Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global, not a traditional broadcast network

Paramount Plus is a streaming service owned by Paramount Global, the media company that also owns CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and Showtime. It is not broadcast on a traditional network like ABC or NBC. Instead, you watch it through an app on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or computer — the same way you watch Netflix or Disney Plus.

The confusion often comes from the name. "Paramount" sounds like it might be a channel you tune to on cable, but it is actually a company that owns many channels and now runs a streaming service. When you subscribe to Paramount Plus, you are paying Paramount Global directly for access to their streaming library, not paying a cable company to carry a channel.

Paramount Plus launched in 2021 as a rebrand of CBS All Access, which had been the streaming home for CBS shows. The service now includes content from all the Paramount Global properties — CBS shows, movies from the Paramount film studio, Nickelodeon cartoons, MTV reality shows, and more.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus is a streaming service owned by Paramount Global, not a traditional broadcast or cable network.
  • You access it through an app on your device, not by tuning to a channel on cable or over-the-air television.
  • Paramount Global also owns CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and Showtime, so content from those sources appears on Paramount Plus.
  • Some Paramount Plus content is exclusive to the streaming service, while other shows and movies also air on the traditional networks Paramount Global owns.

How Paramount Plus differs from traditional networks

A traditional network like CBS or NBC broadcasts shows on a set schedule — you turn on your TV at 8 p.m. on Thursday and the show airs whether you are watching or not. Paramount Plus works differently. You open the app whenever you want, search for what you want to watch, and stream it on demand. There is no schedule to follow.

Traditional networks make money from advertising. You watch commercials, and advertisers pay for that exposure. Paramount Plus offers two tiers: a cheaper plan with ads and a more expensive plan without them. Either way, you are paying Paramount Global a monthly subscription fee, not a cable company.

Another key difference: traditional networks are free to watch if you have an antenna or a cable subscription that includes them. Paramount Plus requires its own separate subscription. You cannot watch it through a cable box or an antenna — only through the app.

What content comes from Paramount's owned networks

Because Paramount Global owns CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and Showtime, much of the content on Paramount Plus originates from those sources. New episodes of CBS shows like The Equalizer and NCIS often appear on Paramount Plus shortly after they air on CBS. Nickelodeon cartoons and live-action shows stream there. Comedy Central stand-up specials and MTV reality shows are available.

Some content is exclusive to Paramount Plus — shows and movies made specifically for the streaming service that do not air anywhere else. Other content appears on both the traditional network and the streaming service. The timing varies. A CBS show might air on television first and come to Paramount Plus a day or a week later, or it might premiere on Paramount Plus instead.

Paramount Plus also has its own original movies and series that you will not find on CBS, MTV, or any other Paramount-owned channel. These are made for the streaming audience specifically.

How to watch Paramount Plus

You watch Paramount Plus through an app, not through a cable box or antenna. You can read the app on most smart TVs, phones, tablets, and computers. You can also watch through a web browser on a computer or tablet by going to paramountplus.com and logging in.

To start watching, you need to create an account and choose a subscription plan. Paramount Plus offers a plan with ads at a lower price and an ad-free plan at a higher price. Both give you access to the full library. You can watch on multiple devices, though the number of screens you can use at the same time depends on which plan you choose.

You do not need cable or a cable subscription to use Paramount Plus. It is a standalone service. If you already have cable that includes Paramount Plus as part of a bundle, you may be able to log in with your cable credentials, but that depends on your cable provider.

The relationship between Paramount Plus and CBS

CBS is a traditional broadcast network owned by Paramount Global. Paramount Plus is the streaming service also owned by Paramount Global. They are separate products, but they are owned by the same company.

Some CBS shows appear on both CBS and Paramount Plus. You can watch them on CBS if you have cable or an antenna, or on Paramount Plus if you have a subscription. Some shows premiere on Paramount Plus first or only. The strategy changes depending on the show and what Paramount Global thinks will draw the most viewers.

If you want to watch CBS shows and do not have cable or an antenna, Paramount Plus is one way to do it — though not every CBS show streams there, and not all of them stream when ready after airing on television.

Other ways to watch Paramount content

Paramount Plus is not the only place to watch shows and movies from Paramount Global properties. You can still watch CBS through an antenna if you live in an area with broadcast coverage, or through cable if you have a subscription. You can watch MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon through cable as well.

Some Paramount movies are available on other streaming services or for purchase through digital retailers like Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video. The availability changes as licensing agreements expire and renew.

If you want everything from Paramount Global in one place without ads, Paramount Plus with the ad-free plan is the most direct option. But it is not the only way to access their content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paramount Plus the same as CBS?

No. CBS is a traditional broadcast network. Paramount Plus is a streaming service. Both are owned by Paramount Global. Some CBS shows appear on Paramount Plus, but they are separate services with different ways of watching.

Do I need cable to watch Paramount Plus?

No. Paramount Plus is a standalone streaming service. You can watch it with just an internet connection and a subscription. You do not need cable or an antenna.

Can I watch live TV on Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus offers live streaming of CBS in some areas, but this depends on your location and subscription plan. Most of the service is on-demand content, not live broadcasts. Check the app to see what is available in your area.

Why is some Paramount content on other streaming services?

Paramount Global licenses its movies and shows to other streaming services as part of business agreements. A movie might be on Paramount Plus and also on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video at the same time, depending on the licensing deal.

What happens to shows that air on CBS — do they go to Paramount Plus?

Usually, but not always, and not always right away. Many CBS shows appear on Paramount Plus within a day or a week of airing on television. Some shows are exclusive to one platform or the other. Check the app or Paramount's website for the specific show you want to watch.