No, Paramount and Paramount Plus are not the same; they represent distinct aspects of the entertainment conglomerate.
Understanding the Difference: Paramount vs. Paramount Plus
While both carry the "Paramount" name, they serve different functions in how content is delivered and accessed. The primary distinction lies in one being a dedicated streaming service and the other typically referring to a traditional television channel or the broader parent company.
What is Paramount Plus?
Paramount+ is an on-demand streaming service that provides a wide array of content, including original series, movies, live sports, and news programming.
- Service Type: It operates as a subscription-based streaming platform, allowing users to watch content at their convenience.
- Availability: Paramount+ is accessible on most modern devices, such as Apple, Android, Samsung, Roku, and Chromecast, among others.
- History: It was formerly known as CBS All Access before its extensive rebranding to Paramount+ to consolidate various streaming assets.
- Content Model: Subscribers pay a recurring fee to gain access to its exclusive content, extensive library from Paramount's brands, and live streams of local CBS stations. It is not a TV channel and is not included with cable or Internet TV services that typically feature Paramount Network.
What is "Paramount"?
When people refer to "Paramount" in the context of content viewing, they are most often thinking of the Paramount Network or the overarching Paramount Global company.
- Paramount Network: This is a traditional linear television channel, typically bundled as part of a cable, satellite, or live TV streaming package. It broadcasts a scheduled lineup of shows and movies. Unlike Paramount+, Paramount Network airs content at specific times.
- Paramount Global: This is the parent media conglomerate that owns a vast portfolio of brands, including Paramount Pictures (the film studio), CBS, MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and both the Paramount Network channel and the Paramount+ streaming service.
Key Differences Summarized
Here's a concise breakdown of the primary distinctions between the two:
| Feature | Paramount Plus | Paramount Network (or "Paramount") |
|---|---|---|
| Service Type | On-demand streaming service | Traditional linear cable/satellite TV channel (or parent company) |
| Access Model | Subscription-based (monthly/annual fee) | Included with cable, satellite, or live TV packages |
| Content Delivery | Stream content anytime, anywhere | Watch content on a scheduled broadcast |
| Availability | Dedicated app on various devices (smart TVs, phones, tablets) | Requires a TV provider subscription; accessed via TV set or provider's app |
| Former Name | CBS All Access | N/A (though the channel was previously Spike TV) |
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for knowing how to access specific shows or movies, as content availability can differ between the streaming platform and the traditional linear channel.
