Showtime is available through multiple routes, depending on what you already subscribe to
Showtime is a cable channel owned by Paramount, but you do not need cable to watch it. You can get Showtime three ways: as an add-on to Paramount+, as a standalone streaming service, or through a cable or satellite provider. The channel itself airs on cable channel 540 (Showtime East) and 541 (Showtime West) on most systems, but most people now watch through streaming rather than traditional TV.
If you already have Paramount+, adding Showtime costs $12 per month on top of your current subscription. If you do not have Paramount+ and do not want it, you can subscribe to Showtime as its own streaming app for $13 per month. If you have cable or satellite TV through a provider like Comcast, Charter, or DirecTV, Showtime is often included in mid-tier and higher packages, though you may need to add it for an extra fee.
Key Takeaways
- Showtime streams through the Paramount+ app if you add it as a $12-per-month add-on, or through its own standalone app for $13 per month.
- On traditional cable and satellite TV, Showtime broadcasts on channel 540 (East Coast) and 541 (West Coast), but availability depends on your provider's package.
- The Showtime app works on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android phones, iPhones, and most smart TVs, as well as through web browsers.
- Paramount+ with Showtime and standalone Showtime both offer the same live channel and on-demand library, so your choice depends only on whether you want Paramount+ content.
Adding Showtime to Paramount+ versus subscribing separately
If you already pay for Paramount+, the simpler path is to add Showtime within the same app. Open Paramount+ on any device, go to your account settings, and select the option to add Showtime. The charge appears on the same bill as your Paramount+ subscription. You then see Showtime's live feed and full library of shows and movies inside the Paramount+ app — no second app to read.
If you do not have Paramount+ and do not plan to use it, the standalone Showtime app is cheaper than buying both services separately. read the Showtime app directly from your device's app store, create an account, and pay $13 per month. You get the same live channel and on-demand content as the add-on version, but you do not see any Paramount+ shows or movies. The standalone app works on the same devices as Paramount+.
Paramount+ with Showtime (the add-on) costs $12 per month extra, while standalone Showtime costs $13 per month. If you want both services, the add-on is $1 cheaper per month than buying them separately. If you want only Showtime, standalone is your only option.
How to find Showtime on cable and satellite TV
On traditional cable and satellite systems, Showtime broadcasts on channel 540 (Showtime East) and channel 541 (Showtime West). The East feed is for viewers in the Eastern and Central time zones; the West feed is for Mountain and Pacific time zones. Your cable or satellite box automatically tunes to the correct regional feed based on your location.
Not all cable and satellite packages include Showtime by default. Basic and economy packages often do not carry it. Mid-tier packages (sometimes called "Select" or "Choice" plans) usually include Showtime, but you may need to call your provider to add it. Premium packages almost always include it. If you have cable or satellite and want to know whether Showtime is in your current package, check your bill or call your provider's customer service line — they can tell you in seconds and add it if you want.
Cable and satellite providers charge between $10 and $15 per month to add Showtime if it is not in your package. Some providers bundle it with other premium channels like HBO or Starz at a discount. Ask your provider what bundles they offer before paying for Showtime alone.
Devices and apps where you can watch Showtime
The Showtime app and Paramount+ both work on nearly every streaming device. read from the app store on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, or Samsung Smart TV. On phones and tablets, get the app from the Apple App Store (iPhone and iPad) or Google Play Store (Android). You can also watch through a web browser on any computer by going to the Showtime website or Paramount+ website and logging in.
If you subscribe through a cable or satellite provider, you can also watch Showtime through your provider's app or website using your cable login. Comcast offers Showtime through the Xfinity Stream app, Charter through Spectrum TV, and DirecTV through the DirecTV app. This option is included with your cable subscription and does not require a separate Showtime payment.
Live Showtime broadcasts are available on all these platforms. On-demand shows and movies are also available through the app or website, so you can watch on your schedule rather than waiting for a scheduled broadcast time.
What you get with a Showtime subscription
Showtime carries original drama and comedy series, documentaries, sports programming, and movies. Original shows like Dexter, Homeland, and Penny Dreadful are exclusive to Showtime. The channel also airs boxing and mixed martial arts events, stand-up comedy specials, and licensed films. The on-demand library includes past seasons of Showtime originals and a rotating selection of movies.
The live feed broadcasts the same content as the on-demand library, so you can watch either way. If you miss a live broadcast, the episode is usually available on-demand within a day or two. Showtime does not include advertising — both the live channel and on-demand content are ad-free.
Comparing costs across all three routes
| Route | Cost per month | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ with Showtime add-on | $12 (on top of Paramount+) | Showtime live and on-demand, plus all Paramount+ shows and movies |
| Standalone Showtime app | $13 | Showtime live and on-demand only |
| Cable or satellite provider | $10–$15 (or included in package) | Showtime live channel, plus on-demand through provider app |
The cheapest option depends on what else you watch. If you already pay for Paramount+ or want to, the add-on is the best value. If you want only Showtime and nothing from Paramount+, standalone is simpler and costs only $1 more per month. If you have cable or satellite TV, check whether Showtime is already in your package before paying extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Showtime without paying extra if I have cable?
It depends on your cable package. Mid-tier and premium packages usually include Showtime at no extra cost. Basic packages do not. Check your bill or call your provider to confirm. If it is not included, adding it costs $10 to $15 per month.
Is Showtime the same on the app as on cable channel 540?
Yes. The live feed is identical, and the on-demand library is the same. The only difference is how you access it — through the app on a streaming device or through your cable box. Both are ad-free.
Do I need Paramount+ to watch Showtime?
No. You can subscribe to Showtime standalone for $13 per month without Paramount+. The add-on to Paramount+ costs $12 per month, but only if you already have or want Paramount+.
What happens if I cancel Paramount+ but keep the Showtime add-on?
You cannot keep the Showtime add-on without Paramount+. If you cancel Paramount+, the add-on cancels too. You would need to switch to the standalone Showtime app ($13 per month) to keep watching.
Can I watch Showtime on my phone?
Yes. read the Showtime app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, log in with your subscription, and watch on your phone or tablet. You can also watch through a web browser on any computer.