How Much Is Paramount Plus? Monthly Subscription Pricing This January

With rising prices and endless options, finding a platform that actually offers bang for your buck feels like a challenge. Enter Paramount Plus, a service that has evolved from a niche option into a major contender in the streaming wars. The real heavyweight offering here is Paramount Plus Premium, otherwise known as the Paramount Plus with Showtime bundle, which means you get everything from Yellowjackets and The Chi to live NFL games and the UEFA Champions League all in one app.

New prices went into effect in mid-January 2026, making the ad-supported Essential plan $8.99 per month, while the commercial-free Premium package has moved to $13.99 per month. Even with these adjustments, it remains a competitive option for unlocking everything from Survivor and Star Trek to the popular Yellowstone prequel 1923.

Paramount Plus Price Per Month and More This January

Paramount+ Promo Code

39% off w/ email signup

Sign up for emails at Paramount+ and use promo code "CHALLENGE39" to get 39% off. This deal is valid for a limited time only.

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Paramount+ Promo Code

Up to 10% off

Use promo code "WEMISSYOU" to get 10% off at Paramount+. This deal is valid for a limited time only.

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Paramount+ Promo Code

10% off

Get 10% off at Paramount+ with promo code "RM2KN3". This offer is valid for a limited time only.

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Paramount+ Essential Annual Plan

$90 for 12 months

The Paramount+ Essential Annual Plan os $90 for 12 months. The annual plan options makes it just under $8 per month. It's $18 under what you'd pay if did the monthly plan. This plan includes:40,000+ episodes and moviesstream on three devices at onceNFL on CBS, UFC, and UCLSelect ShowTime series

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Paramount+ Premium Annual Plan

$140 for 12 months

Start streaming today and get the Paramount+ Premium Annual Plan for $140 for 12 months. The annual plan options makes it just under $12 per month. It's $28 under what you'd pay if did the monthly plan. The Premium Plan includes:No adsWatch in 4K UHD, Dolby Vision, or HDR1040,000+ episodes and moviesstream CBS liveNFL on CBS, UFC, and UCL.

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It's always movie night on Paramount+

Plans from $7.99/mo.

Stream hits like Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, The Running Man, and Roofman for your next movie night on Paramount+. Plans start as low as $7.99 per month. This offer expires March 31, 2026.

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Matchday Mayhem on Paramount+

Plans from $8.99/mo.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, there will be 36 clubs competing in 18 UEFA Champions League matches, all kicking off at 3PM ET. Stream all of the action from Matchday Mayhem on Paramount+. Plans start as low as $8.99 per month. This offer expires January 28, 2026.

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Stream UFC 324 on Paramount+

Plans from $8.99/mo.

Stream UFC 324 at Paramount+ on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 9pm ET. Monthly plans start as low as $8.99 per month and annual plans start at $89.99. This deal ends January 24, 2026.

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Stream UFC Blockbuster Events at Paramount+

From $8.99/mo.

Stream back-to-back blockbuster events, UFC 324 on January 24, 2026 and UFC 325 on January 31, 2026 at Paramount+. Plans start as low as $8.99 per month. This offer expires January 24, 2026.

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68th Annual GRAMMY Awards on Paramount+

Premium Plan for $13.99/mo.

On Febuary 1, 2026, stream the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards on Paramount+. The Premium Plan is $13.99 per month. This offer ends January 31, 2026.

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Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is now streaming on Paramount+

Plans from $7.99/mo.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is now streaming only on Paramount+. Plans start as low as $7.99 per month. This offer expires January 31, 2026.

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Stream The Running Man on Paramount+

Plans from $7.99/mo.

Stream The Running Man now on Paramount+. Plans start as low as $7.99 per month. This offer expires February 14, 2026.

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Stream School Spirits at Paramount+

From $8.99/mo.

Stream the new season of School Spirits at Paramount+. Plans start as low as $8.99 per month. This offer expires January 27, 2026.

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Paramount Plus Plans and Pricing: Which Tier Is Right for You?

Choosing a streaming plan used to be simple, but with price hikes and shifting content libraries, you need to know exactly what you are paying for. As of January 15, 2026, Paramount Plus has streamlined its offering into two primary tiers: Essential and Premium.

While the monthly costs have adjusted to $8.99 and $13.99 respectively, the service differentiates itself by including live sports in both tiers—a rarity in the streaming world. Whether you are here for the NFL on CBS, the latest Star Trek series, or the entire Showtime library, here is the breakdown of what each dollar gets you.

2026 Paramount Plus Prices and Features at a Glance

Deciding between the two tiers often comes down to more than just the monthly price tag; it's about how you watch. Quickly compare the two plans below to see which fits your budget and viewing habits, and verify exactly which exclusives—like local CBS news or Showtime originals—you'll gain or lose with each option.

Paramount Plus Essential

• Best For: Casual viewers and NFL fans on a budget.

This is the entry-level plan, but don't let the "Essential" tag fool you—it is robust. You get access to the entire Paramount library (over 40,000 episodes and movies) and, crucially, access to marquee live sports. While you will see commercial breaks during on-demand shows, they are generally shorter than what you find on broadcast TV.

The Catch: You do not get a live feed of your local CBS station. However, you do get live streams of nationally broadcast NFL games and UEFA Champions League matches via separate live feeds within the app.

Paramount Plus Premium

• Best For: Movie buffs, 4K TV owners, and users who want their local news.

Formerly known as Paramount+ with Showtime, this tier is the heavy hitter. The price gap ($5/month more) is justified by three major upgrades, including the full Showtime catalog (Yellowjackets, Dexter, Billions, and so on) integrated directly into the app.

Most on-demand content is commercial-free, and you can download shows for offline viewing—perfect for commuters or travelers. You also get a 24/7 simulcast of your local CBS affiliate, meaning you can watch local news, Wheel of Fortune, and regional sports that aren't on the national feed.

Maximize Value With Annual Plans

As deal hunters, we look for the math that saves you money. Despite the monthly price hike, the annual plans offer a "bulk buy" discount. By paying $89.99 up front for Essential, you effectively pay just $7.50 per month, saving nearly 17% over the year. You'll find similar savings for the Premium plan, as well.

Does Paramount Plus Offer a Free Trial?

Yes, Paramount Plus standardly offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers on both the Essential and Premium tiers. This allows you to test out the interface, check the video quality on your Wi-Fi, and binge a specific show before paying.

Insider Tip: Occasionally, promo codes (often released around Black Friday or the Super Bowl) can extend this free trial to 30 days. Always check DealNews for active coupons before signing up to see if an extended trial code is available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paramount Plus Pricing

We know that navigating streaming rights, bundle deals, and hidden discounts can feel like solving a puzzle. To help you make the smartest decision for your wallet, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions about Paramount Plus. Whether you are looking for a student discount, wondering why you can't find Yellowstone, or trying to decide if the annual plan is actually worth the upfront cost, we have the answers.

Are There Student, Military, or Senior Discounts?

Paramount Plus still offers a robust lineup of discounts for specific groups, leaving them as one of the few major streaming services left with those perks. However, the eligibility requirements and applicable plans differ for each category. It is important to note that these discounts generally cannot be combined with other promo codes, though they are often stackable with annual billing cycles for maximum savings.

• Student Discount (25% Off): Active college and university students at Title IV-accredited institutions are eligible for a 25% discount on the Essential monthly plan. This brings the 2026 price of $8.99 down to approximately $6.75/month. You will be required to verify your student status using the SheerID platform during the checkout process.
• Military Discount (25% Off): Active-duty military personnel, reservists, veterans, and their spouses can receive 25% off any plan. Unlike the student discount, this often applies to the Premium tier as well, allowing service members to enjoy ad-free viewing and local CBS news for roughly $10.50/month. Verification is also handled via SheerID.
• Senior Discount (10% Off via AARP): While there is no general "senior citizen" discount for those over 65, AARP members can access a 10% discount on any Paramount Plus subscription. This discount applies to both Essential and Premium plans and can be used by both new and existing subscribers who link their AARP membership.

How Much Can You Save With a Paramount Plus Annual Plan?

Deciding between a monthly and an annual plan really boils down to a classic trade-off: flexibility versus savings. While the annual plan offers a much lower overall cost, the monthly plan gives you the freedom to cancel at any time. The monthly plan is ideal if you want to binge a specific show, like the new season of 1923 or every episode of Survivor, and then cancel, or if you prefer a smaller upfront cost.

Opting for an annual subscription is the single easiest way to lower your effective monthly cost without jumping through hoops to find promo codes. By paying for 12 months upfront, Paramount Plus essentially gives you two months of service for free compared to the standard monthly rate. This approach offers the best year-round protection against potential mid-year price hikes.

Here is the exact math on your savings based on the new 2026 pricing:

How Does the Cost of Paramount Plus Compare to Other Streaming Services?

In an era dubbed "streamflation," where most major platforms hiked their prices significantly between late 2024 and early 2026, Paramount Plus has positioned itself as the value leader. While the service updated its own pricing in January 2026, it remains more affordable than key competitors.

For example, while Hulu, Disney Plus, and Max have pushed their ad-supported tiers to the $9.99 mark, Paramount Plus Essential comes in a dollar cheaper at $8.99. Similarly, at $13.99, the ad-free Premium plan remains significantly less than the $17–$19 charged by Netflix and Hulu for similar commercial-free experiences.

To help you choose, here is a breakdown of how Paramount Plus stacks up against the competition in 2026.

Paramount Plus and Peacock are the closest rivals when it comes to live sports. While Peacock's entry price is slightly lower ($7.99 vs $8.99), Paramount Plus wins on breadth of coverage for most households. If you are an NFL fan, Paramount Plus offers the AFC package via local CBS games, whereas Peacock has exclusive rights to Sunday Night Football.

For years, HBO (Max) and Netflix owned the "premium drama" space. With the integration of Showtime into the Paramount Plus Premium tier, the gap has closed. You get access to Showtime hits like Yellowjackets and The Chi included in the $13.99 price. To get a similar ad-free experience on Max ($16.99) or pay for premium Netflix ($17.99), you are paying $3 to $4 more per month.

One area where Paramount Plus completely outshines most competitors is that the Paramount Plus Premium plan includes a 24/7 live feed of your local CBS station. To get this same feature elsewhere, you would typically need a live TV bundle like YouTube TV or pay for a subscription to Hulu Plus Live TV, which costs upwards of $75/month. Getting this for $13.99 is a massive budget win for cord-cutters who still want local news and broadcast events.

Are There Special Promo Codes for Annual Plans?

Yes, and using them is how you can unlock the absolute best value Paramount Plus offers. Paramount Plus is well-known for releasing aggressive promo codes during strategic times of the year, most notably right before the Super Bowl (February) and during Black Friday/Cyber Monday (November). These are limited-time deals, but they provide the steepest savings you can find —often up to 50% off an annual plan for the first year.

When these promotions are active, they dramatically lower the cost of a full-year subscription. Here's a look at how a typical 50% off deal impacts the price:

Is Paramount Plus Free With Amazon Prime?

Unfortunately, no. This is a very common point of confusion. While you will see Paramount Plus listed as a "featured channel" inside your Amazon Prime Video interface, it is not included with your standard Prime membership fee.

Instead, it is treated as a paid "Add-On Channel." This means you can subscribe to Paramount Plus through your Amazon account for convenience, but you will still be charged the standard monthly subscription fee (starting at $8.99/month) on top of what you already pay for Prime. Essentially, Amazon acts as the billing agent and the video player, but the cost is exactly the same as signing up for the standalone app.

Does a Walmart Plus Membership Include Paramount Plus?

Yes! This is currently one of the best hidden values in streaming. A subscription to Walmart Plus includes the Paramount Plus Essential plan as a core membership benefit at no additional charge. Considering the Essential plan now costs $8.99 per month, this perk alone offers more than $100 in annual value, effectively subsidizing most of the cost of the Walmart Plus membership itself.

To start watching, you simply need to log into your Walmart Plus account portal and activate the "Video Streaming" benefit to link your accounts. Just keep in mind that this specific benefit covers the ad-supported tier only; if you want the Premium plan to unlock Showtime and local live CBS, this free offer does not apply to the upgraded tier.

Does Paramount Plus Have Any Add-Ons or Bundles Available?

Internal "add-ons" are largely a thing of the past now that Showtime has been fully integrated into the Premium tier rather than sold separately. However, Paramount Plus itself is frequently sold as an "add-on channel" through third-party platforms like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube Primetime Channels, and Apple TV.

If you subscribe via one of these third-party "channels," you may find that the content library inside the Amazon or YouTube app is slightly inconsistent or missing specific episodes compared to the standalone app. Even if you pay through Amazon or YouTube, we recommend using your credentials to log in directly to the official Paramount Plus app or website. This ensures you have access to the complete, unadulterated library.

Beyond video platforms, keep an eye out for promotional bundles from mobile and internet providers. Historically, Verizon is known for bundling streaming deals with its phone and internet packages.

Is Paramount Plus Available Internationally?

Yes, Paramount Plus has expanded its reach globally. The service is currently available to audiences in key markets including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Italy, Mexico, and numerous regions throughout Latin America and Europe.

Travelers should be aware that content libraries differ significantly by country. Because of complex local licensing agreements, a movie available in the US library might be missing in the UK library, or vice versa. If you are traveling abroad, your app will automatically update to show the local content library of the region you are currently in.

While the US has an "Essential" and "Premium" structure, many international markets have shifted to a three-tier system: Basic (Ads), Standard, and Premium. To keep things simple, here is a comparison of the Entry-Level (Ad-Supported) price versus the Top-Tier (Premium) price in major markets, reflecting the latest 2026 rates:

How Do You Sign Up for Paramount Plus?

The quickest way is to sign up directly through the official website. While you can subscribe via the Apple App Store, Roku, or Amazon Prime, signing up directly on a web browser makes it easier to use promo codes and manage your billing later.

Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Go to paramountplus.com : Click the "Try It Free" button (new users typically get a 7-day free trial). If none appears, select the "Get Started" button.
2. Choose Your Plan: Select Essential ($8.99/mo) for the best price or Premium ($13.99/mo) for Showtime and downloads. Don't forget to choose the annual plan to save around 17%!
3. Create an Account: Enter your name, email, and password.
4. Start Watching: Once confirmed, download the Paramount Plus app on any of your devices (TV, phone, tablet) and log in with the credentials you just created.

Expert Tip: Before you enter your credit card information, check if you are a Walmart Plus member. If you are, do not sign up here—go to your Walmart account portal to activate your free Paramount Plus Essential subscription.

What Devices Does Paramount Plus Support?

Paramount Plus is widely available across a broad range of popular devices, ensuring you can watch your favorite shows and movies whether you're at home or on the go. The platform supports most major streaming players, smart TVs, game consoles, and mobile devices.

You can stream Paramount Plus on the following:

• Streaming Devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV (including Stick and Cube), Apple TV, and Google Chromecast.
• Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Vizio, and other smart TVs running Android TV or VIDAA TV.
• Game Consoles: PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
• Mobile Devices and Computers: iPhones and iPads (iOS), Android phones and tablets, and web browsers on Mac and Windows PC.
• Other: Cox Contour, Xfinity Flex, and Portal TV.

What Streaming Quality and Device Limits Can I Expect?

Paramount Plus is relatively generous when it comes to account sharing, allowing you to stream on up to three devices simultaneously and create unique profiles for family members regardless of which plan you choose. However, the video fidelity differs significantly between the tiers. The Essential plan tops out at standard High Definition (1080p) with 5.1 surround sound, which is perfectly fine for most mobile devices and standard HD TVs.

To unlock a true home theater experience, you must upgrade to the Premium plan, which enables 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos audio on supported titles. Just keep in mind that paying for the Premium plan is only half the battle; to actually view content in 4K, you also need a compatible 4K TV or streaming player (like an Apple TV 4K or Fire TV Stick 4K) and a high-speed internet connection of at least 25 Mbps to handle the higher data load without buffering.

What Internet Speed Do I Need to Have?

There is nothing worse than the "spinning wheel of death" interrupting a crucial play during the NFL playoffs or a cliffhanger on Mayor of Kingstown. While Paramount Plus is designed to automatically adjust its video quality based on your available bandwidth, a stable viewing experience requires meeting specific technical baselines.

This is especially true if you are a Premium subscriber; watching content in 4K Ultra HD or Dolby Vision requires significantly more data than standard streaming. Furthermore, live feeds—such as your local CBS station or football games—often require a more stable connection than on-demand movies to prevent lagging.

To avoid buffering, ensure your internet connection meets these official speed recommendations:

Expert Tip: If you are watching on a mobile device via a limited data plan, the Paramount Plus app allows you to adjust your "Mobile Data Usage" settings to "Data Saver" mode to reduce consumption, though this will lower the visual quality.

Where Can You Get Paramount Plus Customer Support?

If you are dealing with a billing error or a streaming glitch, finding a human to talk to can be frustrating. Paramount Plus has moved almost entirely to digital support channels, meaning you likely won't find a direct phone number on their homepage.

For immediate assistance, go to help.paramountplus.com and look for the chat icon (usually located in the bottom right corner of the screen). You will initially interact with a virtual assistant, but typing "Speak to an agent" typically expedites the process of getting connected to a live representative.

Alternative contact methods include:

• Social Media: The support team is active on X (formerly Twitter) at @AskParamount and on their official Facebook page. Sending a Direct Message (DM) here is often a good way to get a timestamped record of your issue.
• Troubleshooting Hub: For specific error codes or device setup instructions, the Help Center search bar is often faster than waiting in a chat queue.

Important Warning: Be extremely wary of "customer support phone numbers" you find via Google search. Scammers frequently set up fake support lines to target streaming subscribers. Always start your request through the official website or verified social media handles to ensure you are speaking to actual Paramount staff.

What Did Paramount Plus Pricing Look Like in Previous Years?

Paramount Plus has historically been aggressive with its pricing, launching as one of the cheapest options on the market before steadily adjusting rates to match its growing library of premium sports and Showtime content. Understanding this history helps contextualize the value of the service today versus its launch state.

Over the last five years, the price of the Essential plan has nearly doubled (from $4.99 to $8.99). However, the value proposition has shifted dramatically. In 2021, the service was primarily a repository for CBS reruns and Star Trek. By 2026, it has become a "super-app" bundling a live local broadcast station, the entire Showtime catalog, and tier-one sports rights like the NFL and UEFA Champions League—content that arguably justifies the higher price point compared to its bare-bones launch version.

Where Are Prices Headed in 2026?

The pricing strategy for Paramount Plus continues to evolve, reflecting the harsh reality of "streamflation" and the platform's massive investment in live sports rights. While the service maintained steady pricing through most of 2025, the January 15, 2026 adjustment—which moved the Essential tier to $8.99 and Premium to $13.99—signals a new baseline for the industry.

While paying $1 more per month is never ideal, Paramount Plus remains the "value leader" among the giants. Competitors like Disney Plus, Hulu, and Max have already pushed their ad-supported entry points to $9.99/month, effectively making Paramount Plus the last major premium service (aside from Peacock) to stay under that psychological ten-dollar barrier.

Furthermore, unlike Netflix (which has refused to offer annual discounts for years), Paramount Plus continues to offer annual subscriptions for all tiers. This remains the single best tool for smart shoppers: by locking in an annual plan now, you are effectively "freezing" your price for 12 months, immune to any further hikes that might occur later in the year.

The Forecast:

Analysts predict that pricing for 2026 will likely stabilize after this January adjustment. The "streaming wars" have shifted from chasing new subscribers to maximizing profit per user. Consequently, while we don't expect another base price hike for Paramount Plus this year, we do expect to see fewer "30-day free trial" codes and a tighter crackdown on password sharing similar to what Netflix and Disney Plus have implemented.

What's Popular to Watch on Paramount Plus Right Now?

Beyond the pricing and plans, the most important question is: what is there to actually watch? Paramount Plus has evolved into a content juggernaut, boasting a deep library that blends live marquee sports, blockbuster movies, and a rapidly expanding list of exclusive original series.

Whether you are a sports fanatic, a "Sheridan Universe" devotee, or a sci-fi geek, here is what is generating buzz on the platform:

New and Trending Originals

This month marks one of the strongest content slates in the platform's history, signaling that Paramount is pulling no punches to kick off 2026. From high-budget sci-fi expansions to gritty prestige thrillers and true crime deep dives, this lineup proves that the recent price adjustment is being matched by a tangible increase in premium entertainment value.

• Star Trek: Starfleet Academy: The newest entry in the Trek universe premiered in mid-January. Set 100 years after Discovery, it follows a new class of cadets and stars heavy hitters like Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti.
• Coldwater: A tense new Showtime thriller starring Andrew Lincoln (debuted early January).
• School Spirits (Season 3): The hit YA supernatural drama returns Jan. 28 to resolve last season's cliffhangers.
• True Crime Deep Dives: For documentary fans, the new series Handsome Devil: The Charming Killer and Girl Taken are dominating the "Most Watched" list.

The Taylor Sheridan Universe (Yellowstone Spinoffs)

While the original Yellowstone series remains on Peacock, Paramount Plus is the exclusive home for everything else from creator Taylor Sheridan.

• Current Hits: You can binge full seasons of 1923 (starring Harrison Ford), Tulsa King (Sylvester Stallone), Mayor of Kingstown (Jeremy Renner), and the oil-rig drama Landman.
• Coming Soon in 2026: Keep an eye out for highly anticipated spinoffs like The Dutton Ranch (focusing on Beth and Rip) and Marshals, continuing the saga of the Dutton family.

Combat Sports and Live Events

For years, combat sports fans were effectively locked into ESPN Plus to get their fix, but a landmark content deal has shattered that monopoly. Beginning this January, the platform transforms into a major hub for MMA and the "Sweet Science," launching with a massive back-to-back weekend of combat: the debut of Zuffa Boxing, followed immediately by UFC 324.

• UFC and Zuffa Boxing: Following a massive rights deal, the platform is now the streaming home for UFC Fight Nights (starting with UFC 324 on Jan 24) and the debut of Zuffa Boxing.
• NFL Playoffs: The road to the Super Bowl runs through CBS. Essential and Premium subscribers can stream all NFL on CBS playoff games live.
• Soccer: The group stages of the UEFA Champions League continue, offering exclusive matches you cannot see on cable.

Movies: Blockbusters and Nostalgia

The movie library is constantly rotating, but this month features some massive franchises. It feels like Paramount cracked open its vault of cult classics to ring in the new year, aggressively courting Gen X and Millennial nostalgia. But it is not just about retro hits; the platform continues to serve as the exclusive streaming home for modern Paramount Pictures blockbusters.

• New Additions: The first three films in the Scream franchise and the Jackass collection dropped on Jan. 1, perfect for weekend marathons.
• Always On: Massive hits like Top Gun: Maverick, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, and Smile 2 are available to stream anytime in 4K UHD (Premium plan only).

If you are a fan of Star Trek, Taylor Sheridan dramas, or MMA, the Paramount Plus library in 2026 is stronger than ever. The addition of UFC events specifically adds tremendous value for sports fans who previously had to look elsewhere for combat sports.

Why Can't I Watch 'Yellowstone' on Paramount Plus?

It is a common misconception that the hit series Yellowstone is on Paramount Plus. Due to a streaming rights deal made before the service launched, Yellowstone streams exclusively on Peacock.

However, the entire Yellowstone expanded universe is exclusive to Paramount Plus. This includes the hit prequels 1883 and 1923, as well as upcoming spinoffs. If you want the full Dutton family history, you need Paramount Plus; if you only want the main show, you need Peacock.

How to Cancel Your Paramount Plus Subscription

While Paramount Plus offers great value, sometimes you just need to trim your monthly budget or perhaps you've finally finished your 1923 marathon. Canceling your subscription is generally a quick process, but there is one major catch that often confuses subscribers: you must cancel through the specific platform you used to sign up.

You cannot simply log into the main website to cancel if you pay through a third party like Apple or Amazon. Additionally, it is important to know that if you cancel in the middle of a billing cycle, you will typically retain access to the service until your paid period ends.

Here is how to ensure you don't get hit with a surprise bill next month, broken down by signup method:

• If you signed up via the Website: Go to paramountplus.com, click on your user initials in the upper corner, select Account, and scroll down to click Cancel Subscription.
• If you signed up via Amazon Prime Video: You must manage your subscription through your Amazon "Memberships and Subscriptions" dashboard. You cannot cancel this inside the Paramount app or on the Paramount website.
• If you signed up via the App Store (iOS) or Google Play: Go to your device's centralized "Subscriptions" menu in your phone settings to cancel. Note: Simply deleting the app from your phone will not cancel the billing; you must manually stop the subscription in settings.
• If you signed up via Roku: Press the * button on your remote while hovering over the Paramount Plus app tile on your home screen and select Manage Subscription.

So, Is Paramount Plus Worth the Cost in 2026?

With streaming prices rising across the board, Paramount Plus remains one of the strongest value propositions on the market, particularly if you are a sports fan or a cord-cutter trying to replicate the feeling of cable without the massive bill.

The Premium plan is a standout winner because it is arguably the cheapest way to get a live feed of your local CBS station, local NFL games, and the entire Showtime library in a single app. While the user interface can sometimes be slower than Netflix and the absence of the main Yellowstone series is a notable frustration, the sheer volume of exclusive content—from the Star Trek universe and 1923 to Survivor—makes it a heavy hitter for the price.

Deciding if the service deserves a spot in your monthly budget requires looking at it through the lens of the "50/30/20 rule," where streaming falls into your 30% "Wants" bucket. While $8.99/month for the Essential plan sounds negligible, costs add up quickly when stacked against other subscriptions.

We recommend auditing your viewing habits to calculate your "cost per hour": if you watch the NFL every Sunday and stream Star Trek weekly, the entertainment value is pennies per hour. However, if you only want to watch a specific show like Mayor of Kingstown, you should adopt the "churn and burn" method—subscribe for the duration of the season, then cancel immediately. Always start with the 7-day free trial to test the waters, and if you find yourself opening the app daily, lock in the annual plan to ensure the best possible "bang for your buck."

What About for Sports Fans?

For years, ESPN Plus monopolized streaming sports, but Paramount Plus has evolved into a powerhouse alternative. With cable bundles like YouTube TV now pushing $80+ per month, Paramount Plus offers a budget-friendly way to access major leagues without the bloat.

In addition to NFL games, UFC, the UEFA Champions League and other soccer matches, viewers can catch marquee Big Ten Football, NCAA March Madness, and weekend coverage of the PGA Tour (including The Masters).

The difference comes down to quality vs. quantity. ESPN Plus has more total events (thousands of niche games), but Paramount Plus holds the rights to higher-profile events. You won't find the NFL, the Champions League Final, or Big Ten Football on ESPN Plus.

If you are a cord-cutter who misses watching football on Sundays or midweek Champions League soccer, the $139.99 Annual Premium Plan is a steal. You get year-round access to top-tier sports and your local CBS station for less than the cost of two months of a standard cable bill.

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