Paramount+ viewers, brace yourselves for some bad news – your subscription prices are going up again. The recent announcement of price hikes set to take effect later this summer is another example of the streaming industry’s tendency to squeeze every last penny out of TV customers.
According to a report by Reuters, subscribers with the Paramount+ and Showtime plan will see a $1 increase in their fees. For new customers, this change will kick in on Aug. 20, while existing users will experience the hike on Sept. 20. Additionally, for those with the Paramount+ limited commercials plan (no longer available to new subscribers), fees will also rise by $1 to $7.99 on Sept. 20. The Paramount+ Essential subscription, which includes limited ads, will see a $2 increase on Aug. 20, bringing the new price to $7.99.
In response to inquiries about the price hikes, Gizmodo has reached out to Paramount Global for comment and will update the story accordingly.
Unfortunately, Paramount is not alone in raising subscription prices. Nearly every major streaming service, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max, has been increasing their fees in recent years. The Criterion Channel is a notable exception in my streaming lineup, as they have not raised their prices recently.
It is evident that streaming companies have a significant hold over viewers. If you want access to their original content (even if some may argue its value), you are compelled to accept whatever prices they decide to set. This trend highlights the reality that consumers are at the mercy of these streaming giants when it comes to accessing entertainment content.
