Over a year after it launched in the U.S., Paramount+ has begun its global expansion. The streaming service will launch in the UK and Ireland on June 22, marking the first time the service has been available outside America (well, without a VPN).
First launched in March 2021 (but not entirely as a new streaming service, we'll get to that), Paramount+ will also debut in Asia by launching in South Korea in June, with Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, and Austria set for late 2022, and India in 2023 in partnership with Viacom 18. The global expansion of the service outside the U.S. was first announced in May.
So, you've already signed up to NOW TV, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and a bunch of other streaming services, what makes this one any different? Here's everything you need to know about Paramount+ in the UK.
So, what is Paramount+?
As Mashable's Brooke Bajgrowicz pointed out during the U.S. launch in March 2021, Paramount+ wasn’t exactly a "new" streaming service. Instead, it was an overhaul and rebrand of of a service called CBS All Access, which had been running since 2014.
What kind of original programming is there?
Paramount+ will launch in the UK with a whole bunch of TV shows and movies, including existing and upcoming Paramount+ originals like neo-westernYellowstone (and the upcoming 1932 prequel starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren), the HALO TV series, Taylor Sheridan's other western 1883, along with The Offer, The First Lady, Tulsa King, and Mayor of Kingstown. There's also some original kids series and movies like Big Nate, and the platform boasts properties like MTV, Nickelodeon (hello SpongeBob SquarePants), Comedy Central, and Paramount Pictures.
Another drawcard is that Paramount+ includes Showtime series, many of which have been tricky to watch in the UK like the TV sequel to David Bowie sci-fi film The Man Who Fell to Earth starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Naomie Harris, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Travis Kalanick in Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber. Plus, the entire Star Trek franchise is on there including Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
There are some UK-produced originals already announced for the platform too, including an adaptation of Amor Towles' A Gentleman in Moscow, London-set drama Flatshare, folk horror adaptation The Burning Girls, and psychological drama The Ex-Wife. Marco Nobili, executive VP and international general manager of Paramount+, told The Hollywood Reporter the company aims to commission 150 international originals by 2025.
Here's a list of the best shows streaming on the U.S. version of Paramount+ as well as the best movies streaming there, both of which we published in January, to give you a taste.
How much does Paramount+ cost?
In the UK, Paramount+ will £6.99 per month or £69.90 per year, and yes, there's a free seven-day trial. Ireland prices are TBC.
There's only one plan available for the UK, unlike in the U.S. where you can choose between the Essential (limited ads) for $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, or Premium (ad free) for $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year.
How can I access it?
In the UK, Paramount+ will be available through desktop browsers on the website and on mobile, as well as some smart TVs through the Paramount+ app: that's Apple, Amazon, Google, Roku, and Samsung so far. If you have a casting device like a Google Chromecast or the like, you can chuck it on to your TV from your phone or laptop.
Plus, Paramount+ has a distribution deal with Sky, so it'll launch on Sky Platforms in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, and Austria in 2022 — this means Sky Cinema subscribers will get Paramount+ for free.
Is there a free trial?
Yep, a seven-day one available by signing up through the Paramount+ website.
Is it worth it?
While we're yet to see the full scope of what the platform offers, Paramount+ has been a pretty good option in the U.S. if you like a little bit of everything all of the time — theres's big blockbusters, original dramas and comedies, and some fun kids' programming.
But if you're already signed up to NOW TV, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and anything else you're subscribing to, you might have to weigh up your options. Meanwhile, BBC iPlayer is continually free if you have a TV license.
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