What it does
Paramount+ offers original series, films, SHOWTIME programming and live sports through its subscription plans.
The US plan comparison makes the useful differences fairly concrete. Premium includes the broader SHOWTIME offering, downloads and the local CBS stream; Essential includes selected SHOWTIME series and an advertising-supported catalogue. Both list simultaneous viewing on three devices.
Choose around the programme or event you actually follow. Premium still carries advertising on live television and can include trailers or sponsorship messages. Higher picture formats apply to selected titles and compatible connections and devices, so the plan label alone does not guarantee 4K playback.
Strengths
- The plan table identifies downloads, CBS access and SHOWTIME differences.
Watch out for
- Premium live television still has ads; enhanced picture formats are title- and device-dependent.
Sources
- Paramount Plus: Stream Movies, Shows & Live TV (Oct 26, 2026)