content through the app without needing to open a separate cable provider app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paramount Network the same as Paramount+?

No. Paramount Network is a cable television channel with scheduled programming and commercials. Paramount+ is a subscription streaming service where you watch on-demand. They are owned by the same company but are separate services with different content and different ways of watching.

What channel number is Paramount Network on my cable?

The channel number varies by cable provider and region. Call your provider's customer service or search for "Paramount Network" in your provider's online channel guide to find the exact number in your area.

Can I watch Paramount Network without cable?

Yes, through a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or Fubo. These services stream cable channels over the internet and include Paramount Network in their packages. Each has different pricing and channel lineups, so compare them before choosing.

Does my Paramount+ subscription include Paramount Network?

No. Paramount+ is a separate subscription service and does not include access to the Paramount Network cable channel. You need either a cable subscription or a live TV streaming service to watch Paramount Network.

Can I watch Paramount Network shows on Paramount+?

Some shows that air on Paramount Network are also available on Paramount+, but not all. Content moves between services on different schedules. Check Paramount+ or your cable provider's app to see if the specific show you want is available.