Paramount+: Price, Launch Date, Original Content, And More

A new streaming service launches later this week. Well, it's kind of new at least. Paramount+ is replacing CBS All Access on March 4. The rebranding isn't just about changing the name, though. Paramount+ will feature far more content--including notable original shows and movies--than CBS All Access, which hasn't had much noteworthy content outside of new Star Trek shows. The expanded service will look to compete with big streaming names such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+. We've rounded up all of the details you need to know about Paramount+ ahead of its launch later this week.

How much does Paramount+ cost?

There's a pretty great deal available on Paramount+ before its official launch. If you subscribe to a yearly plan before March 4, you can save 50% on your subscription. The ad-free plan drops to $50, while the ad-supported plan is only $30.

Starting March 4, you'll be able to purchase a monthly ad-free plan for $10. It's important to note that the ad-free plan will still have ads for live TV streams. ViacomCBS also says that "a few shows include brief promotional interruptions to keep you in the loop on new and upcoming Paramount+ programming."

The Paramount+ with ads plan won't be available to purchase until June, but it will go for $5 per month, a buck less than the current CBS All Access ad-supported plan.

Subscription differences

While the main difference between the two plans is the ads or lack thereof, there is one other notable aspect that will only be available for ad-free subscribers: local CBS stations. Those subscribed to the ads supported plan won't be able to stream their local CBS affiliates. This is noteworthy because it will black out local news and sporting events that aren't being broadcast nationally.

Current CBS All Access ad-supported subscribers will still be able to stream local station content as long as they don't cancel their plan.

Paramount+ is CBS All Access with more content

All of the content currently available on CBS All Access will be included with a Paramount+ subscription. But ViacomCBS is looking to grow the library exponentially, adding a ton of new original shows and a bigger back catalog of movies.

Original content

Whereas CBS All Access relied largely on Star Trek and other shows that didn't exactly move the needle, Paramount+ will have a stable of intriguing original content over the next two years. It was recently announced that the upcoming Halo TV show will be available exclusively on Paramount+, moving from Showtime. New animated series in the Avatar: The Last Airbender and SpongeBob SquarePants universes are on the horizon, with the latter's Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years debuting on March 4.

ViacomCBS has said that more than 50 original series will be available on Paramount+ within two years, including new seasons of Frasier, Criminal Minds, and iCarly.

Paramount+ will stream new movies

Paramount+ will have a movie library exceeding 2,500 titles, though it's unclear when that number will be reached. Additionally, select Paramount Pictures movies will be available to stream on the service 45 days after their theatrical releases. Most notably, A Quiet Place Part II and Mission: Impossible 7 will be included in the program, both of which release later this year. The new SpongeBob movie, Sponge on the Run, will also be available on the streaming service on March 4, and a new Beavis and Butt-Head movie was recently announced for Paramount+ as well.

Live sports

One of the draws of CBS All Access was live sports. CBS is one of the biggest sports networks around, with programming across the NFL, PGA Tour, and collegiate sports such as basketball and football. Paramount+ subscribers will have access to all nationally televised CBS sporting events, and ad-free subscribers will also get local sporting events.