PopScopeNow — Paramount Plus is making headlines today as the streaming platform reveals a bold new phase of growth, strategic upgrades, and content investments ahead of a forthcoming price hike. With more subscribers, fresh originals, and a shifting business model, Paramount+ is positioning itself for a bigger role in the increasingly competitive streaming landscape.
Subscriber Growth and Financial Momentum
One of the biggest headlines around Paramount Plus right now is its strong subscriber performance. As of the third quarter of 2025, Paramount+ reached an estimated 79.1 million subscribers, marking a quarterly increase and a year-over-year gain of more than 7 million. This surge underscores the platform’s growing appeal, bolstered by a mix of live sports, premium originals, and international expansion.
From a financial standpoint, Paramount+ is helping drive Paramount Global’s overall streaming business. The company reported a 16% year-over-year increase in streaming revenue, attributed in large part to subscriber growth and reduced churn.
Price Hike Coming in 2026
To support this growth and fund a more ambitious content slate, Paramount+ is raising its subscription costs in early 2026. Starting January 15, 2026, the Essential (ad-supported) plan will increase to $8.99/month, while the Premium (ad-free) tier will rise to $13.99/month in the U.S.
In addition to the price increase, the platform is phasing out free trials. This move is part of a broader shift under Paramount Skydance, which plans to invest heavily in new originals, live content, and global expansion.
Content Strategy: Originals and Live Sports
Paramount Plus’s current content push is especially noteworthy. In November 2025, it’s rolling out several new titles to keep subscribers engaged:
- “Landman” Season 2, the oil-epic drama created by Taylor Sheridan, premieres November 16.
- “Crutch”, a half-hour comedy starring Tracy Morgan, debuted November 3, offering a fresh, character-driven story that leans into humor and heart.
- “The Cut”, a dark boxing drama led by Orlando Bloom, dropped November 1, blending physical intensity with psychological suspense.
- Ink Master Season 17 (subtitled Hometown Heroes) continues to roll out new episodes, giving tattoo-art fans a familiar but evolving competition format.
- Special releases, including a PAW Patrol holiday fireplace special and the biographical musical film Rocketman, are also landing this week.
On the live-sports front, Paramount+ secured a five-year contract with Professional Bull Riders (PBR) to stream the “Unleash the Beast” bull riding league starting this December. This deal underlines the importance Paramount+ places on live sports — a strategy also reflected in its high-profile UFC partnership launching in 2026.
Strategic Challenges Ahead
While Paramount Plus is clearly riding a growth wave, it’s not without risk. The upcoming price hike and removal of free trials may test the patience of budget-conscious subscribers. Some longtime users have already flagged concerns about value, worried about increasing costs and whether new content will justify them.
Additionally, Paramount Global’s broader restructuring — including cost cuts after its merger with Skydance Media — suggests that the company is under pressure to deliver strong returns. How well Paramount+ retains and grows its subscriber base could prove pivotal for the financial health of its parent company.
Meanwhile, as the platform leans more into expensive live sports and big-name originals, it will need to carefully balance new investments with profitability.
Why This Matters
Paramount Plus’s current trajectory reflects bigger industry trends. As streaming matures, platforms are increasingly:
- Diversifying content – Paramount+ is not just relying on scripted shows but uses live sports, reality, and special events to drive engagement.
- Monetizing more aggressively – The price hike and elimination of free trials show how streaming services are adjusting their business models post-growth phase.
- Targeting high-value users – By signing premium deals like PBR and UFC, Paramount+ is courting deeply engaged viewers willing to pay more for exclusive content.
If executed well, these moves could solidify Paramount+ as a heavyweight in the streaming world — not just a niche player, but a platform with major ambition.
Credit: PopScopeNow.com
November 17, 2025
