Paramount+? Yes, Please!

Paramount+ Finally Gets a Release Date

January 26, 2021

Disney+. Apple TV+. ESPN+. The march of the pluses continued this week as ViacomCBS finally announced the launch date of its new streaming service, Paramount+. Here's what we know about this service that will soon replace CBS All Access.

Streamer's Spotlight: What Is Paramount+?

ViacomCBS announced plans to phase out CBS All Access to its Paramount+ service several months ago. However, until this past week, we didn't have a release date. Now we do. On March 4, CBS All Access officially becomes Paramount+.

Is CBS All Access Going Away Completely?

Yes and no. The name CBS All Access is certainly going away for good. However, all of the content that currently exists in CBS All Access is staying put, including the well-regarded Star Trek original programs. Instead, ViacomCBS is merging the Paramount content it purchased into the CBS All Access library, and going with the much simpler service name.

What's New About Paramount+?

As far as we know so far, the biggest change will be the increase in content. CBS All Access included most CBS-owned and CBS-branded content. Once Paramount+ arrives, you'll have access to other content owned by ViacomCBS, including series from Comedy Central, BET, Nickelodeon, MTV, and the Smithsonian Channel. 

The service will also expand the live TV offering. CBS All Access had live TV, but this was primarily your local CBS station. With Paramount+, you'll get sports through CBS, CBS Sports Network, CBS Sports HQ, and ET Live.

What About the Price?

Obviously, ViacomCBS hasn't announced any price increases. But let's be realistic here: The price for Paramount+ will be higher than what the company delivered with CBS All Access. How much higher is something we can't fully guess at, but you should expect a price increase that's somewhere between $2 to $5 per month, to start.

That said, CBS All Access is currently running a huge discount deal leading up to the Paramount+ launch.

 50% off for the first year if you sign up for the annual subscription. 

 

This Week's Streaming Guide

1. Syfy's 'Resident Alien' Premieres this Wednesday

An alien on a mission to kill all humans crash lands on the planet and must pretend to be human. Watch on Syfy this Wednesday at 10 PM EST. -

2. BAFTA-Nominated Thriller 'Possession' Coming to HBO Max

A French diplomat rescues a girl accused of murder, but not all as it seems. Available on HBO Max this Thursday, January 28. -

3. Hit Novel 'The Dig' Comes to Netflix in Movie Form

As World War II unravels, a woman hires an archaeologist to dig on her property, uncovering a surprise --- and a mystery. Available this Friday, January 29.  -

4. 2021 Grammy Awards Live on CBS this Sunday

2020 was a strange year, but the new music still happened. Watch the 2021 Grammy Awards this Sunday, January 31 on CBS at 8 PM EST. 

News and Industry Developments

1. Paramount+ Release Date, Price, Shows, and More

Here's a larger breakdown of the upcoming Paramount+ service. -

2. Sling TV First Streaming Service to Offer NHL Center Ice

NHL fans now have more something additional to look forward to out of Sling TV. - 

3. Older Americans Are Increasingly Cutting the Cord

It's no longer the realm of Millennials. -

4. NBC Is Shutting Down Its Sports Network

Cord-Cutting has squeezed out its viability. -

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