The Current State of Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus is undergoing significant changes as of 2024. The streaming service merged with Showtime into a single app and unified subscription structure, meaning you no longer need separate accounts or payments for each service. If you were paying for both Paramount Plus and Showtime separately, you now get both through one login and one bill.
The merger also changed the pricing tiers. Paramount Plus now offers an ad-supported plan and an ad-free plan, with Showtime content available on both. The exact price depends on which plan you choose and whether you bundle it with other services like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV Plus.
Beyond the merger, Paramount Plus continues to shift its content strategy. The service is investing heavily in original shows and movies while also licensing more films from Paramount's film library. Some content that was exclusive to Paramount Plus has moved to other platforms or been removed entirely as licensing agreements change.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus and Showtime merged into one app and billing system, so you no longer need two separate subscriptions.
- The service offers both ad-supported and ad-free plans at different price points, with all Showtime content included on both tiers.
- Content availability changes regularly as Paramount negotiates licensing deals with other platforms and studios.
- Your existing Paramount Plus account automatically includes Showtime content if you had a subscription before the merger.
How the Paramount Plus and Showtime Merger Works
When Paramount merged Showtime into Paramount Plus in 2024, existing subscribers were automatically transitioned to the combined service. If you had a Paramount Plus subscription, you now have access to all Showtime programming at no extra cost. If you had only Showtime, your account converted to the merged service with the same content access.
The merger means one app, one password, and one monthly charge instead of managing two separate services. You log in once and see both Paramount Plus originals and Showtime series in the same library. Your watch history, saved shows, and preferences carry over from your previous account.
Billing happens through a single charge each month. If you were on a promotional rate before the merger, that rate may have changed when your account converted. Check your account settings or billing page to see your current plan and price.
Pricing Plans and What Each Includes
Paramount Plus offers two main subscription tiers: an ad-supported plan and an ad-free plan. The ad-supported version costs less but shows commercials during shows and movies. The ad-free plan removes those interruptions but costs more per month.
Both plans include the full Paramount Plus library plus all Showtime content. You get access to original series, movies, live sports, news, and reality shows. The difference is only whether you see ads, not what content you can watch.
You can also bundle Paramount Plus with other services. Some bundles pair it with Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Plus, or both, which may cost less than paying for each service separately. Bundle pricing varies depending on which services you choose and which plan tier you select.
What Content Is Available and What Changed
Paramount Plus carries original series like Yellowstone, 1883, Halo, and The Offer, plus Showtime originals like Dexter, Homeland, and Billions. The service also streams movies from Paramount's film library, live sports including NFL games and college football, and news from CBS.
Since the merger, some content has shifted. Certain shows that were exclusive to Paramount Plus have moved to other platforms as licensing deals expired or changed. Movies from Paramount's library rotate on and off the service depending on current agreements with other studios and streaming platforms.
The service continues to add new original content regularly. Paramount invests in new shows and movies each month, so the library grows even as some older titles leave. Check the "New & Featured" section in the app to see what was added recently.
Common Issues and How to Troubleshoot Them
If you cannot find Showtime content after the merger, make sure you are logged into your account. Showtime programming appears in the same library as Paramount Plus shows, not in a separate section. Search for a specific Showtime title or browse the categories to find it.
If your billing changed unexpectedly, the merger may have adjusted your plan or promotional rate. Log into your account and check your subscription settings to see which plan you are on and what you are being charged. If the price seems wrong, contact Paramount Plus support through the app or website to review your account.
If a show or movie you watched before is no longer available, it likely left the service due to a licensing agreement ending. Paramount Plus does not own the rights to all content permanently, so titles come and go. You can check the "Coming Soon" section to see what is arriving in the next few weeks.
How to Manage Your Account After the Merger
Your account settings remain mostly the same after the merger. You can still create profiles for different household members, set parental controls, and manage read settings for offline viewing. All of these features work the same way they did before Showtime merged in.
To change your plan tier, go to your account settings and look for "Subscription" or "Billing." You can switch between the ad-supported and ad-free plans at any time. Changes take effect when ready or at your next billing date, depending on whether you are upgrading or downgrading.
If you want to cancel, you can do so through your account settings without contacting support. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period. If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you can restart your account using the same email address.
What to Expect Going Forward
Paramount Plus will continue to invest in original content as the merged service settles into its new structure. The company has announced plans for more shows and movies across both Paramount Plus and Showtime brands, so the library will keep growing.
Pricing may change in the future as the service evolves. Streaming companies adjust their rates periodically, though existing subscribers usually get notice before a price increase takes effect. Keep an eye on your email and account notifications for any announcements about changes to your plan.
The ad-supported tier will likely remain the lower-cost option going forward, while the ad-free plan will continue to cost more. Bundle options with other services may expand or change as Paramount negotiates new partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new password after Paramount Plus and Showtime merged?
No. Your existing Paramount Plus password works for the merged service. If you had a separate Showtime account, that account no longer exists as a standalone service—it converted to the combined Paramount Plus account. You log in once with your Paramount Plus credentials to access both libraries.
Can I watch Showtime content on the ad-supported plan?
Yes. All Showtime programming is available on both the ad-supported and ad-free plans. The only difference between the two tiers is whether you see commercials, not which content you can access.
What happens if I had a promotional rate before the merger?
Promotional rates may have changed when your account converted to the merged service. Check your billing page to see your current rate and plan. If you believe your rate changed incorrectly, contact Paramount Plus support to review your account history.
Can I still read shows to watch offline?
Yes. The read feature works the same way it did before the merger. You can read episodes and movies on the ad-free plan and watch them without an internet connection. The ad-supported plan has more restrictions on downloads depending on your device.
Why is a show I was watching no longer available?
Paramount Plus does not own permanent rights to all content. When licensing agreements end, shows and movies leave the service. Check the "Coming Soon" section to see what is arriving next, or search for the title to see if it is available on another platform.