If you watched the Super Bowl, you probably saw lots of ads for Paramount+, including one in which Dora the Explorer, Stephen Colbert, Patrick Stewart, and other pop culture icons meet at the top of an icy mountain to jive to Spongebob SquarePants' "Sweet Victory." Are you still wondering, what's this all about? No need to scour the internet for answers. We're here to tell you everything you need to know about the upcoming streaming service.
So what is Paramount+?
Paramount+ isn’t exactly a brand-new streaming service. Rather, it’s a rebranding and expansion of an existing streaming service, CBS All Access, which first launched in 2014. It debuts March 4 and will feature everything currently available via CBS All Access and more.
What’s included?
A subscription to Paramount+ gives you access to content from CBS, BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV, and Smithsonian Channel, as well as hundreds of movies from Paramount Pictures. You'll also be able to tune into live stations, including CBS, CBSN, CBS Sports HQ, and ET LIVE.
What kind of original programming is there?
The long-awaited Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run will arrive on launch day alongside a new 13-episode kids spin-off series, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years. You'll also be able to watch existing CBS All Access exclusives, including The Stand, Star Trek: Picard, The Good Fight, Why Women Kill, Tooning Out the News, and Star Trek: Discovery.
Paramount+ will eventually become the home of the upcoming musical rom-com series Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, an iCarly revival, and more.
How much does Paramount+ cost?
While pricing for Paramount+ has not yet been confirmed, it will likely be comparable to that of CBS All Access. Presently, you can get CBS All Access' limited commercial plan for $59.99/year or $5.99/month. Or, you can subscribe to the commercial-free plan, which also allows viewers to download content and watch offline, for $99.99/year or $9.99/month.
If you sign up for a CBS All Access plan before the launch of Paramount+, you can get 50% off of your first year of an annual plan by using the code PARAMOUNTPLUS.
Is there a free trial?
If Paramount+ continues to operate as CBS All Access does, you'll be able to access a one-week free trial before becoming a subscriber. Your credit card is required, however, so make sure you cancel your subscription before the week is up if you don't want it to automatically renew.
How can I access it?
Paramount+ can be streamed on most connected TVs, computers, mobile devices, tablets, and game consoles. It will be available to North American and Latin American markets on March 4, the Nordics on March 25, and Australia in mid-2021.
What if I'm already subscribed to CBS All Access?
If you already have CBS All Access, your subscription will automatically switch over to Paramount+ upon its debut. Just download the Paramount+ app or visit paramountplus.com to start streaming.
Is it worth it?
While we're still waiting on more details about what new programming will arrive on launch day, Paramount+ appears to be a great option if you're looking for a well-rounded streaming platform. You can get access to live sports, popular blockbusters, news shows, comedies, dramas, family programming, and more. There's something for everyone.
