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Why Did Paramount Plus Ditch the SHOWTIME Name for Premium?
Paramount just made a big change to their streaming service. They renamed "Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME" to "Paramount Plus Premium." I want to help you understand what this means for you as a viewer.
What Changed and What Stayed the Same
The name is different, but your wallet won't feel it. The price stays exactly the same - $12.99 per month or $119.99 per year. You still get all the SHOWTIME shows and movies with minimal ads. Nothing about your viewing experience changes.
I think this move makes sense from a business standpoint. Paramount explained they made this change because they now offer some SHOWTIME content on their cheaper Essential plan too. The new name "Premium" better describes what you get across both tiers.
Why This Happened Now
This timing isn't random. Warner Bros. Discovery recently rebranded HBO Max, and now Paramount is following suit. It's like when one company changes their logo and suddenly everyone else does too. The streaming world is competitive, and companies want cleaner, simpler names.
I see this as part of a bigger trend. Streaming services are trying to make their offerings less confusing. "Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME" was a mouthful. "Paramount Plus Premium" rolls off the tongue easier.
What You Need to Know as a Subscriber
Here's what matters to you:
- Your monthly bill stays the same
- All your favorite SHOWTIME shows remain available
- The app looks and works exactly like before
- You might still see the old name on cable and satellite services for a while
The company was clear about keeping SHOWTIME content prominent on the service. They're not removing anything - just changing the label on the package.
My Take on This Decision
I have mixed feelings about dropping the SHOWTIME name. That brand carries weight. When people heard "SHOWTIME," they knew they were getting premium content like "Dexter" and "Billions." The name itself was a selling point.
But I understand why they did it. Having SHOWTIME content on multiple tiers made the old name confusing. If you're paying for "Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME" but Essential subscribers also get some SHOWTIME shows, what makes your plan special?
The new name is cleaner and more flexible. It lets Paramount add or remove content without the name becoming misleading.
What This Means for the Streaming Wars
This change shows how competitive streaming has become. Companies are constantly tweaking their strategies to stand out. Paramount's latest revenue of $29.21 billion shows they're still a major player, but they need to keep evolving.
I think we'll see more changes like this. Streaming services will keep simplifying their names and offerings. It's easier to market "Premium" than to explain a complex bundle name.
Should You Care About This Change?
Honestly? Not really. Your viewing experience stays identical. You're getting the same content for the same price. The only difference is what appears on your credit card statement.
If you were thinking about subscribing, this might actually make the decision easier. "Premium" clearly signals you're getting the top-tier experience without needing to understand what SHOWTIME brings to the table.
Looking Forward
I expect Paramount will use this rebrand to add more premium content over time. The flexible name gives them room to grow without another awkward renaming situation.
For now, enjoy your shows and don't worry about the name change. Your entertainment stays the same, just with a cleaner label.