Showtime content on Paramount+ is locked behind a separate paid add-on subscription, not included in your base Paramount+ plan

When you see a Showtime title on Paramount+ marked as locked, it means you are looking at content that requires Paramount+ with Showtime — a paid tier above your current subscription. Paramount+ offers three subscription levels: the base plan (with ads), the ad-free plan, and Paramount+ with Showtime. The Showtime add-on costs extra each month and gives you access to Showtime's original series, movies, and back catalog that would otherwise be unavailable to you.

This setup exists because Paramount Global owns both Paramount+ and Showtime as separate services. Rather than merge them completely, the company chose to keep Showtime as a distinct add-on tier. That means some content lives behind the paywall of the Showtime add-on, even though you are already paying for Paramount+.

Key Takeaways

  • Locked Showtime titles require the Paramount+ with Showtime add-on subscription, which costs extra beyond your base Paramount+ plan.
  • The Showtime add-on gives you access to Showtime originals, movies, and back catalog content that base Paramount+ subscribers cannot watch.
  • You can add Showtime to your account through the Paramount+ app or website settings, and the subscription renews monthly.
  • Some Showtime content may eventually move to the base Paramount+ library after a window of exclusivity, but there is no set timeline for when this happens.
  • Canceling the Showtime add-on removes your access to locked titles when ready, though your base Paramount+ subscription remains active.

How the Paramount+ subscription tiers work

Paramount+ has three distinct subscription options. The base plan with ads includes a large library of movies, TV shows, sports, and news, but excludes Showtime content. The ad-free plan gives you the same base library without advertisements. The Paramount+ with Showtime tier includes everything in the ad-free plan plus all Showtime originals, movies, and back catalog.

When you browse Paramount+, the app or website shows you what is available at your current subscription level. Locked titles appear with a lock icon and a message directing you to upgrade. This is why you might see a show or movie you want to watch but cannot access it without adding Showtime.

What content requires the Showtime add-on

Showtime originals like Dexter, Homeland, Penny Dreadful, The L Word, and Billions are locked behind the Showtime add-on. Showtime movies and licensed content that Showtime has acquired rights to are also locked. The exact titles available through Showtime change as licensing agreements expire and new content is added.

Not all Showtime content stays locked forever. Some titles may eventually move to the base Paramount+ library after their exclusive window with Showtime ends, but Paramount does not publish a schedule for when this happens. The timing depends on the licensing agreements for each piece of content.

How to add Showtime to your Paramount+ account

To add the Showtime add-on, open the Paramount+ app or go to the website and sign into your account. Look for your account settings or subscription settings — this is usually found in a menu labeled "Account," "Profile," or "Settings." From there, you should see an option to add or upgrade to Paramount+ with Showtime.

When you select the option to add Showtime, you will be shown the monthly cost and asked to confirm. The charge will appear on your next billing date, and you will have when ready access to all locked Showtime content. Your subscription will renew automatically each month until you cancel the add-on.

The cost of adding Showtime

The price of the Showtime add-on varies depending on your current Paramount+ plan and your region. Paramount occasionally runs promotional offers for new subscribers, such as a discounted first month or a free trial period. Check the upgrade screen in your account to see the exact price you would pay.

If you already have the ad-free Paramount+ plan, adding Showtime will increase your monthly bill. If you have the base plan with ads, you can add Showtime to that tier without upgrading to ad-free first — though you will still see ads in the base content.

Why Paramount keeps Showtime separate

Paramount Global operates Showtime as a distinct brand with its own identity, even though both services are owned by the same parent company. Showtime has a long history as a premium cable channel, and keeping it as a separate add-on allows Paramount to charge a premium price for subscribers who specifically want Showtime content. This tiered approach also lets Paramount offer a lower entry price for the base Paramount+ plan, making it more competitive with other streaming services.

From a business perspective, this structure lets Paramount capture different customer segments — people willing to pay only for base streaming, people willing to pay for ad-free viewing, and people willing to pay extra for premium Showtime content.

What happens if you cancel the Showtime add-on

If you decide to cancel the Showtime add-on, you can do so through your account settings at any time. Cancellation takes effect when ready, and you will lose access to all locked Showtime titles right away. Your base Paramount+ subscription will remain active, and you will still be able to watch everything in the base library.

You can add Showtime back to your account later if you change your mind. There is no penalty for canceling and resubscribing — you straightforward pay the monthly fee whenever the add-on is active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Showtime content without paying extra?

No, Showtime originals and exclusive Showtime content require the Paramount+ with Showtime add-on. Some Showtime titles may eventually move to the base Paramount+ library, but there is no set timeline for when this happens, and it depends on licensing agreements for each title.

Will the locked Showtime titles ever be included in my base Paramount+ plan?

Possibly, but it depends on the specific title and its licensing agreement. Some content may move to the base library after a period of exclusivity, but Paramount does not publish a schedule for these changes. Your best option is to check the title periodically or add the Showtime add-on if you want to watch now.

How much does Paramount+ with Showtime cost?

The price varies by region and your current plan. Check your account settings in the Paramount+ app or website to see the exact cost for adding Showtime to your subscription. Paramount occasionally offers promotional pricing for new add-on subscribers.

Can I try Showtime for free before paying?

Paramount sometimes offers free trial periods for the Showtime add-on, especially for new subscribers. Check the upgrade screen in your account to see if a trial is available. If no trial is shown, you will need to pay the full monthly price to access Showtime content.

What if I only want to watch one Showtime show?

You would need to add the Showtime add-on for at least one month to watch any locked Showtime content. There is no option to rent or purchase individual Showtime titles on Paramount+ — the add-on is the only way to access them.