Paramount Plus shows you what's new and popular right now through its home screen and search tools
When you open Paramount Plus, the home screen displays featured shows and movies that are currently available — these change regularly as the service adds new content and rotates older titles. The easiest way to see what's streaming right now is to scroll through the "Featured" or "New & Popular" sections, which appear at the top of the app or website. You do not need to search for anything; the app shows you what's available without you asking.
If you want to browse by category instead of scrolling, Paramount Plus organizes content into sections like "Movies," "TV Shows," "Originals" (shows made by Paramount), "Live TV," and "Sports." Each section shows what is currently available in that category. You can also use the search bar to type in a show or movie title directly — if it appears in the results, it is streaming now on your plan.
Key Takeaways
- The home screen of Paramount Plus displays new and popular content that is currently available to stream.
- You can browse by category — Movies, TV Shows, Originals, Live TV, and Sports — to see what fits what you want to watch.
- The search bar lets you look up a specific title to find out whether it is streaming now.
- Some content is only available to subscribers on higher-tier plans, so a title may appear in search results but show a lock icon if you cannot watch it.
- Paramount Plus updates its catalog regularly, so shows and movies you saw last month may no longer be available.
Understanding Paramount Plus tiers and what each one includes
Paramount Plus offers two main subscription tiers: the ad-supported plan and the ad-free plan. Both tiers include access to the same library of shows and movies — the difference is whether you see advertisements during playback. The ad-supported plan costs less per month; the ad-free plan costs more but removes ads from most content (some live TV events may still include ads even on the ad-free tier).
A third option, Paramount Plus with Showtime, bundles the streaming service with Showtime content and costs more than either of the first two tiers. This tier gives you access to Showtime originals and movies that do not appear on the base Paramount Plus plans. If you are looking for a specific show and cannot find it on your current plan, it may be part of the Showtime add-on.
How to use the "Coming Soon" section to plan ahead
Paramount Plus displays a "Coming Soon" section that shows shows and movies arriving in the next few weeks. This section appears on the home screen or in a dedicated tab, depending on whether you are using the app or the website. You can browse upcoming releases by category or scroll through the full list to see what will be available soon.
If you see something you want to watch, many versions of the app let you add it to a watchlist or set a reminder. When the title becomes available, you will receive a notification (if you have notifications turned on in your account settings). This is useful if you want to plan your viewing but do not want to forget about a show or movie that is not yet streaming.
Checking your account settings to see which content you can access
Your subscription tier determines what you can watch. If you have the ad-supported plan, you see ads during playback but can watch all content available on that tier. If you have the ad-free plan, you can watch the same content without ads. If you have Paramount Plus with Showtime, you can watch everything on both base tiers plus Showtime originals.
To confirm which tier you are on, go to your account settings (usually found by clicking your profile icon in the top right corner of the app or website). Look for "Subscription" or "Plan" — this section shows your current tier and when your next billing date is. If a show or movie appears in search results but shows a lock icon or a message saying you need a higher tier, that content is not included in your current plan.
Why some titles disappear and how to know when they are leaving
Paramount Plus does not own all the content it streams. The service licenses shows and movies from studios and production companies, and those licenses expire. When a license expires, the title is removed from the service — sometimes with little warning. A show you watched last month may no longer be available this month.
Paramount Plus does not always announce when content is leaving, but some titles display a "Leaving Soon" label on their detail page. If you see a show or movie you want to watch, it is worth watching it sooner rather than later, especially if you notice that label. You can also check the "Coming Soon" section regularly to see what new content is arriving, which can help you plan what to watch before older titles rotate out.
Using the search and filter tools to narrow down your options
The search bar at the top of the Paramount Plus app or website lets you type in a show or movie title, an actor's name, or a keyword. If you search for "comedy," for example, the results show comedies currently available. You can also search by genre — typing "drama" or "action" returns shows and movies in those categories.
Some versions of the app include filter options that let you narrow results by release year, rating (G, PG, PG-13, R, and so on), or whether the content is a show or movie. These filters help you find what you are looking for without scrolling through hundreds of titles. The filters appear below the search bar or in a menu labeled "Filter" or "Sort."
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does Paramount Plus add new content?
Paramount Plus adds new shows and movies regularly — typically several titles per week. The exact schedule varies, but new content often arrives on Thursdays or Fridays. You can check the "New & Popular" or "Coming Soon" sections to see what has been added recently or what is arriving in the next few weeks.
Can I watch live TV on Paramount Plus?
Yes, Paramount Plus includes live TV access on both the ad-supported and ad-free plans. The live TV section shows channels like CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and others. You can browse the live TV guide to see what is on now or coming up. Some live events may require a higher-tier subscription or an additional add-on.
What does the lock icon mean when I search for a show?
A lock icon means that show or movie is not included in your current subscription tier. You would need to upgrade to a higher tier (such as Paramount Plus with Showtime) to watch it. The search result usually displays a message explaining which tier includes that content.
Why can't I find a show I watched before?
Paramount Plus rotates its catalog as licensing agreements expire. A show you watched months ago may no longer be available. If you cannot find it in search, it has likely been removed from the service. You can check the "Coming Soon" section to see if it is scheduled to return, though there is no may provide it will.
Can I save shows to a watchlist?
Yes, most versions of Paramount Plus let you add shows and movies to a watchlist by clicking a heart icon or a "Save" button on the title's detail page. Your watchlist appears in your profile, making it straightforward to find shows you want to watch later. You can also set reminders for shows that are coming soon.