Paramount+ offers an extensive range of original shows and live sports, all available at an affordable price point. Well, in this comprehensive Paramount+ review, we untangle the world of Paramount+ to uncover its strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between. Take a look.
Introduction
Streaming services have become an integral part of our entertainment, and Paramount+ is a name that consistently surfaces in conversations about top-tier streaming platforms.
It is formerly known as CBS All Access, Paramount+ has transformed, rebranding itself as “Paramount Global” to signal its significance in the competitive streaming market. But the most important question is what exactly does Paramount+ bring to the table, and how does it stack up against its rivals? Well, to know that let’s dive into the Paramount+ review.
Content Library
At the heart of any streaming service is its content library, and Paramount+ doesn’t disappoint in that. It boasts a vast collection of on-demand content that covers a wide variety of genres. The secret to its diverse content catalog lies in its ownership of various channels, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Smithsonian Channel. These channels contribute to an eclectic mix of shows, originals, and movies that cater to a wide range of tastes.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Content Library | Extensive on-demand content from genres, sourced from channels like BET, CBS, Comedy Central, etc. |
| Premium Content | Access to Showtime’s lineup, with special features like local CBS streams, and 4K streaming for premium subscribers. |
| Offline Downloads | Available on mobile devices for premium subscribers. |
| Diverse Catalog | Eclectic mix of shows, originals, and movies catering to a wide range of tastes. |
One of Paramount+’s standout features is its commitment to offering premium content. This includes granting access to Showtime’s exceptional lineup, a coveted perk for subscribers. Also, learn more about streaming service subscription costs and how the top streaming platforms stack up against each other.
However, it’s important to note that some of the platform’s best features, such as local CBS channel streams, 4K streaming, and offline downloads on mobile devices, are reserved for premium subscribers.
Here are some of the most highly-rated TV shows on Paramount+:
- Penny Dreadful: 1883
- Billions
- Dexter
- Escape at Dannemora
- George & Tammy
- The Good Fight
- Evil
- Yellowstone (and its four spin-offs)
- Homeland
- Jericho
- Star Trek: Discovery
- Star Trek: Prodigy
- Star Trek: Lower Decks
- Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
- Star Trek: Picard
- Ink Master
- Frasier
- The Legend of Korra
- The Offer
- Halo
Original Content
Original content has become the hallmark of a successful streaming service, and Paramount+ is no exception. The platform has invested heavily in creating a captivating lineup of original dramas and series that can rival those of its competitors.
Notable entries in this category include a 10-episode Criminal Minds series, Flashdance (based on the 1983 TV series), Halo (an action series based on the popular game franchise), Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (following Christopher Pike’s tenure as captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise), and The Man Who Fell to Earth (set in the same world as the 1976 film and 1963 novel of the same name).
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Original Content | Notable series: Criminal Minds, Flashdance, Halo, Star Trek, and others. |
| Exclusive Series | New/exclusive series: Frasier reboot, Guilty Party, The Game reboot, etc. |
| Upcoming Features | Movies from franchises like Beavis and Butt-Head, Workaholics. |
| Engagement Strategy | Investing in originals and exclusives to entice and retain subscribers. |
Paramount+ also introduced some new and exclusive series to entice new subscribers. These offerings include a Frasier reboot, Guilty Party (starring Kate Beckinsale as a journalist accused of murdering her husband), a reboot of the BET series The Game, and The Weekly Show with Trevor Noah (Working Title). Moreover, the platform even plans to feature movies from beloved franchises like Beavis, Butt-Head, and Workaholics.
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Movies and Documentaries
While Paramount+ may not have been initially known for its movie offerings, it has been steadily expanding its movie library. With over 2,500 titles and counting, the platform is making a strong push to compete with dedicated movie streaming services.
Paramount Pictures, a subsidiary of Paramount Global, lends considerable weight to the movie library. It’s up against major players in the industry like Max and Disney+ and many more.
Other than that, Paramount+’s documentary selection is also worth noting, with titles like:
- “76 Days” exploring the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic
- “Console Wars” delving into the Sega and Nintendo rivalry
- “For Heaven’s Sake” offers a blend of comedy and drama based on the disappearance of Harold Heaven
- “Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In” biopic about the well-known former manager of Manchester United FC.
The platform covers a wide array of genres, including nature, history, and politics, ensuring there’s something for every documentary enthusiast.
Sports and Live TV
For people who are sports lovers, they have a reason to celebrate with Paramount+. The platform offers an amazing and diverse lineup of sports events, making it a budget-friendly option for sports fans.
Moreover, its coverage includes NFL games, PGA Tour events, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, and extensive soccer coverage featuring leagues like Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Concacaf, Liga Profesional de Fútbol, National Women’s Soccer League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Europa Conference League. CBS Sports HQ is also part of the package, providing round-the-clock sports news and analysis.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Sports Coverage | NFL, PGA Tour, NCAA Men’s Basketball, Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Concacaf, Liga Profesional de Fútbol, National Women’s Soccer League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, etc. |
| Comparison with Competitors | More varied sports coverage compared to Peacock, Prime Video, and ESPN+. |
| Local CBS Broadcasts | Included for premium subscribers. |
| 24-hour News Service (CBSN) | Available to all subscribers for continuous news coverage. |
| Round-the-clock Sports News | Provided through CBS Sports HQ. |
Another important thing about Paramount+ is that it stands out when compared to competitors like Peacock, which primarily focuses on Premier League matches, IndyCar coverage, and WWE PPV events. Prime Video and ESPN+ offer select sports coverage but cater to different niches. For comprehensive coverage of national sports leagues, live TV streaming services like Fubo and YouTube TV may be more suitable.
Another advantage of Paramount+ is its inclusion of local CBS broadcast station feeds for premium subscribers. This means that subscribers can watch prime-time shows and CBS network series as they air. All subscribers also have access to the 24-hour CBSN service for continuous news coverage.
Pricing and Subscription Tiers
One of the key factors in choosing a streaming service is pricing, and Paramount+ offers a compelling range of options. You can discover more about Paramount Plus pricing, shows, and free trial.
The service begins at just $5.99 per month for an ad-supported version, making it an attractive choice for those on a budget. For $59.99 per year, you can enjoy the same benefits while saving on your subscription. However, it’s important to note that this tier does not include access to local CBS stations.
| Parameter | Ad-Supported Tier | Premium Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $5.99 | $11.99 |
| Annual Cost | $59.99 | $119 |
| Local CBS Access | No | Yes |
| Ad-Free On-Demand | No | Yes |
| Showtime Library | No | Yes |
| Free Trial Period | 30 Days | 30 Days |
Premium subscribers, on the other hand, pay $11.99 per month or $119 per year. This tier eliminates ads for on-demand shows and unlocks all the higher-end streaming features.
One of the standout features of this premium tier is the inclusion of Showtime’s library within the same Paramount+ app, offering exceptional value for fans of premium content. Paramount plans to discontinue the standalone Showtime app by the end of 2023.
Paramount+ also offers a thirty-day trial, a rare find in the streaming landscape, where many services have phased out trial periods. This gives potential subscribers an opportunity to explore the platform and determine if it aligns with their preferences.
Accessibility and User Experience
A streaming service’s user experience plays a pivotal role in its overall appeal, and Paramount+ excels in this matter. The web interface mirrors that of its predecessor, CBS All Access, with a sleek and user-friendly design. Besides that, account settings are easily accessible via the profile icon in the upper-right corner.
- Inclusive Design: Paramount+ champions inclusivity with features like:
- Subtitles
- Audio descriptions
- Multiple language options
- User interface customization options
Navigation within the platform is intuitive, offering a range of options for browsing content. The main screen features a large slideshow of featured programming, along with horizontally scrolling sections for trending shows, recently added shows, trending movies, originals, and more. Users can also create a watchlist called “My List” to keep track of shows and movies they intend to watch.
When you find a show or movie you want to watch later, just click the + icon and then go to “My List” on the homepage to start streaming.
For more focused browsing, Paramount+ provides top menu sections for shows, movies, live TV, brands, and news. The shows and movies sections are further organized by genre, making it simple for users to find content that aligns with their interests. The platform also highlights what’s currently popular and offers a comprehensive list of content alphabetically.
A show’s detail page is informative, providing a description, a list of available episodes, links to related shows, and even short biographies of cast members. However, it’s worth noting that Paramount+ does not currently support user reviews or ratings, a feature present in some competing platforms.
Privacy and Security
In an era of heightened digital privacy concerns, Paramount+ takes measures to protect user data. While detailed information on their privacy and security practices can be found in their privacy policy, Paramount+ adheres to industry standards to safeguard user information.
- Paramount+ collects user data during various interactions including sign-ups, purchases, content sharing, market research participation, and customer service contact.
- The collected data serves multiple purposes like service provision and improvement, personalized content and ads, user communication, market analysis, security maintenance, legal compliance, and rights defense.
- Data sharing with third parties occurs under specific circumstances such as with service providers, business partners, advertisers, analytics firms, law enforcement, or as legally required or consented to by users.
- Users have control over their data with options to access, update, delete, or download it, opt out of certain data practices, and exercise legal data protection rights like CCPA or GDPR through account settings or customer service. For complete details about Paramount+’s privacy policy regarding user data, click here.
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Device Compatibility
| Device Type | Supported Devices |
|---|---|
| Web Access | Yes |
| Mobile Apps | Android, iOS |
| Media Streaming | Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku |
| Gaming Consoles | Xbox, PlayStation 4, (Upcoming: PlayStation 5) |
| Smart TVs | LG, Samsung, Vizio |
Paramount+ offers extensive device compatibility and makes sure that subscribers can access their favorite content on various platforms. This includes web access, mobile apps for Android and iOS, media streaming devices (Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku), gaming consoles (Xbox and PlayStation 4), and smart TVs (LG, Samsung, and Vizio). The platform’s commitment to accessibility even extends to future support for the PlayStation 5 console.
Conclusion
Paramount+’s extensive content library, commitment to original programming, competitive pricing, and user-friendly interface make it a compelling choice for subscribers seeking a well-rounded streaming experience. The inclusion of Showtime’s library in the premium tier further enhances its value.
However, it’s important to note that some of the platform’s best features, such as local CBS channel streams, 4K streaming, and offline downloads on mobile devices, are reserved for premium subscribers. Explore common issues, like slower internet at night, and how you can improve your speed. Additionally, while its movie library is growing, it faces stiff competition from dedicated movie streaming services.
Ultimately, whether Paramount+ is the right choice for you depends on your entertainment preferences and priorities. If a broad range of content, live sports, and original programming align with your interests, Paramount+ is certainly worth considering as your go-to streaming platform. With a free thirty-day trial offer, you have the opportunity to explore its offerings firsthand and make an informed decision.
User Reviews
- “Varied content and an impressive array of originals. The user interface is a breeze!” – Sam T.
- “Value for money, especially with the sports content.” – Jordan P.
- “Excited about the global content rollout!” – Aria L.
