Paramount Plus with Showtime bundle arrives soon, but you might not like the price

A bigger and better streaming bundle

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The wait is over. Paramount’s flagship streaming service has finally set a date for when it will combine with its Showtime app and there’s not long to wait. The new premium subscription bundle, which the company is calling ‘Paramount Plus with Showtime’, will be released in the US on June 27.

Alongside the news that the company has finally set a date for the merger is the announcement confirming that it will also raise its prices next month. The price of the new premium subscription bundle, which is the streaming service’s top-tier option without commercials, will increase from $9.99 to $11.99 a month or $119.99 per year. Its existing streaming ad-supported tier without Showtime will see a slightly smaller increase from $4.99 to $5.99 per month or $99.99 per year.

While news ofParamount Plus getting more expensive whether you want Showtime or notwas first reported earlier this year, the announcement is still a blow to subscribers. But when considering that its premium ad-free tier is still less than the likes ofMaxorNetflix, it is at least priced competitively.

Does this mean thatParamount Pluswill be a bigger rival to thebest streaming services? As one of the newest options out there, its content library and price point is not on par with the likes of Netflix. But it has some big hitters, and considering that Showtime’s library is set to be added, it’s becoming more and more interesting.

Not only will premium subscribers have continued access to the bestParamount Plus showsand bestParamount Plus moviesbut they will be able to watch all Showtime originals, such asDexter, Weeds, Nurse Jackie, BillionsandHouse of Liesto name a few.

Is Paramount Plus worth the money?

If you’re considering whether to upgrade or purchase the new premium service, then it’s worth considering how theParamount Plus pricecompares to rival streaming services. The new pricing plans place the service at the middle end of the streaming cost spectrum.

When considering that all of Paramount Plus’ popular shows such asCriminal MindsandYellowjacketswill also be bundled with the Showtime expansion, including all original shows and Showtime East and West Live, there’s definitely a lot of temptation to pay the extra subscription fee.

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The company’s decision to also shut down Showtime as a standalone app by the end of the year adds a layer of exclusiveness to the content that will soon be offered in the new bundle. The decision is in stark contrast to Warner Bros. Discovery, which decided to keep Discovery Plus as a separate standalone app toits new Max service(which is like an HBO Max and Discovery Plus bundle now).

Another company that is strengthening its streaming service is Disney. Last week, the company’s CEO Bob Iger confirmed during an earnings call that it would add Hulu content to its Disney Plus platform to create a “one app experience” by the end of the year. However, in the meantime, both Disney and Max have said that they areabout to remove tons of shows.

By becoming the streaming home for Showtime, Paramount Plus just got a lot bigger and better. But whether the increased cost will dent its subscription numbers is still a very big possibility, especially when considering the ever-evolving streaming landscape.

Amelia became the Senior Editor for Home Entertainment at TechRadar in the UK in April 2023. With a background of more than eight years in tech and finance publishing, she’s now leading our coverage to bring you a fresh perspective on everything to do with TV and audio. When she’s not tinkering with the latest gadgets and gizmos in the ever-evolving world of home entertainment, you’ll find her watching movies, taking pictures and travelling.

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