Paramount owns or operates more than a dozen television networks and streaming platforms

Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS) controls a large portfolio of cable networks, broadcast channels, and streaming services. The company owns both CBS, a major broadcast network, and Paramount+, its streaming platform. Beyond those, Paramount operates cable channels including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Spike, VH1, and Pluto TV, among others. The exact list changes as the company buys, sells, or restructures properties, but the core holdings span entertainment, news, music, comedy, and children's programming.

Understanding which channels Paramount owns matters if you want to know where your favorite shows air, whether you can watch them through Paramount+ instead of cable, or how your viewing options connect across different services. Many shows that air on Paramount-owned cable networks are also available on Paramount+, though not always at the same time or with the same restrictions.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount owns CBS (broadcast), MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Spike, VH1, and Pluto TV, along with several other smaller networks.
  • Paramount+ is the company's main streaming service and includes content from most of these networks, though some shows may air on cable first.
  • Paramount also owns the Showtime premium cable network and Showtime Anytime, a separate streaming service for Showtime subscribers.
  • The company owns production studios and owns or has stakes in other media properties, so the portfolio extends beyond just channel names.

Paramount's broadcast and major cable networks

CBS is Paramount's broadcast television network and airs news, sports, and entertainment programming. It reaches viewers over the air and through cable, and most CBS shows are available on Paramount+ the next day or within a few days of airing.

MTV (Music Television) airs music videos, reality shows, and original series. Nickelodeon is the children's network and includes programming for preschoolers through teens. Comedy Central airs stand-up comedy, sketch shows, and animated series. BET (Black Entertainment Television) focuses on music, entertainment, and cultural programming aimed at Black audiences. Spike airs action, sports, and male-skewing entertainment. VH1 carries music and pop culture content.

All of these networks have their content available on Paramount+, though the timing and availability of specific shows varies. Some shows air on cable first and come to Paramount+ later; others premiere on Paramount+ directly.

Pluto TV and free ad-supported streaming

Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service owned by Paramount. It offers live channels and on-demand content from Paramount's networks and other sources. You do not need a Paramount+ subscription to use Pluto TV—it is a separate service accessible through a web browser or app.

Pluto TV includes channels that mimic traditional cable (a 24-hour Comedy Central channel, a 24-hour MTV channel, and so on) alongside original programming and licensed content. The service is supported by ads, so you will see commercials while watching, but there is no subscription fee.

Showtime and premium cable

Showtime is a premium cable network owned by Paramount that airs original dramas, comedies, documentaries, and films. It is a separate subscription from basic cable and from Paramount+, though Paramount+ does offer a Showtime add-on subscription for an additional monthly fee.

Showtime Anytime is the streaming app for Showtime subscribers. If you have a Showtime cable subscription, you can stream Showtime content through this app. If you subscribe to Paramount+ with the Showtime add-on, you can also access Showtime content through Paramount+.

Other Paramount-owned networks and services

Paramount owns or operates several other networks with smaller reach or more specialized audiences. TV Land airs classic sitcoms and original programming. CMT (Country Music Television) focuses on country music and lifestyle content. Paramount Network airs dramas and original series. Pop TV carries entertainment and reality programming.

The company also owns Smithsonian Channel, which airs documentaries and educational content, and Sundance TV, which shows independent films and prestige dramas. These networks are less directly integrated into Paramount+ than MTV or Nickelodeon, but some of their content does appear on the streaming service.

How Paramount's ownership affects what you can watch

Because Paramount owns so many networks, the company can move content between them or make shows available across multiple platforms. A show might air on MTV, appear on Pluto TV, and be available on Paramount+ all at different times or simultaneously. This gives Paramount flexibility in how it distributes programming, but it also means the same show may be in different places depending on your subscription.

If you have a Paramount+ subscription, you have access to content from most of these networks without needing separate cable subscriptions. However, some premium content (like new Showtime originals) may require the Showtime add-on. Live sports on CBS and some live events may not be available through Paramount+ and may require a cable subscription or a separate live TV streaming service.

What Paramount owns versus what it does not

Paramount does not own every channel or streaming service. Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime Video are separate companies or divisions of other media companies. Paramount does not own NBC, ABC, Fox, or their associated networks, though it competes with them for viewers and advertising.

The media landscape changes regularly as companies buy, sell, and restructure properties. If you want to know whether a specific channel or show is currently owned by Paramount, checking Paramount's official investor relations page or the channel's own website will give you the most current information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all content from Paramount-owned networks available on Paramount+?

Most is, but not all. Some older content from cable networks may not be on Paramount+, and some live programming (like sports) may not stream. Showtime content requires the Showtime add-on. Check the Paramount+ app or website to see if a specific show is available.

Do I need cable to watch MTV, Nickelodeon, or Comedy Central?

No. If you have a Paramount+ subscription, you can watch most content from these networks on the app. You can also watch free, ad-supported content from these networks on Pluto TV without any subscription.

Is Pluto TV the same as Paramount+?

No. Pluto TV is free and ad-supported; Paramount+ is a paid subscription service with fewer ads (or no ads on higher tiers). Both are owned by Paramount, but they are separate services with different content libraries and pricing.

Can I watch live CBS on Paramount+?

Live CBS is not always available on Paramount+. Some live events and sports may require a cable subscription or a live TV streaming service. Most CBS shows are available on-demand on Paramount+ the next day.

Does Paramount own Showtime?

Yes. Showtime is a premium cable network owned by Paramount. You can subscribe to Showtime as an add-on to Paramount+, or you can get it as a separate cable subscription from your provider.