ViacomCBS has replaced CBS All Access with Paramount+. Here's what you need to know about the streaming service, including where it's available, how much it costs, and what content it features.
What is Paramount+?
Paramount+ is a rebranding of CBS All Access, a live TV subscription service that CBS launched in 2014. It offered content from the CBS Network, as well as live streaming via 150-plus affiliates, including NFL games. It also had originals.
Paramount+ is unique because it offers content from the combined ViacomCBS network, which includes properties such as Paramount, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, and Comedy Central. Paramount+ also replaces CBS All Access, which reportedly had 8 million to 9 million subscribers in the US as of late 2020. So, it was nowhere near the size of Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or even Hulu.
ViacomCBS is hoping that, with the launch of Paramount+, it can successfully play catch-up and better rival some of its competition. Keep in mind ViacomCBS also owns the free Pluto TV streaming service and the Showtime network.
When did Paramount+ launch?
Paramount+ began to roll out on 4 March 2021.
How much does Paramount+ cost?
- Premium (no advertising, except on live channels): $9.99 per month
- Essential (has advertising but drops your local live CBS): $4.99 per month
Paramount+ costs $9.99 a month or $99.99 annually to stream ad-free in the US. This "premium" plan includes everything on Paramount+, including live streams of the CBS Network's local channels (but there is advertising in the live channels). Paramount+ also costs $4.99 a month or $49.99 annually on an "essential" plan. The essential plan has ads and removes access to your local live CBS station.
With the essential plan, NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League are still available via separate live feeds.
Note: You can also get the essential plan with Showtime for $11.99 a month. Again, the essential plan does not include your local live CBS station. If you want your local live CBS station, get the premium plan. You can get the premium plan with Showtime, too, for $14.99 a month.
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For more about Paramount+ pricing, see its support page here.
Where is Paramount+ available?
Paramount+ launched first in the US, Canada, and Latin America. In Latin America, Paramount+ is available in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Paramount+ is also available in Hungary, Russia, and the Middle East.
ViacomCBS recently inked a deal with Sky to launch Paramount+ in the UK, Austria, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Switzerland sometime in 2022. Although details on pricing and any potential content differences weren't yet announced, the duo did reveal how you'll be able to access Paramount+. It will be available on Sky platforms (plus Sky will continue to carry ViacomCBS pay-TV channels such as Comedy Central).
A direct subscription to Paramount+ - as well as various bundles - is all part of the plan, though details are thin now. Sky Cinema subscribers will get Paramount+ at no extra cost, apparently, but other Sky customers will have to add it to their accounts.
What can you watch on Paramount+?
Paramount+ features live sports programming, sports, and breaking news, as well as 30,000 movies and TV shows from the wider ViacomCBS Network, which includes CBS, Paramount, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, and the Smithsonian Channel.
Paramount+ also offers originals. Go here to see a full list of what's available to watch. The trailer above also highlights the top-tier content.
What are some key Paramount+ features?
Paramount+ supports the 4K/HDR and Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Just make sure you got the premium plan and are using a supported device for those formats. Mobile downloads are also available, though limited to 25 titles. Paramount+ features separate profiles as well - up to six of them - including kids profiles. Finally, it permits three simultaneous streams. To see a breakdown of more features, see Paramount+'s FAQ page.
Which devices support Paramount+?
Paramount+ is available to stream at ParamountPlus.com and on Paramount+ mobile apps for Apple iOS devices and Android devices. Other than that, it is accessible everywhere CBS All Access was supported, including:
- Apple TV
- iPhone and iPad
- Android TV
- Android phone and tablet
- Chromecast
- Amazon Fire TV
- Portal TV
- PlayStation 4
- Samsung TV
- Vizio TV
- LG TV
- Roku
- Xbox
- Xfinity Flex
You can view the full list of supported devices here.
What if you subscribed to CBS All Access?
CBS All Access subscriptions automatically transferred to Paramount+.
Want to know more?
Check out the Paramount+ website.
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