Is Paramount+ free with Spectrum? Everything to know

It is now official that Paramount+ will be available to Charter’s Spectrum TV Select and Mi Plan Latino packages nationwide with no additional fee, from August 22, 2024.

As per a press release published by Charter Communications on August 22, 2024, the American telecommunications and mass media company’s brand, Spectrum, would provide the ad-supported streaming version of the platform, called Paramount+ Essential, along with the aforementioned packages for no extra fee.

The deal between Charter and Paramount comes at a time when traditional cable TV operators are trying to latch on to their customer base by providing better services and lucrative offers.

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Paramount+ is free with Spectrum from August 22, 2024

Variety published a report on May 23, 2024, claiming that Charter was in talks with Paramount and BET+ in order to bring the content of the two platforms to Spectrum TV customers free of cost. Recently, the deal with Paramount was sealed officially.

Charter Communications’ press release reads:

“As part of the companies’ new multi-year distribution agreement, Spectrum video customers can immediately begin streaming over 40,000 episodes of shows and movies, including top-rated original series like “Tulsa King,” “Special Ops: Lioness,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” and “Big Brother.””

As part of the deal, live sports on CBS would also be available along with the Spectrum TV Select and Mi Plan Latino packages, through the Xumo Stream Box or any other Paramount+ supported device.

As per a report from The Hollywood Reporter on February 2, 2024, Charter, a cable giant in the USA, has been facing losses for some time. The deal to bring Paramount's streaming platform to its Spectrum customers is a move to improve the financial prospects of the company.

Similarly, in September last year, Charter struck a deal with Disney, enabling Spectrum TV customers to access Disney+ and ESPN+ for no additional charge.

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Both Charter and Paramount+ are looking for a fruitful collaboration

Both Charter and Paramount will hope that the deal between the two turns out to be mutually beneficial. Variety reported on August 22, 2024, that like Charter, Paramount Global has also been struggling with declining TV revenue. By making the content of Paramount available to Spectrum TV users, it now has the opportunity to showcase its content to a larger audience.

Tom Montemagno, executive vice president, Programming Acquisition for Charter, said in the press release:

“This partnership not only enhances the viewing experience with access to top-rated original content and live sports, but it also creates new distribution opportunities for Paramount and is a significant step towards building a healthier video ecosystem that benefits both our customers and the industry as a whole.”

Paramount echoes the sentiment. Ray Hopkins, president of U.S. Networks Distribution at Paramount, said in the press release:

“We look forward to expanding our reach and engagement with Spectrum subscribers through the addition of Paramount+ Essential for the first time, a broad household offering with something for everyone across our leading portfolio of news, sports and entertainment programming.”

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Are Paramount+ Essential and Paramount+ with SHOWTIME different?

Yes, they are different. While both contain tens of thousands of episodes and movies, SHOWTIME has some added features like more sports and live events, ad-free streaming, and the download option which can be used to watch shows and movies offline.

As of now, only Paramount+ Essential will be available to Spectrum TV users.

Here are some of the shows that Spectrum TV users will also be able to stream now thanks to the new offer:

• Mayor of Kingstown (2021-present)
• Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017)
• Evil (2019-present)
• Penny Dreadful (2014-2016)
• Yellowjackets (2021-present)
• Dexter (2006-2013)
• A Gentleman in Moscow (2024)
• Spongebob Squarepants (1999-present)