Paramount Plus has movies, TV shows, live sports, and news from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and other channels
Paramount Plus is a streaming service owned by Paramount Global. It carries content from CBS (the broadcast network), MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Showtime, and the movie studio Paramount Pictures. The service also includes live sports — mainly NFL games on CBS, college football, and golf — plus news from CBS News and CBSN.
What you can actually watch depends on which subscription tier you choose. The basic tier with ads costs less but shows commercials. The ad-free tier costs more. Some live sports and certain movies are only on the higher tier. The catalog also changes month to month as licensing agreements expire and new content arrives.
This guide explains what kinds of content live on Paramount Plus, how the subscription tiers differ, and how to find what's actually available to watch right now.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus carries scripted TV shows from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central, plus movies from Paramount Pictures and licensed films from other studios.
- Live CBS broadcasts, NFL games on CBS, college football, golf tournaments, and CBS News are included, though some sports require the higher subscription tier.
- The ad-supported tier is cheaper but shows commercials; the ad-free tier costs more and removes ads from most content.
- The catalog changes regularly, so a show or movie available this month may not be available next month, and vice versa.
- You can search the Paramount Plus app or website directly to see whether a specific title is currently available on your subscription tier.
TV shows and movies included with Paramount Plus
Original scripted series made by Paramount Plus include shows like Yellowstone, 1883, The Good Fight, Star Trek: Discovery, Halo, and The Offer. These are shows Paramount Plus paid to produce or acquire exclusive streaming rights to. New seasons typically arrive on a set schedule, though the exact dates vary.
CBS broadcast shows — both current and older seasons — are available to stream. This includes dramas, comedies, and reality shows that aired on CBS television. Episodes usually become available to stream shortly after they air on the network, though some shows have a delay.
Content from MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and BET includes reality shows, comedies, and other programming from those networks. For example, you can find Jersey Shore, The Real Housewives franchises, South Park, and Ridiculousness.
Movies on Paramount Plus include theatrical releases from Paramount Pictures (the studio's own films), plus licensed movies from other studios. The movie selection rotates regularly. Some newer theatrical releases are exclusive to Paramount Plus for a limited window before appearing elsewhere.
Live sports and news on Paramount Plus
NFL games on CBS are broadcast live on Paramount Plus. These are the same games that air on CBS television. You need the ad-free tier to watch most live sports without interruption, though some games may be available on the ad-supported tier with limitations.
College football games from the SEC (Southeastern Conference) are available on Paramount Plus, particularly games that air on CBS. The schedule changes each season.
Golf tournaments including PGA Tour events are streamed live. The specific tournaments available depend on broadcast rights agreements, which change year to year.
CBS News and CBSN (the CBS streaming news network) are included. You can watch live news broadcasts and on-demand news segments.
How subscription tiers affect what you can watch
Paramount Plus offers two main subscription tiers: one with ads and one without ads. The ad-free tier costs more per month.
On the ad-supported tier, you see commercials during shows and movies. Some live sports events and certain premium movies may not be available on this tier at all — they are restricted to the ad-free tier only. The exact restrictions vary and change over time.
On the ad-free tier, most content plays without commercial interruption. Live sports and newer theatrical releases are typically available on this tier. However, even the ad-free tier may have some content with ads due to licensing restrictions from the content creators.
You can upgrade or downgrade your subscription at any time through your account settings. The change takes effect when ready or at the start of your next billing cycle, depending on when you make the change.
How to find what's available to watch right now
The fastest way to check whether a specific show or movie is on Paramount Plus is to open the app or website and search for the title. The search results will tell you whether it is available on your subscription tier. If it is not available, the search result usually says "Not available" or does not show the title at all.
You can also browse by category — for example, "TV Shows," "Movies," "Live Sports," or "News" — to see what is currently in the catalog. The homepage also highlights new arrivals and popular content.
Keep in mind that availability changes frequently. A show you watched last month may no longer be available, and new content arrives regularly. If you want to watch something specific, it is worth checking before you sit down to watch, especially if you have not seen it on the service in a while.
Content that rotates on and off Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus does not own all the content on its platform. Many shows and movies are licensed from other studios and networks. When a licensing agreement expires, that content is removed from the service. When a new agreement is signed, content returns or arrives for the first time.
This is why you might see a show available one month and gone the next. It is not a technical problem — it is how streaming licensing works. The service has no control over when licensed content leaves or returns.
Content that Paramount Plus produces itself (original series and exclusive releases) stays on the platform indefinitely, though it may be removed if the show is cancelled and Paramount Plus decides not to keep older seasons available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Paramount Plus on my TV?
Yes. Paramount Plus has apps for most smart TVs, streaming devices (like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire Stick), gaming consoles (PlayStation and Xbox), and web browsers. You can also cast from your phone or tablet to a compatible TV. Check the Paramount Plus website for the full list of supported devices.
Do I need cable to watch live sports on Paramount Plus?
No. You do not need a cable subscription. A Paramount Plus subscription is enough to watch live NFL games on CBS and college football. However, some games may be exclusive to cable or broadcast television, so not every game is available on Paramount Plus.
Can I read shows and movies to watch offline?
Yes, on most devices. The Paramount Plus app allows you to read episodes and movies to your phone or tablet and watch them without an internet connection. Downloaded content expires after a set period, so you cannot keep it permanently offline.
What happens if I cancel my subscription?
You lose access to all content when ready. If you resubscribe later, you start fresh — your watch history and saved shows may or may not be preserved depending on how long you were away. Check your account settings for details on what happens to your profile.
Is there a free trial?
Paramount Plus occasionally offers free trial periods, but availability and length vary. Check the Paramount Plus website to see whether a trial is currently available in your region.