What Showtime is and how to watch it

Showtime is a streaming service owned by Paramount that offers original series, films, sports, and documentaries. You can watch it as a standalone subscription through the Showtime website or app, or as an add-on channel through other platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Channels, or Roku Channel. The standalone option and the add-on option cost different amounts and give you access to the same content library.

If you subscribe directly to Showtime, you stream through the Showtime app on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV. If you add Showtime through another platform, you watch it within that platform's app instead. Both routes let you stream on multiple devices at the same time, though the number of simultaneous streams varies by subscription tier.

Key Takeaways

  • Showtime costs less as a standalone subscription than it does through most third-party platforms, and the price changes periodically.
  • You can watch the same content whether you subscribe directly or through Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Channels, or Roku Channel, but the app experience differs.
  • Showtime offers a free trial period when you first subscribe, though the length and terms depend on which platform you use.
  • Original series like Succession, Yellowjackets, and Dexter are exclusive to Showtime, along with live sports including NFL games and boxing.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time without penalty, and cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle.

Showtime subscription pricing and where to buy

Showtime's standalone subscription costs vary depending on whether you pay monthly or commit to a longer term. Monthly pricing changes periodically, so the current rate is best confirmed on Showtime's website or through the app. Annual subscriptions typically cost less per month than paying month-to-month, but require upfront payment.

When you add Showtime through a third-party platform, the cost is usually higher than the standalone price. Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Channels, and Roku Channel each set their own add-on price, and these amounts differ from one another. If cost is your main concern, compare the standalone price against the add-on price on whichever platform you already use.

Showtime frequently offers promotional pricing for new subscribers, such as a discounted first month or a free trial period. The length of the trial and the discount amount change throughout the year. Check the current offer when you sign up, since what is available today may not be available next month.

What content is on Showtime

Showtime produces original drama series that are exclusive to the service, including Succession, Yellowjackets, Dexter and its sequel Dexter: New Blood, The White Lotus, and Billions. The service also carries original comedies, documentaries, and limited series. New episodes typically release weekly during the season, though some titles release all episodes at once.

Beyond originals, Showtime carries licensed films and series from other studios, though the library of licensed content is smaller than what you would find on Netflix or Disney+. The licensed titles available change as licensing agreements expire and renew. Showtime also broadcasts live sports, including NFL games on Thursday nights, boxing matches, and other sporting events.

You can browse the full current library on Showtime's website or in the app. The content available may differ slightly depending on whether you are in the United States or another country, as licensing rights vary by region.

How many devices you can watch on at once

Showtime allows multiple simultaneous streams depending on your subscription tier. The standard tier permits a set number of devices to stream at the same time, while higher tiers may allow more. The exact number of simultaneous streams is listed on Showtime's pricing page when you choose your subscription level.

If you exceed the number of simultaneous streams allowed, the oldest stream will stop playing and you will see a message on that device. You can then start watching on a different device. This limit applies across all devices using the same account, so if a family member is watching on the TV, you cannot start a new stream on your phone until they finish.

Free trial periods and how they work

Showtime offers a free trial when you first subscribe, though the length varies. Some promotions offer a free week, while others offer a free month. The trial period is listed clearly before you enter your payment information, so you will know exactly how long you have before you are charged.

During the trial, you have full access to all content and features. Your payment method is stored but not charged until the trial ends. If you cancel before the trial period ends, you will not be charged at all. If you do not cancel, your subscription will automatically renew and you will be charged on the first day after the trial ends.

Canceling your Showtime subscription

You can cancel your Showtime subscription at any time through the app or website, and there is no penalty or early termination fee. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle, so if you cancel mid-month, you can still watch until the end of that month. You will not be refunded for the portion of the month you do not use.

If you subscribed through a third-party platform like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV Channels, you cancel the add-on through that platform's settings, not through Showtime directly. The cancellation process is similar — it takes effect at the end of your billing cycle — but the steps differ slightly depending on which platform you use.

Showtime on different devices and platforms

The Showtime app is available on iOS and Android phones and tablets, computers running Windows or Mac, and smart TVs including Samsung, LG, and Vizio models. It is also available on streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Google Chromecast. You can read episodes to watch offline on phones and tablets, though this feature is not available on all devices.

If you subscribe through Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Channels, or Roku Channel, you watch Showtime content within that platform's app rather than in a separate Showtime app. The content is the same, but the interface and navigation are controlled by the third-party platform. Some features like offline downloads may not be available through all third-party platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Showtime account with family members?

Yes, multiple people can watch on the same account as long as you do not exceed the number of simultaneous streams allowed by your tier. If you want to give someone their own account, they will need to subscribe separately. Showtime does not offer a family plan that lets you create separate profiles under one subscription.

Does Showtime have ads?

Showtime offers both ad-free and ad-supported subscription tiers. The ad-supported tier costs less but includes advertisements during shows and films. The ad-free tier costs more but has no ads. You choose which tier you want when you subscribe, and you can switch between them at any time.

Can I watch Showtime outside the United States?

Showtime is primarily available in the United States. If you are outside the US, you may not be able to subscribe or stream content. Some content may be available through other services in other countries, but this varies by region and licensing agreements.

What happens to my shows if I cancel and resubscribe later?

Your watch history and saved shows are tied to your account. If you cancel and resubscribe using the same email address, your history and saved list will be there when you return. If you use a different email address to resubscribe, you will start with a fresh account.

Does Showtime offer a student discount?

Showtime does not currently offer a dedicated student discount. However, the service periodically runs promotional offers for new subscribers that may reduce the cost of your first month or provide a longer free trial. Check the Showtime website for current promotions when you sign up.