How To Get The Most From Your Paramount+ Subscription

Paramount+ combines a vast on-demand library with live channels and premium add‑ons, yet many subscribers overlook features that unlock its full potential. By understanding the platform’s subscription tiers, leveraging advanced search and personalization tools, configuring device settings, and exploiting cost‑saving options such as annual plans and Showtime integration, viewers can transform an ordinary streaming experience into a tailored, high‑value entertainment hub. This guide breaks down technical features, authoritative strategies, and actionable advice designed to help readers extract maximum value from every dollar spent on Paramount+.

Overview of Subscription Tiers and Pricing

Paramount+ offers two primary plans: the Essential tier at $7.99 per month (or $59.99 annually), and the Premium tier—now branded “Paramount+ with SHOWTIME”—at $12.99 per month (or $119.99 annually). The Essential plan provides on‑demand content with limited commercials, while the Premium tier delivers almost ad‑free streaming, live CBS channels, 4K-enabled titles, and integrated Showtime originals. Opting for an annual subscription yields a $36 savings compared to monthly billing per plan, representing a 30% reduction in cost for the same service level.

Navigating the Content Library

Subscribers gain access to over 40,000 TV episodes and films spanning Paramount Pictures’ catalog and partner networks such as CBS, BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV, and the Smithsonian Channel. Exclusive originals—highlighted by the Star Trek franchise and the Yellowstone universe—supplement the extensive archive, ensuring both nostalgia and fresh content for diverse audiences. Live streaming of local CBS affiliates, CBSN (news), and CBS Sports HQ further enriches Paramount+ as a hybrid video‑on‑demand and live‑TV service.

Here's a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to find on the platform:

1. Paramount+ Originals

Paramount+ has made a strong push into original programming, with a growing slate of exclusive series and films, including:

Star Trek Universe: Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Star Trek: Lower Decks
Yellowstone Universe: 1883, 1923, and other Taylor Sheridan-created content
Halo (sci-fi series based on the video game)
The Offer (dramatization of the making of The Godfather)
Mayor of Kingstown
Tulsa King (starring Sylvester Stallone)
Rabbit Hole (spy thriller with Kiefer Sutherland)

2. Movies from Paramount Pictures

Paramount+ is home to a huge catalog of movies, both new and old. These include:

Blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick, Mission: Impossible series, Transformers franchise, Scream series
Classic films: The Godfather Trilogy, Clueless, Grease, Forrest Gump, Indiana Jones (some titles)
Family movies: Paw Patrol: The Movie, SpongeBob SquarePants movies

Movies often arrive shortly after theatrical release, especially for Paramount Pictures titles.

3. CBS Content (Live and On-Demand)

Subscribers get access to a vast range of CBS programming, including:

Primetime hits: NCIS, FBI, Survivor, The Equalizer, Blue Bloods, Young Sheldon
Daytime shows: The Price Is Right, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Talk
Late Night: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
News: 60 Minutes, CBS Evening News, CBS Mornings, Face the Nation
Live local CBS stations (with Premium plan only)

4. SHOWTIME Content (Premium Plan Only)

With the Premium plan, you unlock the full SHOWTIME library:

Dexter and Dexter: New Blood
Yellowjackets
Billions
The Chi
Homeland
Shameless
Ray Donovan
Upcoming SHOWTIME originals and documentaries

5. Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. Shows

Great for kids and nostalgic adults alike:

SpongeBob SquarePants
Dora the Explorer
Blue’s Clues
Rugrats (original and reboot)
iCarly (both classic and new revival)
Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra
Fairly OddParents, Hey Arnold!, Jimmy Neutron, and more

6. Comedy Central Favorites

Paramount+ hosts iconic and current Comedy Central shows, such as:

South Park (including Paramount+ exclusives like the "Streaming Wars" specials)
The Daily Show
Key & Peele
Chappelle’s Show
Inside Amy Schumer

7. MTV & VH1 Series

Access reality shows and music-themed content from these networks:

The Challenge
Teen Mom
Jersey Shore
Catfish: The TV Show
Behind the Music
RuPaul’s Drag Race (some seasons and specials)

8. BET Content

Including scripted and unscripted programming:

The Game (Paramount+ reboot)
Being Mary Jane
The BET Awards (live and on-demand)
Tyler Perry’s series and specials

9. Smithsonian Channel Documentaries

High-quality educational and nature programming, including:

Aerial America
Secrets series (like Secrets of the Titanic)
Wildlife and history-focused documentaries

10. Live Sports and Events

Especially valuable for fans of live action:

NFL on CBS
UEFA Champions League & Europa League
NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League)
SEC Football
College Basketball
PGA Golf
March Madness (some coverage)
Access to CBS Sports HQ, a 24/7 streaming sports news network

11. News and 24/7 Streams

Stay up-to-date with breaking stories:

CBSN (live news streaming)
60 Minutes+ (Paramount+ original)
CBS News Specials

12. Curated Live Channels

Paramount+ features “live TV”–style channels that constantly stream curated content from genres like:

Star Trek
Reality TV
Crime & Justice
Kids & Family
Classic Comedy
Animation Favorites

These channels are ideal for browsing or background watching.

If you're a fan of diverse genres—drama, comedy, sci-fi, animation, reality TV, sports, or documentaries—Paramount+ delivers serious variety, especially when you go for the Premium plan with SHOWTIME included.

Device Compatibility and Stream Management

Paramount+ supports a wide array of platforms, including web browsers, iOS and Android devices, smart TVs, streaming sticks (Roku, Fire TV), and gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox). The service permits up to three simultaneous streams under the Premium plan and at least one under the Essential plan, enabling households to distribute viewing sessions across multiple screens without conflict. Users encountering playback issues should verify device software versions, clear cache and cookies on browsers, or consult the official troubleshooting guide for supported browsers and network configurations.

Leveraging Advanced Search and Personalization

Paramount+ includes advanced search filters—such as genre, release year, and network channel—which streamline content discovery for both deep cuts and trending shows. Personalized recommendation algorithms analyze viewing history to surface relevant titles, while customizable subtitle settings allow adjustment of font size, color, and background for enhanced accessibility. By regularly exploring the “My List” feature and rating watched titles, subscribers help the platform refine its suggestions, reducing the time spent browsing and increasing user satisfaction.

Here's how to access your personalization:

Accessing Advanced Search Filters

Open the Search interface: On web, click the magnifying‑glass icon in the top‑right; on mobile, tap the Search tab in the bottom menu.
Choose content type: Use the horizontal menu to select All, Movies, TV Shows, Live TV, Sports, or News as your starting scope.
Apply Genre filter: Click or tap the Genre drop‑down and pick from Drama, Comedy, Documentary, Kids & Family, and more to narrow your results.
Set Release Year: Drag the year‑range slider or enter specific start/end years to focus on a particular era of content.
Select Network channel: Open the Networks filter to isolate shows and films by origin—CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Paramount Pictures, etc.—for targeted browsing.
Refine and view results: Hit Apply (web) or Show Results (mobile) to immediately see your filtered selection. Alternatively, use third‑party guides like JustWatch to filter the entire catalog by genre, year, IMDb rating, runtime, and age rating.

Enhancing Personalization & Recommendations

Enable tailored profiles: Sign in, click your profile avatar, select Manage Profiles, and ensure Personalized Recommendations is toggled on for each profile.
Rate content: On any show or movie page, click the star icon to rate what you’ve watched—this feedback trains the Paramount+ algorithm to surface more of what you enjoy.
Use “My List”: Add titles to My List by tapping the “+” icon; regularly updating this list signals your interests and sharpens future suggestions.
Monitor “For You”: The home screen’s For You row continuously refreshes with titles chosen by analyzing your watch history, ratings, and list additions.

Adjusting Subtitle & Accessibility Settings

Access subtitle options: During playback, tap or click the speech‑bubble icon and choose Subtitles to open customization controls.
Customize appearance: Adjust font size, style, color, and background opacity to optimize readability and comfort.
Save per profile: These settings store within each user profile, ensuring consistent accessibility preferences across devices.

Managing “My List” & Ratings

By conscientiously curating My List and providing ratings, subscribers feed vital data into Paramount+’s recommendation engine, continuously refining the content mix they see and minimizing the time spent searching for the next great show or movie. Keeping these actions up to date ensures the platform learns and adapts to evolving tastes—making every session more efficient and more satisfying.

Offline Viewing and Profile Customization

Offline downloads are available in the Premium tier for selected titles, allowing users to schedule downloads during off‑peak hours to avoid bandwidth congestion. Ensuring adequate device storage before initiating large batch downloads prevents interruptions during travel or remote viewing. Additionally, Paramount+ supports multiple user profiles, each with individual watch histories and parental controls—crucial for families to maintain tailored viewing environments without cross‑account interference. Below is a step‑by‑step guide to downloading Paramount+ content for offline viewing.

Downloading Content, Step by Step

Launch the app: Open the Paramount+ app on your signed‑in mobile device.
Find a title: Browse or search for the movie or TV episode you wish to download, then open its detail page.
Initiate download: Tap the download icon (a downward‑pointing arrow) next to the Play button or individual episode listing; a progress indicator will appear.
Allow notifications: If prompted, grant permission to receive alerts when the download completes.
Confirm completion: Wait for the progress indicator to turn into a checkmark, which signifies that the download has finished.

Accessing and Playing Downloads

To view your offline library, open the app menu (labeled “More” on Android or via the hamburger icon on iOS) and select Downloads. From the Downloads screen, simply tap any title to begin playback without an internet connection.

Managing Download Settings

Under the More > Settings menu, you can configure:

Download Quality: Choose Standard Definition for faster downloads or High Definition for better resolution.
Download on Wi‑Fi Only: Enable this to ensure downloads occur only when connected to Wi‑Fi, effectively scheduling them during off‑peak hours.
Auto‑Delete Downloads: Turn this on to automatically remove a title from your device once you’ve finished watching it.

Limitations and Expiry

Downloaded titles remain in your library for up to 30 days from the date of download; after that, they expire and must be re‑downloaded. Once you begin playback of a downloaded title, you have a 48‑hour window to complete viewing before it expires. If you reach the 25‑title limit, you must delete existing downloads to free up space for new ones

Subscription Management and Billing Optimization

Through the Paramount+ account dashboard, subscribers can seamlessly manage billing preferences, switch plans, and add or remove Showtime integration. Upgrading mid‑cycle triggers prorated billing, ensuring fair charges for plan enhancements—though this prorate detail only appears at payment confirmation, so users should anticipate adjusted fees when moving between tiers. Direct subscriptions via paramountplus.com often yield more transparent upgrade paths compared to third‑party channels like Roku or Amazon, which can inadvertently create multiple charge streams.

Maximizing Value with Bundles and Promotions

Paramount+ periodically partners with subscription services—such as Walmart+—to provide complimentary or discounted access as a membership perk. Checking affiliated loyalty programs (mobile carriers, retail memberships) and promotional windows around major sports events (e.g., UEFA Champions League) can reveal limited‑time deals that further drive down subscription costs.

What are some lesser-known benefits of Paramount+?

While Paramount+ is known for its extensive content library and popular originals, there are several lesser-known benefits that savvy subscribers can take advantage of to truly maximize their experience:

1. Curated “Live Channels” for Binge-Watching

Many users don’t realize that Paramount+ offers 24/7 curated channels that stream themed content non-stop—like Star Trek, Reality TV, Crime & Justice, and Kids. These channels mimic linear TV and are perfect for casual, passive viewing without having to choose a specific episode.

2. Seamless Integration with SHOWTIME Originals (on Premium Plan)

The Premium tier includes the entire SHOWTIME library with no extra logins required. Subscribers get access to acclaimed titles like Yellowjackets, Dexter, and Billions—integrated directly into the Paramount+ app, which simplifies access and browsing.

3. Early Access to CBS Shows

For many CBS programs, Paramount+ releases new episodes earlier than when they air on traditional broadcast television. This benefit isn’t heavily promoted, but it means fans can sometimes watch major network content hours ahead of others.

4. Exclusive Sports Coverage & Replays

While live sports are well-known, the platform also provides extended replays, alternate camera angles, and behind-the-scenes content for events like the NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League. It's particularly beneficial for fans who miss live broadcasts but still want an immersive sports experience.

5. Local CBS Live TV Included in Premium

Premium plan subscribers gain access to their local CBS broadcast station, live—without needing an antenna or cable login. This includes local news, sports, and special events, which can be a game-changer for cord-cutters.

6. Mobile Data Saving Features

In mobile settings, users can reduce data usage by selecting lower streaming resolutions or downloading content on Wi-Fi for offline viewing. This is great for those on limited data plans or traveling frequently.

7. Dolby Vision & 4K HDR Streaming (Select Titles)

Though not as widely advertised, Paramount+ supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 for certain titles on compatible devices. Movies like Top Gun: Maverick and A Quiet Place II can stream in stunning 4K UHD with premium audio/visual fidelity—available mostly on the Premium plan.

8. Tailored User Profiles with Parental Controls

Each account can have multiple profiles with their own watchlists and recommendations. Parents can also set up Kids profiles with strict viewing restrictions based on age ratings—great for managing family viewing responsibly.

9. Discounts via Partnerships and Loyalty Programs

Beyond the Walmart+ inclusion and student discounts, Paramount+ occasionally offers deals through mobile providers, banks, or tech brands. For example, T-Mobile has previously bundled streaming access into certain phone plans.

10. Deep Archive of Classic TV Shows

Beyond blockbusters and new originals, Paramount+ quietly hosts an exceptional backlog of classic series like Cheers, Frasier, I Love Lucy, Perry Mason, and MacGyver. These are gems for retro TV lovers and often overlooked in mainstream promotion.

A Comprehensive Overview Of Paramount+’s Free Trial Offer

Paramount+ provides a seven‑day free trial to new subscribers when they sign up directly on its website or through the mobile app, allowing a risk‑free preview of all plan features before being billed. During the trial, users enjoy full access to either the ad‑supported Essential tier or the Premium tier with SHOWTIME integration, including live sports and originals. CNET notes that Paramount+ remains one of the few major streamers still offering a one‑week free trial to attract new viewers.

Eligibility and Terms

Subscribers must be new to Paramount+—those with any prior Paramount+ account are ineligible for the trial. The trial applies equally to both the Essential plan at $7.99/month and the Premium plan at $12.99/month with SHOWTIME, ensuring parity in trial content access.

Because trial availability can vary by region and promotional window, the TRY IT FREE button may not always appear; if it’s missing, prospective subscribers must await a promotional period or use a valid promo code for an extended trial.

Step‑by‑Step Sign‑Up Process

Open the Paramount+ signup flow: Navigate to paramountplus.com or launch the Paramount+ mobile app and tap TRY IT FREE.
Select a plan: Choose either Paramount+ Essential or Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, then click Continue with Free Trial.
Create your account: Fill in your name, email address, and password on the account‑creation form, then tap Continue.
Enter payment details: Provide a valid credit/debit card or PayPal account. Payment information is required to confirm identity and reserve the trial, but you will not be charged until after the trial ends.
Activate the trial: Click Start Paramount+ to launch your free week. You will receive a confirmation email detailing your trial end date and subsequent billing schedule.

Extended Trial Offers via Promo Codes

Occasionally, Paramount+ issues promotional codes that extend the standard trial to 30 days. To redeem a promo code: repeat steps 1–3 above, select Have a coupon code? on the payment page, enter the code, apply it, and verify that the Trial Offer line now reads 1 Month Free before completing registration.

Trial Duration and Cancellation Best Practices

The free trial runs for exactly seven days from activation, after which your chosen plan’s monthly billing will commence. To avoid unwanted charges, cancel anytime before the end of the trial:

Sign in at paramountplus.com, click your profile avatar, and select Account > Subscription & Billing.
Click Cancel Subscription, confirm the cancellation checkbox, and select YES, CANCEL. You will retain full access until the trial’s final day; setting a calendar reminder 24 hours before your trial expires ensures timely cancellation and no unexpected fees

Take Advantage of Your Paramount+ Subscription Today!

By strategically selecting the optimal plan, exploiting hidden platform features, and timing purchases around bundled promotions, viewers can elevate their Paramount+ experience while minimizing spend. Implementing the expert tactics outlined—ranging from personalized algorithmic cues to offline download scheduling—ensures uninterrupted access to an expansive, high‑quality content library. Readers are encouraged to review their current billing cycle, explore annual savings, and activate Showtime integration to guarantee the most comprehensive streaming coverage. Unlock the full capabilities of Paramount+ today and transform routine viewing into a seamless, value‑driven entertainment journey.

Psst... Check out the latest subscription service deals that are currently happening while you are here!

General FAQs

What is Paramount+?

Paramount+ is an American subscription‑based streaming service owned by Paramount Global, offering on‑demand movies, TV series, original programming, live sports, and news sourced from CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Smithsonian Channel, and Paramount Pictures. Originally launched as CBS All Access in 2014 and rebranded in March 2021, Paramount+ has amassed over 77.5 million paid memberships worldwide.

What content is available on Paramount+?

Subscribers can stream a library of more than 40,000 TV episodes and films—including exclusive originals like the Star Trek franchise and Yellowstone spinoffs—as well as live local CBS channels, CBS News 24/7, and CBS Sports HQ. Live sports offerings encompass NFL games on CBS and UEFA Champions League matches, with additional sports content unlocked on the Showtime‑integrated plan.

Plans & Pricing FAQs

How much does Paramount+ cost?

Paramount+ offers two primary subscription tiers: the Essential plan at $7.99 per month (or $59.99 per year) and the Premium plan—Paramount+ with SHOWTIME—at $12.99 per month (or $119.99 per year). The Essential tier delivers on‑demand content with limited commercials, while the Premium tier provides ad‑free streaming (excluding live TV), full access to the SHOWTIME library, live CBS channels, and offline downloads.

Are there any discounts or bundles available?

Subscribers can save approximately $36 annually by choosing the yearly billing cycle for either plan. Walmart+ members receive the Paramount+ Essential plan at no additional cost, and students can secure a 25 percent discount on the Essential tier.

Account & Billing Management FAQs

How can subscribers cancel their Paramount+ subscription?

Cancellation methods depend on the subscription source: direct Paramount+ accounts can be cancelled via the Account > Subscription & Billing section on paramountplus.com, whereas subscriptions purchased through Amazon Prime Video, Roku, the App Store, or Google Play must be terminated through those respective platforms. Upon cancellation, service remains active until the end of the current billing period.

How can subscribers manage their billing and plan changes?

Within the Paramount+ Account dashboard, subscribers may upgrade or downgrade their plan, view the next billing date, and add or remove SHOWTIME integration—with prorated charges applied for mid‑cycle plan changes. Subscriptions initiated via third parties require plan modifications through those external platforms to avoid duplicate charges.

Technical & Streaming Support FAQs

On which devices can Paramount+ be streamed?

Paramount+ is supported on web browsers, iOS and Android mobile devices, smart TVs (e.g., Samsung, LG, Vizio), streaming sticks (Roku, Amazon Fire TV), and gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox).

How many simultaneous streams are allowed?

Under the Essential tier, Paramount+ permits one concurrent stream; the Premium tier increases this limit to three simultaneous streams.

Can subscribers download content for offline viewing?

Offline downloads for on‑demand titles are available within the Premium tier’s mobile and tablet apps, enabling viewing without an internet connection. Subscribers are advised to schedule downloads during off‑peak hours and ensure sufficient device storage to prevent download interruptions.

How can subscribers troubleshoot streaming issues?

For playback issues, subscribers should confirm that the Paramount+ app and device firmware are up to date, clear browser cache when streaming online, and verify that their internet connection meets the minimum 5 Mbps requirement for HD content. Paramount+ provides a detailed troubleshooting guide on its support site for device‑specific streaming configurations

If you like Amazon deals & coupon codes join my Telegram Channel (It's FREE!)! Sign up here!

═════════════════════════════════

PROMOTE YOUR BRAND WITH US!

═════════════════════════════════

Want to showcase your product to the Closet of Free Samples audience? Then check out my available advertising options and email me to discuss!

═════════════════════════════════

FOLLOW CFS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

═════════════════════════════════