Paramount Plus: A Cord Cutter's Delight? (Spoiler: It Was for Me!)

So, you're a cord cutter, or thinking about becoming one. You're bombarded with streaming services, all vying for your hard-earned cash. It can be overwhelming! One service I've really enjoyed is Paramount Plus. I actually get it bundled with my Walmart Plus membership (sweet deal!), and I spring for the Showtime upgrade.

Why I Love It

• Solid Content: Paramount Plus has a surprisingly diverse library. They've got some great originals like "1923", "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds", and "Tulsa King". Plus, they have a ton of familiar shows from CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickelodeon. Nostalgia overload!
• Live Sports: This was a big one for me. Paramount Plus has NFL games, Champions League soccer, and a bunch of other live sports. Being able to watch my teams without cable is a huge plus.
• Showtime Upgrade: Okay, this adds a bit to the cost, but it's worth it for me. Showtime has some fantastic shows like "Yellowjackets" and "Billions", plus movies and boxing. It really rounds out the package. And, a major bonus is that it includes my live local CBS station, so I can watch local news and other CBS programming live.

What Does it Cost?

Paramount Plus offers a couple of different plans:

• Essential Plan: This is the most affordable option, and it's currently priced at $7.99/month. You get access to the entire Paramount Plus library, but with limited commercials. You also get live NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League, but not your local live CBS station.
• Paramount+ with Showtime: This is the plan I have, and it combines all the benefits of the Essential plan with the full Showtime catalog. It costs $12.99/month. This plan is mostly ad-free (except for live TV and some promotional interruptions) and crucially, includes your live local CBS affiliate.

Value for the Price

Even with the recent price increases, I still feel like I'm getting a lot of bang for my buck, especially with the Walmart Plus bundle. The Essential plan is still very affordable for the amount of content you get.

But, It Might Not Be for Everyone...

Now, I'm not going to pretend Paramount Plus is perfect. Here are some things to consider:

• Limited 4K: Not all content is available in 4K, which is a bummer if you have a fancy TV.
• Commercials: The Essential plan has limited commercials, but they're still there.
• Content Focus: If you're not into CBS shows, reality TV, or classic movies, you might find the library a bit lacking.

Who is Paramount Plus good for?

• Families: There's something for everyone, from kids' shows to adult dramas.
• Sports fans: The live sports offerings are a major draw.
• Cord cutters on a budget: The Essential plan is very affordable.
• Fans of Paramount's networks: If you love CBS, Comedy Central, etc., this is a no-brainer.
• Anyone who wants live local CBS programming without an antenna.
• Me!

My Verdict

Paramount Plus has become my go-to streaming service. It's got a great mix of content, live sports, and a price that's hard to beat (especially with the Walmart Plus deal!). It might not be for everyone, but I think it's definitely worth checking out.

Pro Tip

Do a free trial to see if you like it before committing!

My Streaming Life is pretty sweet right now, thanks in no small part to Paramount Plus. With its mix of classic shows, new originals, live sports, and the Showtime bundle, it's become my entertainment central. If you're looking for a solid streaming option, I definitely recommend giving it a try!