What CNN+ is and how to watch it
CNN+ is a streaming service run by CNN that lets you watch news programming, documentaries, and original shows on demand through an app or website. You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and some smart TVs. Unlike cable, you don't need a TV provider — you pay CNN directly for access.
CNN+ shut down in April 2022, so the service no longer exists as a standalone product. If you had a subscription before the shutdown, CNN offered refunds or the option to switch to other CNN services. Today, CNN content is available through other platforms instead: CNN.com (free with ads), CNN's cable channel (through a TV provider), and CNN content bundled into other streaming services like Max (formerly HBO Max).
This guide explains what CNN+ was, how it worked, and where to find CNN content now if you're looking for a way to watch.
Key Takeaways
- CNN+ was a standalone streaming service that shut down in April 2022 after less than a year of operation.
- CNN content is now available through CNN.com for free with ads, through cable providers, or bundled into Max.
- If you had an active CNN+ subscription when it closed, CNN offered refunds or transfers to other services.
- Max includes CNN content as part of its broader entertainment library and costs between $6 and $20 per month depending on the plan.
What happened to CNN+
CNN+ launched in March 2022 as a paid streaming service with original news shows, documentaries, and exclusive interviews. The service cost $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. Within weeks of launch, CNN's parent company Warner Bros. Discovery announced it would shut down the service as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy.
The shutdown happened on April 30, 2022. CNN offered three options to people with active subscriptions: a full refund of any remaining balance, a free month of Max (the company's main streaming service), or a transfer to CNN.com Premium (a now-discontinued paid tier). Most subscribers chose the refund.
Where to watch CNN content now
CNN.com is free and available to anyone with a web browser or the CNN mobile app. You can watch breaking news, live coverage, and video clips without paying. The site includes ads. This is the most direct way to access CNN's reporting if you don't want to pay for anything.
Max (formerly HBO Max) includes CNN programming as part of its standard package. Max costs $6 per month with ads or $16 per month without ads, with a higher tier at $20 per month that includes offline downloads. You can watch CNN shows, documentaries, and live CNN feeds depending on your plan. Max is available on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.
Cable TV still carries CNN as a live channel if you have a TV provider subscription. This gives you access to live news coverage and scheduled programming. The cost depends on your cable package and provider.
How to sign up for Max if you want CNN content
Visit max.com or read the Max app from your phone's app store. Tap "Sign Up" and choose between the ad-supported plan ($6/month) or ad-free plans ($16 or $20/month). Enter your email address and payment method — Max accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.
After you complete payment, you can start watching when ready. Search for "CNN" in the app to find live feeds and on-demand shows. You can stream on up to four devices at once on most plans, though only one or two can watch simultaneously depending on which tier you choose.
If you already have a Max subscription through another service — like a phone carrier, internet provider, or employer — you may already have access to CNN content without paying extra. Check your account settings or contact your provider to confirm what's included.
Comparing ways to watch CNN
| Service | Cost | Ads | Live CNN | On-Demand Shows |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNN.com | Free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Max (with ads) | $6/month | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Max (no ads) | $16/month | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cable TV | Varies | No | Yes | Limited |
What to do if you had a CNN+ subscription
If you subscribed to CNN+ before it closed on April 30, 2022, you should have received an email from CNN explaining your options. The important date to request a refund or claim the free Max month has passed, but you can still contact CNN's support team if you believe you're owed a refund and never received one.
To reach CNN support, visit cnn.com and look for the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of the page, or call CNN's main line. Have your subscription email address and payment information ready. CNN may ask for proof of your subscription before processing any refund.
Why CNN+ closed
CNN+ had fewer than 150,000 subscribers when it shut down, far below what Warner Bros. Discovery expected. The company decided it was more cost-effective to bundle CNN content into Max — its larger streaming service with millions of subscribers — rather than maintain a separate app and marketing effort.
This reflects a broader shift in the streaming industry: many companies that launched standalone services have since folded them into larger platforms. Standalone news streaming services have struggled to attract enough paying subscribers to cover their operating costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still watch CNN live without paying?
Yes. CNN.com offers free live coverage and on-demand video clips with ads. You don't need to create an account or enter payment information. The free option is the most basic way to access CNN's reporting.
Does Max include all CNN programming?
Max includes CNN's main live feed, original documentaries, and select shows. Not every segment or interview that airs on cable CNN is available on Max. The on-demand library rotates, so some older content may not be available at all times.
Can I watch CNN on my smart TV?
Yes, if you have Max. read the Max app on your smart TV, or use a streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick. CNN.com also works on some smart TVs through a web browser, though the experience is better through the Max app.
Is there a way to watch CNN without ads?
Yes, through Max's ad-free plans ($16 or $20 per month) or through a cable TV subscription. CNN.com's free tier includes ads and cannot be upgraded to remove them.
What if I want to cancel Max after trying it?
You can cancel anytime through your Max account settings. Go to your profile, select "Account," then "Manage Subscription," and choose "Cancel Subscription." You'll lose access at the end of your current billing cycle. Max does not charge a cancellation fee.