Paramount+ releases new episodes on Thursdays, but the exact time and number of episodes depends on the show

Most Paramount+ originals drop new episodes on Thursday mornings at 3 a.m. Eastern Time. That means if you're on the East Coast, you can watch Thursday morning before work; if you're on the West Coast, new episodes arrive at midnight Wednesday night. However, not every show follows this schedule, and some shows release all episodes at once instead of spreading them out week by week.

The release pattern also changes depending on whether a show is in its first season, returning for another season, or a limited series. A show might release one episode per week for ten weeks, or it might drop three episodes on the premiere date and then one per week after that. The only reliable way to know what to expect for a specific show is to check Paramount+ directly or look at the show's page on the app.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Paramount+ original series release new episodes on Thursday mornings at 3 a.m. Eastern Time, though some shows use different schedules.
  • Some shows release all episodes at once on day one, while others release one episode per week or use a hybrid model with multiple episodes on premiere day.
  • The Paramount+ app and website display the release schedule for each show on its dedicated page, including the exact date of the next episode.
  • Licensed shows from other networks or studios may follow their original broadcast schedule rather than Paramount+'s standard Thursday release.
  • You can set reminders on the Paramount+ app to get notified when a new episode is available, rather than checking manually each week.

How to check the release schedule for a specific show

Open the Paramount+ app or go to paramount.com and search for the show you want to watch. On the show's main page, scroll down to find the "Episodes" section. This section lists every episode that has aired and shows the release date for upcoming episodes. If the show is currently airing new episodes, you'll see the date of the next episode clearly marked.

If you don't see a release date listed, the show may be between seasons or not yet renewed. Some shows announce their return date weeks in advance, while others don't confirm a date until closer to the premiere. Checking the show page is faster and more accurate than searching online, because Paramount+ updates the schedule as soon as the network makes changes.

Thursday releases versus other schedules

Thursday at 3 a.m. Eastern is Paramount+'s standard release window for original series, but there are exceptions. Some shows premiere on different days of the week, and a few release on Tuesday or Wednesday instead. Holiday weeks sometimes shift the schedule — if Thanksgiving or Christmas falls on a Thursday, the episode may arrive a day early or late.

Licensed content from other studios doesn't always follow the Thursday pattern. If Paramount+ is streaming a show that originally aired on CBS, for example, it might release new episodes on Sunday nights to match the broadcast schedule, or it might release them all at once after the season finishes airing on television. Check the show page to confirm which pattern applies.

Binge releases versus weekly releases

A binge release means all episodes of a season drop on the same day, usually the premiere date. You can watch the entire season when ready if you want to. A weekly release means one new episode arrives each week, usually on Thursday, so you have to wait seven days between episodes. A hybrid release is a mix: the first few episodes might arrive together, and then new episodes come out weekly.

Paramount+ uses all three models depending on the show. Some originals like "The Offer" and "Halo" released weekly, while others like "Star Trek: Picard" season three released all episodes at once. The network doesn't announce which model it will use until the show is close to premiere, so check the show page a few days before the premiere date to see how many episodes will be available on day one.

Setting up notifications for new episodes

The Paramount+ app has a built-in reminder feature. Find the show you want to follow, tap the bell icon or "Add to Watchlist" option, and select "Notify me" or "Get reminders." You'll receive a notification on your phone or device when a new episode is released. This is more reliable than trying to remember release dates, especially if you follow multiple shows.

You can also check your Paramount+ account settings to control how and when you receive notifications. Some users prefer email reminders, while others want push notifications on their phone. The notification settings let you choose which shows send you alerts and whether you want to be notified for new seasons, new episodes, or both.

What to do if a show's release date changes

Networks sometimes delay episodes due to production issues, holidays, or scheduling conflicts. If you check the show page and the next episode date has moved, Paramount+ will show the new date. If you had set a reminder for the original date, you may not automatically get a new reminder for the updated date — check your notifications or the show page again to confirm the new timing.

If a show goes on hiatus between seasons, the episode page will say "Season [X] finale" or "Season [X+1] coming [date]" rather than listing a specific next episode. Some shows take months between seasons, so don't assume a new episode is coming soon just because the show exists on the platform. The show page is the source of truth for what's actually coming next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some Paramount+ shows release on different days?

Paramount+ uses Thursday as its standard release day, but licensed shows from other networks may keep their original broadcast schedule. Some originals also premiere on different days for marketing reasons or to spread out releases across the week. Always check the show page to see the actual release day.

Can I watch a new episode before 3 a.m. Eastern on Thursday?

No. Episodes become available at 3 a.m. Eastern Time on their release date. If you're on the West Coast, that's midnight Wednesday night, so you can watch earlier than East Coast viewers. If you're outside North America, the time converts to your local time zone.

What happens if Paramount+ cancels a show mid-season?

If a show is cancelled, Paramount+ will remove future episode dates from the show page and may post a cancellation notice. Some cancelled shows air all remaining episodes before being removed; others stop mid-season. The show page will tell you whether more episodes are coming or if the season is complete.

Do I need a premium subscription to see release dates?

No. You can see the release schedule for any show on Paramount+ without logging in. You do need an active subscription to watch the episodes themselves, but the schedule is public information on the show page.

How far in advance does Paramount+ announce release dates?

Most shows have their premiere date announced weeks or months ahead, but episode-by-episode release dates for weekly shows are often posted only a few days before the premiere. Some shows don't confirm dates until the previous season finishes airing. Check the show page regularly if you're waiting for an announcement.