In a bold move echoing recent industry shifts, Paramount+ pulls an HBO Max and re-rebrands its ad-free plan, transitioning from “Paramount+ with Showtime” to the streamlined “Paramount+ Premium” as of June 24, 2025. This change aims to simplify the platform’s identity while maintaining its robust content offerings. The rebrand, which mirrors HBO Max’s return to its original name, reflects Paramount+’s response to evolving consumer preferences in the streaming wars. With no changes to pricing or content, this strategic pivot focuses on clarity and brand cohesion. Let’s unpack what this Paramount+ Showtime rebrand means for subscribers and the streaming landscape.
Why Paramount+ Dropped the Showtime Name
The “Paramount+ with Showtime” label, introduced in January 2023, highlighted the integration of Showtime’s premium content into the ad-free tier. However, the name felt clunky and confusing, especially after Paramount+ added select Showtime titles to its ad-supported Essential plan. The rebrand to “Paramount+ Premium” clarifies the distinction between tiers while aligning with a trend toward simpler branding. This move follows HBO Max’s decision to revert its name after the “Max” rebrand faltered. Paramount+’s leadership noted that the change reflects the platform’s evolution into a standalone streaming giant, untethered from cable-era associations.
The linear cable channel, still called “Paramount+ with Showtime,” remains unchanged, ensuring no overlap with the streaming service’s new branding. This separation helps Paramount+ carve out a distinct digital identity while leveraging its rich content library.
Key Points of the Paramount Plus Showtime Rebrand: Ad-Free Plan Revamped Rebrand
- Name Reversion: The ad-free plan is now “Paramount+ Premium,” dropping the “Showtime” tag for simplicity.
- Content Continuity: Both Premium and Essential plans retain access to Showtime content, with the ad-free tier offering the full catalog.
- Pricing Stability: The Premium plan stays at $13/month or $120/year, and the Essential plan remains $8/month or $60/year.
- Cable Channel Unaffected: The “Paramount+ with Showtime” cable network keeps its name, avoiding confusion.
- Rollout Date: The rebrand began on June 24, 2025, across all platforms.
Navigating a Competitive Streaming Market
Paramount+ pulls an HBO Max and re-rebrands its ad-free plan at a time when streaming services face intense competition. With giants like Netflix and Disney+ dominating, clarity in branding is crucial. The Paramount+ Showtime rebrand signals a shift away from legacy cable ties, positioning the platform as a modern, user-focused service. By simplifying its premium tier’s name, Paramount+ aims to attract and retain subscribers who value straightforward offerings.
This move comes amid Paramount Global’s broader challenges, including a pending Skydance Media merger and recent layoffs of 3.5% of its U.S. workforce. While these factors don’t directly impact the rebrand, they underscore the need for strategic agility. The Paramount+ Showtime rebrand reflects a focus on strengthening the platform’s market position without altering its core value proposition.
What Subscribers Can Expect
For Paramount+ users, the rebrand changes little beyond the name. The Premium plan continues to offer ad-free streaming, the entire Showtime library, live CBS feeds, and enhanced sports content. The Essential plan, with ads, includes a curated selection of Showtime titles. Pricing remains unchanged, ensuring subscribers face no surprises. This stability is a smart move in a market where price hikes can drive churn.
The rebrand also highlights Paramount+’s confidence in its content. Hits like The Chi and upcoming releases such as Dexter: Resurrection (premiering July 11, 2025) keep the platform competitive. By maintaining access to Showtime’s acclaimed series, Paramount+ ensures its Premium tier remains a compelling choice for viewers seeking quality drama and live programming.
The Bigger Picture: Branding in the Streaming Era
The Paramount+ Showtime rebrand underscores a broader industry trend: simplicity wins. As streaming fatigue grows, platforms must make their offerings easy to understand. Paramount+’s decision to revert to “Premium” mirrors HBO Max’s backtrack, suggesting that legacy names still carry weight. By distancing itself from the cable-centric “Showtime” branding, Paramount+ positions itself as a forward-thinking service ready to compete in a digital-first world.
This rebrand also reflects Paramount+’s growth trajectory. With 1.5 million subscribers added in Q1 2025 and domestic profitability expected this year, the platform is doubling down on originals like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (season 3 premieres July 17, 2025). The simplified branding could boost subscriber engagement by making the platform’s value proposition crystal clear.
Conclusion: A Strategic Step Forward
Paramount+ pulls an HBO Max and re-rebrands its ad-free plan to “Paramount+ Premium,” a move that prioritizes clarity and brand strength. By dropping the “Showtime” name, Paramount+ aligns with modern streaming trends while preserving its content-rich offerings. This rebrand, though subtle, positions the platform for growth in a crowded market. As Paramount+ continues to evolve, its focus on simplicity and quality content could solidify its place among streaming leaders.
Ready to dive into Paramount+ Premium’s ad-free world? Sign up now to enjoy Showtime’s best, live sports, and exclusive originals!