Paramount+ Review 2025: Is It Worth Your Subscription Money?

Nearly every major media company has a streaming service, Paramount+ is still carving out its space in the competitive landscape. Originally launched as CBS All Access and rebranded in 2021, Paramount+ has come a long way—offering an extensive library of shows, blockbuster movies, exclusive originals, live sports, and news content. But in 2025, with price hikes across the board and more competition than ever, many are asking: is Paramount+ worth the subscription fee?

In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down what Paramount+ offers, its pricing tiers, strengths, limitations, and whether it truly delivers value for your money in 2025.

What Is Paramount+?

Paramount+ is a streaming platform owned by Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS). The service aggregates content from a wide range of channels and brands under the Paramount umbrella, including:

• CBS

• SHOWTIME (available in the premium bundle)

• MTV

• BET

• Nickelodeon

• Comedy Central

• Paramount Pictures

This broad base of content means Paramount+ appeals to a variety of audiences—from families and sports fans to movie buffs and sci-fi lovers.

Pricing and Plans (2025 Update)

Paramount+ currently offers two main subscription plans:

1. Essential Plan – $5.99/month

• Ad-supported

• No access to your local CBS live station

• Access to on-demand library (TV, movies, originals)

• Includes live NFL and UEFA Champions League games

2. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME – $11.99/month

• Ad-free streaming (except live content)

• Includes SHOWTIME original series and movies

• Access to local CBS live station

• More content, early access to select shows

Annual subscriptions are also available at a discounted rate for both plans.

Free Trial: Paramount+ offers a 7-day free trial, allowing you to explore the platform before committing.

Content Library: A Diverse but Niche Selection

Paramount+’s content library is a strong mix of nostalgia, original series, and trending new releases. Here’s what stands out:

✅ Original Series

Paramount+ has stepped up its original content game in 2025. Some of the top-performing originals include:

• Halo (sci-fi adaptation of the iconic video game)

• 1923 and 1883 (Yellowstone prequels)

• Tulsa King (starring Sylvester Stallone)

• Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Picard, and Discovery

Movies

Thanks to Paramount Pictures, users get early access to theatrical releases just weeks after they premiere in cinemas. Recent hits like Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two and A Quiet Place: Day One are examples of exclusive draws.

Classic and Network TV

Fans of CBS programming can enjoy full back-catalogs of:

• NCIS

• CSI

• The Good Wife

• Survivor

• The Amazing Race

Nickelodeon content is also a huge plus for families, offering SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and more.

⚽ Sports and Live Content

One of Paramount+’s standout features is its sports offering. With the Essential plan, you get access to:

• NFL on CBS

• UEFA Champions League & Europa League

• NCAA college basketball

• PGA Tour

If you opt for the premium SHOWTIME plan, you also get live access to your local CBS station, making Paramount+ an attractive hybrid between on-demand and live TV.

News and Local Channels

Paramount+ includes CBS News 24/7, offering a continuous stream of national news. The SHOWTIME plan includes access to your local CBS station, which is a major plus for users who want live local news, sports, and events.

Device Compatibility

Paramount+ works on all major devices:

• Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio)

• Streaming Devices (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV)

• Game Consoles (Xbox, PlayStation)

• Mobile (iOS and Android apps)

• Web Browsers

The platform supports offline downloads (premium tier only), multiple profiles, and parental controls.

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

• Affordable pricing compared to Netflix or HBO Max

• Expanding catalog of high-quality original shows

• Includes live sports and news

• Great family-friendly options (Nickelodeon, CBS)

• Integration with SHOWTIME adds massive value

❌ Cons

• UI/UX still feels a bit clunky compared to Disney+ or Netflix

• Lacks the massive global content libraries of its competitors

• Ads in the Essential plan can be disruptive

• International catalog is more limited

• Not all movies debut on the platform immediately after release

How It Compares to Competitors

Final Verdict: Is Paramount+ Worth It in 2025?

If you’re a fan of CBS content, live sports, or the growing collection of Star Trek, Taylor Sheridan’s universe, or Nickelodeon classics, Paramount+ is absolutely worth the investment—especially the SHOWTIME bundle.

However, if your tastes lean heavily toward international TV, documentaries, or prestige global films, services like Netflix, Max (formerly HBO Max), or even Apple TV+ might be a better fit.