Paramount+ Is Now Free for Charter’s Spectrum Select TV Select Customers

As a long-time cable TV subscriber, I must admit that I’ve been skeptical about streaming services and their ability to deliver quality content without breaking the bank. However, this new partnership between Charter Communications and Paramount+ is a game-changer for me. With no additional fee, I can now access an extensive library of content from CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, and more. It’s like getting a free upgrade!


Stepping into the realm of cinematic analysis, I’m thrilled to share some intriguing news from the world of television. In an effort to retain cable subscribers who might be considering a cord-cut, Charter Communications is extending a generous offer: the ad-supported version of Paramount+ is now available for free with all Spectrum TV Select and Mi Plan Latino packages across the nation. This move, I believe, underscores their commitment to delivering quality content without breaking the bank.

Beginning August 22nd, the latest agreement, signed in May, between the companies includes Paramount+ Essential as part of their multiyear deal. This service offers streaming access to content from CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and beyond, with advertisements. Now, Charter’s Spectrum video subscribers can enjoy over 40,000 TV episodes and movies, which include original shows like “Tulsa King,” “Special Ops: Lioness,” “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Big Brother,” as well as live sports on CBS.

“Through this collaboration, viewers will enjoy premium original content and live sports, while it also opens up fresh avenues for Paramount to distribute their work. This move is a crucial stride towards shaping a more robust video platform that caters to our customers’ needs and fosters growth within the industry,” Tom Montemagno, Charter’s executive VP of programming acquisition, stated.

According to the Paramount-Charter agreement, the cable service provider intends to introduce BET+ Essential for Spectrum TV subscribers towards the end of 2024 as well.

Following a rise in their retail streaming prices on August 20th, Paramount has added Paramount+ Essential to Charter’s television plans. The cost of Paramount+ Essential now stands at $7.99 per month for new subscribers, an increase of $2 from its previous price. Meanwhile, the price of Paramount+ With Showtime went up by $1, now costing $12.99 per month. It’s important to note that only Charter customers who activate Paramount+ Essential will be included in Paramount Global’s streaming subscriber count. The specific financial details of this deal have not been revealed, but traditionally, the distributor (Charter) pays a fee to the content owner (Paramount) for each subscriber they provide access to the service.

Paramount Global, much like other conventional media firms, has been grappling with a decrease in TV earnings while aiming to expand its streaming sector. To achieve this goal, it has resorted to widespread job cuts as a means of reducing expenses. At present, the company’s future hangs in balance: A special board committee tasked with M&A is assessing a fresh $6 billion offer from a group led by Edgar Bronfman Jr., effectively halting its agreement to merge with David Ellison’s Skydance Media.

In a manner reminiscent to their previous arrangement with Disney, the streaming aspects of the Paramount-Charter deal allow certain Charter Spectrum TV subscribers to enjoy Disney+ and ESPN+ without any extra costs.

Ray Hopkins, president of U.S. networks distribution at Paramount, expressed that both Paramount and Charter have a strong history of dedication to providing multiple avenues for audiences to savor their preferred premium content as the media world undergoes changes. He is excited about broadening our scope and interaction with Spectrum subscribers by introducing Paramount+ Essential for the first time, an extensive household plan that caters to all ages, offering a wide variety of news, sports, and entertainment programs from our top-tier selection.

Charter’s TV users are able to stream Paramount+ via the Charter Xumo Stream Box, as well as on any device compatible with Paramount+. Meanwhile, eligible Spectrum video clients can activate their Paramount+ Essential package at this provided link.

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2024-08-22 17:18