What Showtime is and who offers it

Showtime is a television network and streaming service owned by Paramount Global. You can watch it three ways: through a cable or satellite TV package that includes the Showtime channel, through the Showtime standalone app (which streams on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs), or bundled with other services like Paramount+ or Apple TV+.

The standalone Showtime app is what most people mean when they talk about "getting Showtime" today. You pay Showtime directly, create an account, and stream on any device with internet. You do not need cable TV or a cable subscription to use it.

Key Takeaways

  • Showtime costs between $5.99 and $11.99 per month depending on whether you bundle it with Paramount+ and whether you choose an ad-supported or ad-free plan.
  • You can stream Showtime on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs through the Showtime app or through Paramount+ if you bundle them together.
  • Most plans include a free trial period that lasts between 7 and 30 days, though trial length varies by how you sign up.
  • You can cancel anytime through your account settings; there is no contract or cancellation fee.
  • Showtime content is also available through cable TV packages, though those are separate subscriptions managed by your cable provider.

Showtime pricing and plan options

Showtime offers two main standalone plans. The ad-supported plan costs $5.99 per month and includes commercials during shows and movies. The ad-free plan costs $11.99 per month and has no ads. Both plans let you stream on multiple devices at the same time, though the exact number varies — check the plan details when you sign up.

If you already subscribe to Paramount+ (Paramount's main streaming service), you can add Showtime to your Paramount+ account for $5.99 per month instead of paying for Showtime separately. This bundled option is cheaper than the standalone Showtime ad-free plan and gives you access to both services' content in one app. Paramount+ itself costs $5.99 (with ads) or $11.99 (without ads) per month, so bundling Showtime with Paramount+ ad-free would cost $17.98 total.

Prices and plan structures change periodically. Check the Showtime website or app for current pricing before you sign up.

How to sign up for Showtime

To sign up for the standalone Showtime app, visit the Showtime website or read the Showtime app from your device's app store (Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore, or Roku Channel). You will need to create an account with an email address and password, then choose your plan and enter a payment method.

Most new subscriptions include a free trial. The trial length depends on how you sign up — it may be 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, or longer. The trial period is stated clearly before you confirm your payment method. Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the trial unless you cancel before the trial ends.

If you want to add Showtime to an existing Paramount+ subscription, log into your Paramount+ account, go to your account settings or subscription page, and select the option to add Showtime. You will be charged the add-on fee starting when ready (or at your next billing date, depending on your plan).

What content is included

Showtime's library includes original series (such as dramas and comedies produced by Showtime), licensed TV shows from other networks, movies, documentaries, and sports programming. The exact titles available change as Showtime adds and removes content. You can browse the full library within the app to see what is currently available.

Some Showtime content is exclusive to the streaming service, while other shows and movies are available on multiple platforms. If you are looking for a specific title, search for it in the Showtime app or on the Showtime website to confirm it is included before you sign up.

How to cancel your subscription

You can cancel your Showtime subscription anytime through your account settings in the Showtime app or on the Showtime website. Log in, go to your account or subscription settings, and select the option to cancel. You will not be charged again after you cancel, though you will lose access to Showtime content when ready (or at the end of your current billing period, depending on Showtime's current policy).

If you added Showtime to Paramount+, you can remove it the same way — through your Paramount+ account settings. Removing Showtime will not cancel your Paramount+ subscription; you will keep access to Paramount+ content.

There is no cancellation fee, no penalty for canceling early, and no contract. You can resubscribe anytime.

Showtime through cable TV

If you have a cable or satellite TV subscription (from a provider like Comcast, Charter, DirecTV, or others), you may be able to add the Showtime channel to your TV package. This is a separate product from the Showtime streaming app. You would contact your cable provider to add it, pay them the monthly fee, and watch it on your TV through the cable box.

Some cable providers also let you stream Showtime content on other devices if you log in with your cable account credentials. Check with your provider about what streaming options come with your TV package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need cable TV to watch Showtime?

No. The Showtime streaming app works on its own with just an internet connection. You do not need a cable subscription. If you already have cable TV that includes Showtime, you can use that instead, but it is not required.

Can I watch Showtime on more than one device at the same time?

Yes, but the number of simultaneous streams depends on your plan. Both the ad-supported and ad-free plans allow multiple streams, though the exact limit varies. Check your plan details in the app or on the Showtime website for the specific number.

What happens to my subscription if I don't cancel before the free trial ends?

Your subscription will automatically renew and you will be charged the monthly price for your plan. To avoid being charged, you must cancel before your trial period ends. You can cancel anytime through your account settings.

Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling?

Showtime does not offer a pause or freeze option. You can only cancel or keep your subscription active. If you want to stop paying temporarily, you will need to cancel and then resubscribe later.

Is Showtime the same as Paramount+?

No, they are separate services with different content libraries. Paramount+ focuses on movies and shows from the Paramount film studio and CBS television network. Showtime is a premium cable network with its own original series and content. You can subscribe to either one separately, or bundle them together at a discounted price.