Paramount Plus Premium Cost in June 2026: Bundle Pricing & More
Navigating the streaming landscape in 2026 requires a smart strategy to keep costs low without sacrificing your favorite content. Whether you're looking for the hard-hitting action of the UFC or the prestige dramas of Showtime, you don't have to pay full price to get the best of the "Mountain of Entertainment." Before you sign up, be sure to browse the best Paramount Plus deals currently available to see if you can snag a limited-time discount.
Top Paramount Plus Premium Deals This Month
Paramount+ Premium Annual Subscription
16% offSubscribe to Paramount+ Premium on the annual tier for $139.99 and you'll save 16% compared to the $167.88 you'd pay for the monthly tier. You'll be getting 12 months for the price of 10 - no promo code needed. Paramount+ Premium offers ad-free viewing of more than 40,000 episodes and movies, the ability to stream on three devices at once, NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League, all UFC live fights and more, SHOWTIME Originals, the ability to download movies and shows, and CBS live streaming with more sports and events. Note that live TV will still show ads. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Premium Annual Subscription
$27 offSign up for a Paramount+ Premium annual subscription for $139.99 and you'll save $27 compared to the $167.88 you'd pay for the monthly subscription. You'll be getting 12 months for the price of 10 - no promo code needed. Paramount+ Premium offers ad-free viewing of more than 40,000 episodes and movies, the ability to stream on three devices at once, NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League, all UFC live fights and more, SHOWTIME Originals, the ability to download movies and shows, and CBS live streaming with more sports and events. Note that live TV will still show ads. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Essential or Premium Plan
One month freeStream one month free at Paramount+ with promo code "BRAVO". This coupon code expires Decemeber 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Promo Code
50% offGet 50% off a Paramount+ subscription with promo code "SAVE992MPREM". Use this coupon code at checkout to unlock your discount on eligible Paramount+ plans. Some exclusions may apply. This promo offer expires December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Promo Code
50% offGet 50% off at Paramount+ with promo code "BME3IT4G4M". This coupon code expires December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Annual Plan
50% offUse promo code "FALL50" to get 50% off your Paramount+ annual plans. This coupon code is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Premium Annual Plan
50% offUse promo code "PARAMOUNTPLUS" to get 50% off the Paramount+ Premium Annual Plan. This coupon code expires December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Promo Code
Up to 50% offGet up to 50% off Paramount+ with promo code "SHO2MO". Use this coupon code at checkout to unlock your discount on eligible plans. Some exclusions may apply. This promo offer expires December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Promo Code
90% offGet 90% off at Paramount+ with promo code "SPRING". This coupon code expires December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Promo Code
Up to 90% offGet up to 90% off Paramount+ with promo code "STREAM30". Use this coupon code at checkout to unlock your discount on eligible plans. Some exclusions may apply. This promo offer expires December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Promo Code
45% offGet 45% off Paramount+ with promo code "PARAMOUNTPLUS". Use this coupon code at checkout to unlock your discount on eligible plans. Some exclusions may apply. This promo offer expires December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Promo Code
35% offUse promo code "PEAKDEALS" to get 35% off at Paramount+. This offer ends December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Promo Code
30% offGet 30% off Paramount+ with promo code "30off". Use this coupon code at checkout to unlock your discount on eligible plans. Some exclusions may apply. This promo offer expires December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Promo Code
30% offGet 30% off a Paramount+ annual subscription with promo code "SAVEANNUAL30". Use this coupon code at checkout to unlock your discount on eligible annual plans. Some exclusions may apply. This promo offer expires December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Promo Code
25% offUse promo code "CA50off1month" to get 25% off at Paramount+. This coupon code is available through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Promo Code
20% offGet 20% off at Paramount+ with promo code "9E1JQFB1YA". This offer ends December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Promo Code
Up to 15% offGet up to 15% off at Paramount+ with promo code "3MOESSENTIALCS". This coupon code is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Promo Code
Up to 10% offUse promo code "99EZ74LMGM" to get up to 10% off at Paramount+. This offer ends December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Promo Code
$12 offGet $12 off Paramount+ with promo code "N8C27L". Use this coupon code at checkout to unlock a discount on eligible plans. Some exclusions may apply. This promo offer expires December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Promo Code
Free NFL trialStream the NFL on CBS live all season long on Paramount+ and try it FREE with Paramount+ promo code "FREEBIE". Use this coupon at checkout to activate your discount. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Essential Plan
One month freeUse promo code "NEWSEASONS" to get a one month free trial of the Paramount+ Essential Plan. This offer ends December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Discount
One month freeStream one month for free at Paramount+ with promo code "NACHOS". This coupon code expires December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Offer
One month free trialUse promo code "B3PY17" to get a one month free trial at Paramount+. This offer ends December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ 1-Month Trial
FreeGet a 1-month free trial at Paramount+ with promo code "PEAKSALE". This coupon code expires December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Essential Annual Student Discount
50% offStudents can go all-in on Paramount+ Essential for a year and save 50% on the typical $89.99 yearly cost. You'll need to verify your student status first, but when you do you'll receive a unique promo code to use at checkout, which will knock $45 off the annual price. Note that after 12 months, you'll need to reverify your student status or your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current annual price. Some exclusions may apply. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Premium Annual Student Discount
50% offStudents can sign up for the Paramount+ Premium annual subscription and save 50% on the typical annual price of $139.99. You'll need to verify your student status first and then you'll receive a unique promo code to use at checkout to get your discount. Note that after 12 months, you'll need to reverify your status or your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current yearly rate. Some exclusions may apply. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Essential Annual Student Discount
$45 offStudents can subscribe to Paramount+ Essential for a year and save $45 on the normal $89.99 yearly cost. You'll need to verify your student status first, and then you'll receive a unique promo code to use during checkout to redeem your 50% discount. Note that after 12 months, you'll need to reverify your student status or your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current annual price. Some exclusions may apply. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Premium Annual Student Discount
$70 offStudents can sign up for a Paramount+ Premium annual subscription and save $70 off the typical $139.99 yearly cost. You'll need to verify your student status first and then you'll receive a unique promo code to use at checkout to get your discount. Note that after 12 months, you'll need to reverify your status or your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current yearly rate. Some exclusions may apply. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Essential Monthly Student Discount
50% offStudents can subscribe to the monthly Paramount+ Essential plan and save 50% on the $8.99 price you'd pay normally. You'll need to verify your student status but once you do, you'll receive a unique promo code to use at checkout that will cut $4.50 off the usual monthly cost. After 12 months, you'll need to reverify your student status or your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current monthly price. Some exclusions apply. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Premium Monthly Student Discount
50% offStudents can sign up for Paramount+ Premium on the monthly tier and save 50% on the normal $13.99 monthly cost. You'll need to verify your student status first, but then you'll receive a unique promo code you can redeem at checkout to receive your $7 discount. Note that after 12 months you'll need to reverify your student status or your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current rate. Some exclusions may apply. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Essential Monthly Student Discount
$4.50 offStudents can sign up for a monthly Paramount+ Essential subscription and save $4.50 on the regular $8.99 monthly cost. You'll need to verify your student status but once you do, you'll receive a unique promo code to use at checkout that will cut $4.50 off the usual monthly cost. After 12 months, you'll need to reverify your student status or your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current monthly price. Some exclusions apply. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Premium Monthly Student Discount
$7 offStudents can sign up for the Paramount+ Premium monthly subscription and save $7 on the typical monthly price of $13.99. You'll need to verify your student status first and then you'll receive a unique promo code to use at checkout to get your discount. Note that after 12 months, you'll need to reverify your status or your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current monthly rate. Some exclusions may apply. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Essential Annual Military Discount
50% offMilitary members can sign up for the Paramount+ Essential annual tier and save 50% on the typical $89.99 yearly cost. You'll need to verify your status via SheerID first but then you'll receive a unique promo code to use at checkout and get your discount. Note that after 12 months you'll need to reverify your status or your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current yearly rate. Some exclusions may apply. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Premium Annual Military Discount
50% offMilitary members can sign up for the Paramount+ Premium annual tier and save 50% on the typical $139.99 yearly cost. You'll need to verify your status via SheerID first but then you'll receive a unique promo code to use at checkout and get your discount. Note that after 12 months you'll need to reverify your status or your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current yearly rate. Some exclusions may apply. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Essential Annual Military Discount
$45 offMilitary members can sign up for the Paramount+ Essential annual tier and save $45 on the typical $89.99 yearly cost. You'll need to verify your status via SheerID first but then you'll receive a unique promo code to use at checkout and get your discount. Note that after 12 months you'll need to reverify your status or your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current yearly rate. Some exclusions may apply. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Premium Annual Military Discount
$70 offMilitary members can sign up for the Paramount+ Premium annual tier and save $70 on the typical $139.99 yearly cost. You'll need to verify your status via SheerID first but then you'll receive a unique promo code to use at checkout and get your discount. Note that after 12 months you'll need to reverify your status or your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current yearly rate. Some exclusions may apply. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Essential Monthly Military Discount
50% offMilitary members can sign up for the Paramount+ Essential monthly tier and save 50% on the typical $8.99 monthly cost. You'll need to verify your status via SheerID first but then you'll receive a unique promo code to use at checkout and get your discount. Note that after 12 months you'll need to reverify your status or your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current monthly rate. Some exclusions may apply. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Premium Monthly Military Discount
50% offMilitary members can sign up for the Paramount+ Premium monthly tier and save 50% on the typical $13.99 monthly cost. You'll need to verify your status via SheerID first but then you'll receive a unique promo code to use at checkout and get your discount. Note that after 12 months you'll need to reverify your status or your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current monthly rate. Some exclusions may apply. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Essential Monthly Military Discount
$4.50 offMilitary members can sign up for the Paramount+ Essential monthly tier and save $4.50 on the typical $8.99 monthly cost. You'll need to verify your status via SheerID first but then you'll receive a unique promo code to use at checkout and get your discount. Note that after 12 months you'll need to reverify your status or your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current monthly rate. Some exclusions may apply. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Premium Monthly Military Discount
$7 offMilitary members can sign up for the Paramount+ Premium monthly tier and save $7 on the typical $13.99 monthly cost. You'll need to verify your status via SheerID first but then you'll receive a unique promo code to use at checkout and get your discount. Note that after 12 months you'll need to reverify your status or your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current monthly rate. Some exclusions may apply. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Essential Annual Subscription
16% offSign up for a Paramount+ Essential annual subscription for $89.99 and you'll save 16% compared to the $107.88 you'd pay with the monthly subscription cost. You'll be getting 12 months for the price of 10, and with no promo code needed. Paramount+ Essential offers ad-supported viewing of more than 40,000 episodes and movies, the ability to stream on three devices at once, NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League, all UFC live fights and more, and access to select SHOWTIME series. If you want to go ad-free, you'll need to spring for Paramount+ Premium for $50 more per year. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ Essential Annual Subscription
$17 offSign up for a Paramount+ Essential annual subscription for $89.99 and you'll save $17.89 compared to the $107.88 you'd pay for the monthly subscription. Basically you'll get 12 months for the price of 10 - no promo code needed. Paramount+ Essential offers ad-supported viewing of more than 40,000 episodes and movies, the ability to stream on three devices at once, NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League, all UFC live fights and more, and access to select SHOWTIME series. If you want to go ad-free, you'll need to spring for Paramount+ Premium for $50 more per year. This offer is valid through December 31, 2026.
Stream Divorced Sistas on Paramount+
From $8.99/mo.Paramount+ is currently promoting its streaming subscription and the new season of Tyler Perry's Divorced Sistas. A subscription gives access to live channels, BET, AC Milan, AS Roma programming, and more. Plans start at $8.99 per month.
Watch School Spirits on Paramount+
Plans from $8.99/mo.Stream all episodes of School Spirits only on Paramount+. Subscribe with Paramount+ plans from $8.99 per month to start watching. This offer ends June 4.
Watch Primate on Paramount+
Plans from $8.99/mo.Watch Primate now streaming on Paramount+. Sign up for Paramount+ plans from $8.99 per month to start watching. This offer ends July 1.
Stream UFC Action on Paramount+
Plans from $8.99/mo.Catch all the UFC action with any Paramount+ plan. Stream it with your Paramount+ subscription, starting from $8.99 per month. This offer ends January 1, 2027.
Stream the PGA Tour on CBS live with Paramount+
Plans from $13.99/mo.Stream the PGA Tour on CBS live with Paramount+ Premium Plans. The Premium Plan starts as low as $13.99 per month. This offer is valid through August 31, 2026.
Stream Zuffa Boxing live on Paramount+
Plans from $8.99/mo.Stream Zuffa Boxing live on Paramount+. Experience year-round events, fewer weight classes and even matchups. Plans start at $8.99 per month. This offer ends September 30, 2026.
Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite at Paramount+
FreeGet a free Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite at Paramount+ with promo code "FIRESTICK". This coupon code expires December 31, 2026.
Paramount+ on Amazon Prime Video
Free 7-day trialPrime members can choose between Paramount+ Essential and Paramount+ Premium and get seven days to try out everything the service has to offer on Prime Video. Note that once your trial is up, your subscription will auto-renew at the then-current rate ($7.99 per month for Essential and $12.99 per month for Premium at the time of publishing) unless you cancel before then.
Paramount+ Essential Streaming Subscription
Free w/ Walmart+ membershipWalmart+ members can get a Paramount+ Essential subscription at no additional cost, which amounts to a savings of $8 per month. Even better, if you're on the fence about Paramount+ and Peacock Premium, you can swap streaming services after 90 days and keep the one that suits your taste for free.
Are There Paramount Plus Showtime Bundles Offered This May?
As of May 2026, the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan (Premium) costs $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year. This top-tier plan is completely ad-free for on-demand content and includes full access to the Showtime library, live local CBS stations, and 4K UHD streaming.
2026 Paramount+ Pricing Summary
| Plan Tier | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Key Features |
| Paramount+ Essential | $8.99 | $89.99 | Includes ads; No Showtime; No live CBS |
| Paramount+ Premium | $13.99 | $139.99 | Ad-free; Includes SHOWTIME; Live CBS |
Note: Choosing an annual subscription saves you approximately 17% compared to paying monthly.
Paramount+ Essential vs. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME: What's the Difference?
The primary difference between the two tiers is the inclusion of Showtime content and live local CBS broadcasting. While the Essential plan ($8.99/mo) is a budget-friendly option supported by ads, the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME bundle (Premium) offers several exclusive perks:
- Ad-Free Streaming: Watch thousands of movies and episodes without commercial interruptions (excluding live TV and select promos).
- Showtime Originals: Get full access to series like Yellowjackets, The Chi, and Dexter: Resurrection.
- Live Sports and News: Stream the NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League, and UFC events live.
- Offline Viewing: Download titles to your mobile device for travel or offline use.
- Enhanced Quality: Access select titles in 4K UHD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision.
- Simultaneous Streams: Watch on up to three devices at once.
How to Upgrade to Paramount+ with SHOWTIME
Existing Paramount+ subscribers can upgrade to the SHOWTIME bundle at any time through their account settings.
- Log in to your account at ParamountPlus.com.
- Navigate to Account Settings.
- Select Manage Plan.
- Choose the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME (Premium) option.
If you subscribe through a third party like Hulu, you can add Paramount+ with SHOWTIME as an add-on for $13.99/month via your Hulu "Manage Add-ons" dashboard.
Best Paramount+ Deals and Free Trials
At DealNews, we frequently see promotions that make this service even more affordable. Here are the best ways to save:
- 7-Day Free Trial: New and eligible returning subscribers can typically get a one-week free trial at ParamountPlus.com or via Amazon Prime Video Channels.
- Student Discount: Verified students can often receive a 25% to 50% discount on the monthly plan.
- Walmart+ Perk: A Walmart+ membership includes Paramount+ Essential, though you can often pay the difference to upgrade to the SHOWTIME tier.
- Limited-Time Offers: Look for seasonal "Deal of the Year" promotions, which have previously dropped the price of the Premium plan to as low as $2.99/month for the first two months.
How to Sign Up for a Paramount Plus Showtime Bundle
Watching Showtime content on Paramount Plus is easy! All you have to do is sign up, and you can be streaming a variety of shows and movies in a matter of minutes.
- Navigate to the Paramount Plus website.
- Click one of the buttons that says "Continue With Free Trial".
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On the next screen, you can choose the plan you want to sign up for, which should be the Paramount Plus with Showtime option in order to watch that content.
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Be sure to choose either monthly or annual plan — whichever gives you the best deal for your budget.
- Next you'll be prompted to sign up for an account.
- Once you sign up and log in, follow the rest of the prompts to finish signing up.
Once your signup is complete, you can start browsing the available content and begin watching the Showtime shows and movies you're most interested in.
What Does Paramount Plus Normally Cost Before Bundles?
Understanding the standard pricing for Paramount Plus is key to recognizing just how much you're saving with a bundle or promo code. As of this month, the service is divided into two primary tiers following a price adjustment earlier this year.
Here is the breakdown of the standard costs before any third-party discounts:
- Paramount+ Essential: This plan costs $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year. It is an ad-supported tier that includes the full on-demand library, limited live sports like the NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League, and the newly integrated UFC live event coverage.
- Paramount+ with SHOWTIME: This premium tier costs $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year. It is almost entirely ad-free, except for live TV and select promos, and includes everything in the Essential plan plus the full SHOWTIME library, your local live CBS station, 4K UHD streaming quality, and the ability to download shows for offline viewing.
By opting for an annual subscription on either tier, you effectively save about 17% compared to paying month-to-month—which is like getting two months of streaming for free every year. While these are the "sticker prices" you'll see, keep in mind that using the right bundle can often bring your out-of-pocket cost down to zero.
What to Watch on Paramount Plus This Year
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.
Everything Else to Know About Paramount Plus Showtime Bundles in 2026
As of January 15, 2026, Paramount Plus implemented a new pricing baseline to account for its massive expansion in live sports and original programming. The service continues to offer two primary tiers, with the ad-free version serving as the home for all Showtime content.
- Paramount+ Essential: $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year.
- Paramount+ Premium (with Showtime): $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year.
While the monthly cost for both plans increased by $1 at the start of the year, the annual plans still offer a significant discount of roughly 17% compared to paying month-to-month. For heavy users, locking in an annual subscription remains the most effective way to "freeze" the price and avoid potential mid-year adjustments that have become common in the streaming industry.
The Shift From Showtime Branding To Paramount Plus Premium
In mid-2025, Paramount officially retired the clunky "Paramount+ with Showtime" moniker in favor of the more streamlined "Paramount+ Premium" title. This rebranding was designed to better reflect the platform's diverse library, which now includes a significant amount of Showtime content even on the ad-supported Essential tier. By simplifying the naming convention, the company aimed to align itself with competitors like Max and Disney Plus, who have moved toward single-brand identities.
Despite the name change, the core value of the premium tier remains unchanged for 2026. Subscribers to the Premium plan still receive exclusive access to the full Showtime catalog, including prestige dramas and hit series that are not available in their entirety on the lower tier. This transition marks the final step in the total integration of Showtime into the Paramount ecosystem, effectively ending its era as a standalone brand or a simple "add-on" service.
New Sports Rights And The Massive UFC Integration
The biggest development for Paramount Plus in 2026 is the commencement of its landmark seven-year deal with the UFC. Valued at $7.7 billion, this partnership makes Paramount Plus the exclusive streaming home for the world's premier mixed martial arts organization, fundamentally changing the value proposition for sports fans.
- PPV Access: Unlike previous broadcasting deals, marquee "numbered" UFC events no longer require an additional pay-per-view fee for subscribers.
- Essential Tier Inclusion: Both the Essential and Premium plans include access to all live UFC Fight Nights and major cards.
- Expanded Coverage: The deal includes supplementary programming such as UFC Unleashed and a massive archive of historic fights.
This aggressive move into combat sports complements the service's existing portfolio, which includes Sunday afternoon NFL games on CBS and the UEFA Champions League. For many viewers, the inclusion of the UFC without the traditional $80 per-event price tag makes the $8.99 starting price one of the best values in the streaming market.
Highly Anticipated Content And 2026 Franchise Releases
Paramount is leaning heavily into its "mountain of entertainment" strategy for 2026, focusing on expanding its most successful franchises across the Paramount Plus and Showtime portfolios. The schedule is anchored by the continuation of the "Taylor Sheridan Universe" and the next generation of sci-fi epics.
- Dutton Ranch: The latest Yellowstone spin-off premiered in May 2026, moving the action to the harsh landscapes of South Texas.
- Star Trek: Starfleet Academy: A new flagship series for the Trek franchise launched in early 2026, featuring Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti.
- Survivor 50: The milestone fiftieth season of the legendary reality competition aired its historic finale in May 2026.
- Dexter: Resurrection: The Showtime hit continues its dark legacy with new episodes exclusive to the Premium tier.
The 2026 slate also benefits from a ramped-up film production schedule, with the studio aiming to release 15 original movies annually directly to the platform. This robust pipeline ensures that whether you are a fan of high-stakes drama, reality TV, or blockbuster cinema, there is a steady stream of new content to justify a year-round subscription.
The Retirement Of Free Trials And The Move Toward Paid Growth
A significant shift in 2026 is Paramount's decision to phase out traditional seven-day free trials for new subscribers. This move, which began in January, follows an industry-wide trend where streamers are prioritizing "quality" paid growth over temporary trial users who often cancel before their first billing cycle. By removing the trial period, Paramount is signaling confidence in its content library's ability to convert users immediately.
To soften the blow of losing free trials, the service has replaced them with aggressive introductory offers. For instance, through the first quarter of 2026, many new and returning users were able to snag a deal for two months of service at just $2.99 per month. These limited-time promotions allow the company to maintain a low barrier to entry while ensuring that every user on the platform is a contributing subscriber from day one.
Maximizing Value Through The Walmart Plus Benefit
One of the most popular ways to access Paramount Plus in 2026 continues to be through a Walmart+ membership. This partnership remains a cornerstone of Walmart's loyalty program, providing the Essential tier of Paramount Plus at no additional cost to its members.
- Included Service: Every Walmart+ member gets a Paramount+ Essential subscription (valued at $89.99/year) as part of their membership.
- Discounted Upgrade: Members have the option to upgrade to the Paramount+ Premium plan for a reduced rate of approximately $6.49 per month.
- Seamless Integration: Accounts are linked directly through the Walmart+ member portal, making it easy to manage both services in one place.
For shoppers who already use Walmart+ for grocery delivery and fuel discounts, this benefit effectively makes Paramount Plus a "free" addition to their digital life. As streaming prices continue to climb, these types of cross-industry bundles have become essential tools for budget-conscious consumers looking to maintain their favorite services without paying full retail price.
Technical Features And Enhanced Viewing Capabilities
The technical gap between the two Paramount Plus tiers remains a key factor for subscribers deciding which plan fits their needs. While the Essential tier provides a standard high-definition experience, the Premium tier is built for those with high-end home theater setups.
Subscribers on the Premium plan benefit from 4K UHD resolution, along with support for HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos on compatible titles. Additionally, the Premium tier allows for offline viewing, permitting users to download a significant portion of the library to their mobile devices for travel or areas with poor connectivity.
While both plans allow for streaming on multiple devices simultaneously, the Premium tier is the only one that includes a 24/7 live feed of the user's local CBS affiliate, making it a viable replacement for traditional cable for news and local events.
Is an Paramount Plus Showtime Bundle Worth It in 2026?
Whether the Paramount+ Premium plan (formerly the Showtime bundle) is worth your money in 2026 depends largely on your appetite for live sports and prestige dramas. With the 2026 integration of major sports contracts—most notably the UFC and expanded NFL coverage—the service has transitioned from a "nice-to-have" library of old sitcoms into a heavy-hitting utility for sports fans.
If you were previously paying for separate sports streaming passes or Showtime as a standalone add-on, the current $13.99 monthly price point represents a significant consolidation of value.
However, for casual viewers who aren't interested in 4K resolution or live combat sports, the "bundle" might feel like overkill. The Essential tier remains $5 cheaper and still carries the bulk of the library's hit shows.
The sweet spot for 2026 remains the annual Premium plan; by paying $139.99 upfront, you effectively drop your monthly cost to about $11.66, which is one of the most competitive prices in the market for an ad-free experience that includes a local live CBS feed and a full premium movie channel.
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