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Paramount+ is the best single place to start for many shows and movies associated with CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, Paramount Pictures, and other Paramount brands. But it is not a guarantee that every title, season, or live channel is available. For a specific program, search the service’s current catalog before subscribing; availability depends on the title, rights, plan, date, and country.
Which service should you use?
Choose based on whether you want an on-demand episode, a live channel, or a free option. These are different kinds of access: a selection of episodes on a streaming service is not the same as a full linear TV channel.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Paramount+ eGift Card | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Paramount+ $25 eGift Card - Standard | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Paramount+ eGift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Fandango Gift Cards, Multipack of 3 - $15 | $45.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Barnes and Noble Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| Your goal | Where to start | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Watch a current CBS show after it airs | Paramount+ Essential or Premium | New CBS episodes are generally available on demand the day after broadcast; a particular show may differ. Paramount’s CBS guide |
| Watch your local CBS station live | Paramount+ Premium, where available | Local live CBS access is a Premium feature, but local availability and affiliate programming can vary. Paramount’s CBS guide |
| Watch MTV programming | A participating TV provider, or select episodes on Paramount+ or Pluto TV | The streaming options offer select episodes, not a promise of the entire MTV channel. MTV’s viewing guide |
| Watch Paramount Network programming | A participating TV provider, or select episodes on Paramount+ or Pluto TV | Check whether the exact series and season are available. Paramount Network’s viewing guide |
| Look for a no-subscription option | Search Pluto TV for the specific show | Pluto TV is described by Paramount as free, but availability of a particular episode is not guaranteed. Pluto TV support |
Where to watch CBS shows
For current CBS shows, Paramount+ is the direct subscription option covered by Paramount’s guide. It says new episodes are generally available on demand the day after their CBS broadcast on both Essential and Premium. That timing is not a guarantee for every program, so check the show’s listing if you need a particular episode.
On-demand episodes versus live CBS
On-demand viewing and live local CBS are separate features. The local live station is included with Premium where available; Essential does not include that live local station. Paramount+ also does not replace every function or every piece of programming offered by each local CBS affiliate.
#1 Best Overall
- Watch over 40,000 full episodes on demand from hit series like Survivor, NCIS, Big Brother and more
- Get hooked on subscriber-only originals
- Make every night a movie night with blockbuster hits and fan-favorite films
- To Redeem: Go to paramountplus.com/redeem
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
For live sports, Paramount says NFL on CBS games may stream on either plan in the viewer’s local CBS market. That is a market-dependent exception, not evidence that all live CBS programming is included on both plans. Check the event listing and local availability. See Paramount’s CBS guide.
Paramount+ prices and what they mean
Paramount’s US guide, updated October 1, 2026, listed Essential at $8.99 per month and Premium at $13.99 per month. These are dated US prices, not a promise of current pricing elsewhere or a permanent rate; verify the plan and price before subscribing. Essential is ad-supported. Premium adds the local live CBS station where available, downloads, and mostly ad-free on-demand viewing, though live TV still includes ads. Plan details from Paramount.
Rank #2
- Watch over 40,000 full episodes on demand from hit series like Survivor, NCIS, Big Brother and more
- Get hooked on subscriber-only originals
- Make every night a movie night with blockbuster hits and fan-favorite films
- To Redeem: Go to paramountplus.com/redeem
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
Where to watch Nickelodeon shows
Paramount identifies Nickelodeon among the brands represented on Paramount+, and its US signup page promotes Nickelodeon programming as part of the service’s selection. That makes Paramount+ a sensible first place to search for a Nickelodeon show, but the brand-level description does not establish that every series, episode, or season is currently there. Check the title itself before choosing a plan. Paramount+ brand information · Paramount+ US signup page.
Where to watch MTV and Paramount Network shows
MTV and Paramount Network both distinguish TV-provider access from streaming selections. Their official viewing pages direct viewers to participating TV providers for channel access and say select episodes are available through Paramount+ or Pluto TV. Neither page promises that either streaming service carries the full linear channel.
Rank #3
- Watch over 40,000 full episodes on demand from hit series like Survivor, NCIS, Big Brother and more
- Get hooked on subscriber-only originals
- Make every night a movie night with blockbuster hits and fan-favorite films
- To Redeem: Go to paramountplus.com/redeem
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
- MTV: Use a participating TV provider for provider-based access, or check Paramount+ and Pluto TV for select episodes. MTV’s viewing guide.
- Paramount Network: Use a participating TV provider, or check Paramount+ and Pluto TV for select episodes. Paramount Network’s viewing guide.
Is Pluto TV free?
Paramount describes Pluto TV as a free streaming service. That can make it worth checking if you want to watch without a paid Paramount+ subscription, but the MTV and Paramount Network viewing pages refer only to select episodes on Pluto TV. Search for the specific show and episode rather than assuming the service has the complete catalog or a live feed of either channel. Pluto TV support.
Do you need cable, and what devices can you use?
A cable subscription is not required to subscribe to Paramount+. Paramount’s CBS guide lists smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, mobile devices, PlayStation, Xbox, and web browsers as supported options. A supported device and an active subscription are still needed for Paramount+ content; a streaming player is optional if your TV or another device already supports the service. Supported devices and access details.
Rank #4
- Redemption: Online
- Available for use at your favorite theater, thousands of theaters nationwide via Fandango’s network. Pick your showtime, seat and movie of choice.
- Earn double the reward points – when using Fandango, you can earn VIP reward points for discounts and towards free movie tickets PLUS earn points on with your favorite theater (AMC Stubs, Cinemark Movie Rewards, Regal Crown Club, etc.)
- Perfect gift for the movie enthusiast, holidays, birthdays or just to say thanks!
- Card is redeemable only for purchase of movie tickets and associated convenience fees or purchase or rental of content on Fandango and participating Fandango apps.
Paramount+ is also distinct from CBS.com or the CBS app used with a participating TV-provider login. If you are trying to watch a local affiliate’s full offering, check that provider’s access options rather than assuming a Paramount+ subscription duplicates them.
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Check a title before choosing a service
- Search for the exact show or movie in the service’s current catalog, including the season or episode you need.
- Decide whether you need on-demand viewing or a live channel. A listing for episodes does not establish live channel access.
- For CBS, confirm whether the episode is on demand, whether you need the live local station, and whether the relevant feature is available in your location.
- For MTV or Paramount Network, distinguish participating TV-provider access from select episodes on Paramount+ or Pluto TV.
- Confirm the service’s current plan, price, and geographic availability before subscribing.
Paramount describes Paramount+ as a subscription streaming service with content associated with CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, BET, and Smithsonian Channel. Premium also includes SHOWTIME content, while all subscribers can access CBS News Network and CBS Sports HQ. These are descriptions of brand and service scope, not guarantees that a particular program or film remains in the catalog. Paramount’s brand page.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Barnes & Noble Gift Cards can be used at any Barnes & Noble store nationwide and at BN.com
- They can also be used at any Barnes & Noble College location
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
- Redemption: Instore and Online
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
