Paramount Plus owns hundreds of shows across news, sports, movies, and entertainment
Paramount Plus streams content from Paramount Global, the media company that owns CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, and Showtime. That means the service carries shows produced by all those networks, plus originals made specifically for the streaming platform. You will find news programs from CBS, reality shows from MTV, cartoons from Nickelodeon, stand-up comedy from Comedy Central, and drama series that Paramount commissioned for streaming.
The library changes monthly as Paramount adds new seasons and removes older content. What you can watch depends on your subscription tier — the basic plan includes ads, while the premium plan removes them. Some shows and movies are exclusive to Paramount Plus, while others air on cable first and move to the streaming service later.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus carries shows from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, and Showtime because Paramount Global owns all those networks.
- The service includes both shows that air on cable first and originals made only for streaming, with new content added and old content removed each month.
- Your subscription tier determines whether you see ads — the basic plan includes them, and the premium plan does not.
- Popular franchises like Star Trek, Yellowstone, and the Real Housewives series are available on Paramount Plus because Paramount owns the production rights.
News and documentary shows from CBS
Paramount Plus carries 60 Minutes, the long-running investigative news program that airs Sunday nights on CBS. You can watch current episodes and archives going back years. The service also streams CBS Evening News, the nightly broadcast, and CBS Sunday Morning, the weekend cultural and feature program.
Documentary series tied to CBS News also appear on the platform, including investigative specials and true-crime programs. These rotate in and out of the library, so a show available this month may not be there in six months.
Reality and lifestyle shows from MTV and VH1
MTV shows on Paramount Plus include The Real World, The Challenge, and Catfish. VH1, which Paramount also owns, contributes the Real Housewives franchise — including Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Real Housewives of New York City, and other regional versions. You will also find dating and relationship shows like Love & Hip Hop and Married to Medicine.
These shows typically arrive on Paramount Plus after their cable run ends, though some seasons may be delayed or unavailable depending on licensing agreements with production companies.
Comedy and animated shows from Comedy Central and Nickelodeon
Comedy Central stand-up specials stream on Paramount Plus, featuring comedians who have performed on the network. The service carries South Park, the long-running animated comedy series, and other Comedy Central originals. Nickelodeon cartoons include SpongeBob SquarePants, Rugrats, The Loud House, and Avatar: The Last Airbender, along with live-action kids' shows that aired on the cable network.
Paramount Plus also produces original animated and comedy content made specifically for the streaming platform, separate from what airs on cable.
Drama series and Paramount originals
Paramount Plus has invested heavily in original drama series that premiere on the streaming service first. Yellowstone, the modern-day western about a Montana ranch family, is one of the platform's most popular shows. 1883 and 1923, prequels to Yellowstone, also stream exclusively on Paramount Plus. The service carries the Star Trek franchise, including Discovery, Picard, Strange New Worlds, and Lower Decks.
Other original dramas include Halo, based on the video game, The Offer, about the making of The Godfather, and Godfather of Harlem, a crime drama. Paramount Plus also streams shows from Showtime, the premium cable network it owns, including Dexter and its revival Dexter: New Blood.
Movies and theatrical releases
Paramount Plus streams movies from the Paramount Pictures film studio, which produces theatrical releases that eventually move to streaming. Recent blockbusters and older classics rotate through the library. The service includes action franchises, comedies, dramas, and animated films. Paramount has committed to releasing new theatrical movies on Paramount Plus within a set window after they leave cinemas, though the exact timing varies.
The movie library is not static — titles are added monthly and removed when licensing agreements expire. Checking the app directly is the only way to know whether a specific film is currently available.
Sports programming from CBS Sports
Paramount Plus carries live sports events that air on CBS, including NFL games on certain Sundays and playoff games depending on the season. The service also streams NCAA basketball tournaments and college football games that CBS broadcasts. Sports documentaries and highlight shows round out the sports section.
Live sports availability depends on your location and the specific event — not all games are streamed, and blackout rules may explore in some regions. Check the app's sports section to see what is scheduled for your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Paramount Plus have all episodes of every show it carries?
No. Most shows have recent seasons available, but older episodes may be missing. Some shows rotate in and out of the library entirely. The only way to know what is available is to search the app directly — the library changes monthly.
Why is a show I watched last month no longer on Paramount Plus?
Paramount does not own the rights to every show it streams. Some programs are licensed from other production companies for a set period, then removed when the license expires. The company prioritizes keeping original content and shows from its owned networks.
Are there shows on Paramount Plus that do not air on cable?
Yes. Paramount Plus commissions original series made only for streaming, like Yellowstone prequels and Star Trek shows. These premiere on the app and do not air on CBS, MTV, or other cable networks.
Do I need the premium subscription to watch all shows?
The same shows are available on both the basic and premium tiers. The difference is that the basic plan includes ads during playback, while the premium plan does not. Content availability is the same either way.
Can I watch live TV on Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus does not offer a live TV package like some other streaming services. You can watch recorded episodes of news and sports programs, but not live broadcasts. Live sports and news air on CBS cable, not on the streaming app.