• by Wayne Friedman , August 31, 2022

Paramount Global is moving into the streaming “bundling” arena -- where Walt Disney has been since launching its CTV platforms.

For $7.99 a month, consumers can get an ad-supported version of streaming Paramount+ and Showtime content called “Essential Plan” -- all programs for this ‘bundle” would be in the Paramount+ app.

The Paramount+ Premium ad-free version plus Showtime bundle is priced at $12.99 a month.

The special pricing package is available on a limited basis through October 2. After that, the Essential Plan bundle will be available for $11.99, and for the ad-free Premium plan bundle, the cost will be $14.99.

Existing Paramount+ “Essential’ place (with advertising) is priced at $4.99/mouth; “Premium’ is at $9.99 a month. Showtime separately is now priced at $10.99 a month.

While most entertainment programming is ad-free under this plan, live TV streams, such sports content, including the NFL, have advertising. Currently, for example, the Paramount+ Premium plan (ad-free, sans Showtime) does air advertising in NFL program content.

The new Paramount Bundle will now have shows available in one place including “Halo,” “Star Trek: Discovery,” and “Secret Headquarters” along with Showtime programs such “Billions,” “Yellowjackets,” “The Chi,” and “Dexter: New Blood.”