Paramount Plus has three main categories: live TV and sports, movies, and series
Paramount Plus offers three distinct types of programming. The service includes live broadcasts of CBS, NFL games, college football, and golf tournaments. It has a library of movies from Paramount Pictures and other studios. And it carries original series made for the platform, plus older shows that aired on CBS and other networks.
What you can watch depends partly on which subscription tier you choose. The ad-supported plan costs less but shows commercials during playback. The ad-free plan costs more and removes those interruptions. Some live sports and events may require the higher tier even if you subscribe.
The catalog changes monthly as licensing agreements expire and new content arrives. A show or movie available today may leave in 30 days, and new titles rotate in. Paramount Plus publishes a monthly list of what's coming and what's leaving, which you can check before you subscribe or renew.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus carries live CBS broadcasts, NFL and college football games, golf, and reality competition shows like Survivor and The Amazing Race.
- The movie library includes Paramount Pictures releases, older films from other studios, and some original films made for the platform.
- Original series include Star Trek shows, Yellowstone, The Offer, and Halo, plus revivals of older CBS shows like Frasier and The Twilight Zone.
- The ad-supported tier costs less but shows ads during shows; the ad-free tier removes commercials but costs more per month.
- Content rotates monthly, so titles you want to watch may leave the service — check Paramount Plus's monthly schedule before subscribing.
Live TV and sports on Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus streams live CBS broadcasts in most markets, which means you can watch the evening news, daytime talk shows, and game shows as they air. You need the ad-free plan to access live local CBS in most cases, though this varies by region.
The service carries NFL games on Thursday, Sunday, and Monday nights, plus playoff games and the Super Bowl. College football games air on Thursday and Saturday during the season. PGA Tour golf events stream throughout the year. These live sports typically require the ad-free tier, even if you have an ad-supported subscription.
Reality competition shows like Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Love Island air live or same-day on Paramount Plus. These are available on both subscription tiers, though the ad-supported version includes commercial breaks.
Movies available on Paramount Plus
The movie library rotates, but it typically includes recent Paramount Pictures releases, older studio films, and some original movies made for the platform. Recent Paramount theatrical releases usually arrive on Paramount Plus 45 days after they leave theaters, though this timing can shift.
You will find action films, comedies, dramas, horror, and family movies. The library includes both recent releases and older titles from decades past. Some movies are exclusive to the ad-free tier, while others play on both tiers with or without ads.
Paramount Plus also produces original films. These are typically available on both subscription levels but may premiere on the ad-free tier first before rolling out to ad-supported viewers.
Original series and exclusive shows
Paramount Plus makes original series that you cannot watch anywhere else. The Star Trek franchise has multiple shows on the platform: Strange New Worlds, Discovery, Picard, and Lower Decks. These appeal to science fiction fans and longtime Star Trek viewers.
Yellowstone, a drama about a Montana ranch family, became one of the platform's most-watched series. The prequel series 1883 and 1923 also stream on Paramount Plus. The Offer, a limited series about the making of The Godfather, and Halo, based on the video game, are other original dramas.
The platform revived older CBS shows for new audiences. Frasier returned with a new season. The Twilight Zone got a modern remake. These sit alongside older episodes of classic shows like The Brady Bunch and I Love Lucy, which are available in their original form.
Reality and competition shows
Beyond live broadcasts, Paramount Plus carries back catalogs of reality and competition series. Survivor episodes from past seasons are available to stream on demand. The Amazing Race seasons are there as well. Love Island, a dating competition show, produces new seasons for the platform.
RuPaul's Drag Race and its international versions stream on Paramount Plus. The Real Housewives franchise has multiple regional shows available. These titles span both current seasons and older episodes, so you can catch up on shows you missed.
Kids and family programming
Paramount Plus carries children's content from Nickelodeon, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and Blue's Clues. Animated series and live-action kids' shows make up a dedicated section of the library.
Family movies from Paramount and other studios are available, including animated films and live-action family comedies. The platform does not have a separate kids' profile with parental controls built in, so you manage what children watch through your account settings.
How to find what's coming and leaving
Paramount Plus publishes a monthly schedule showing what content arrives and what leaves the service. You can find this on the Paramount Plus website under a section labeled "Coming Soon" or "Leaving Soon." Checking this list before you subscribe or renew helps you decide whether the current catalog matches what you want to watch.
The service also sends email notifications to subscribers about new releases and upcoming premieres. You can customize these notifications in your account settings to receive alerts about specific genres or shows you follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the ad-free plan to watch everything on Paramount Plus?
No. Most movies and series are available on both the ad-supported and ad-free tiers. However, live CBS broadcasts and live sports events typically require the ad-free plan, even if you have an ad-supported subscription. Check the individual title to see which tier it requires.
Can I watch NFL games on the ad-supported plan?
Most NFL games require the ad-free tier. Some preseason games or special events may be available on the ad-supported plan, but regular season Thursday, Sunday, and Monday night games are reserved for ad-free subscribers. Check the game listing before game day to confirm.
How often does the movie and show library change?
Content rotates monthly. New titles arrive throughout the month, and older titles leave based on licensing agreements. Paramount Plus publishes a schedule of what's leaving so you can watch before it goes. Some titles stay for years, while others may only be available for a few months.
Is there a way to see what's new this month?
Yes. The Paramount Plus app and website have a "New & Featured" or "What's New" section that shows recent additions. You can also visit the Paramount Plus website directly to see the full monthly schedule of arrivals and departures.
Can I read shows and movies to watch offline?
Yes, both subscription tiers allow downloads on mobile devices and tablets. You can watch downloaded content without an internet connection, though the read expires after a set period. Desktop downloads are not available on either plan.