SHOWTIME Review
SHOWTIME offers a subscription video streaming service that gives access to content on Showtime without the need of a cable subscription. With your subscription, you’ll get access to all of their current originals like Yellowjackets, Billions, and American Gigolo. If you choose to bundle Showtime with Paramount+, you can get both services for $11.99/month.
With your subscription, you’ll also get access to their critically acclaimed catalog of previous shows like Shameless, Homeland, Ray Donovan, Dexter, Weeds, Nurse Jackie, House of Lies, Californication, Queer as Folk, and The L Word.
SHOWTIME also has new-release films from CBS Films, Amblin Partners, and IFC Films, which appear on the streaming service 7-8 months after they are in theaters. Every month they also have hundreds of additional older movies from major movie studios.
You can subscribe for $10.99 a month either directly from SHOWTIME, or through Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, or Roku Premium Subscriptions.
Review
We tested SHOWTIME and other subscription streaming services for more than 100 hours. SHOWTIME is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TV, iPhone/iPad, Android Phone/Tablet, Mac, Windows, Xbox, LG Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, and VIZIO Smart TV.
Content
Originals
The main reason to subscribe to SHOWTIME is for access to their critically-acclaimed original series. Currently, Showtime’s most popular shows include Yellowjackets, Billions, and American Gigolo.
TV Shows
In addition to new originals, you’ll also get access to their full catalog of shows that the channel has ever released. That means you can stream series like Dexter, Weeds, Nurse Jackie, Shameless, Homeland, Ray Donovan, Black Monday, Kidding, House of Lies, Californication, Queer as Folk, and The L Word.
Movies
While their movie catalog isn’t as deep as Netflix, HBO Max, or Amazon Prime Video — the service receives new release films from CBS Films, Amblin Partners, and IFC. This joins hundreds of older movies that come to the service from major studios every month.
Kids
If you’re looking for kids content, there are better alternatives. But if you do subscribe, expect to have some family-friendly movie options every month.
Features
Single Profile Only
SHOWTIME doesn’t currently offer user profiles, so your entire family will have to use the same account.
Parental Controls
With SHOWTIME, you can disallow playback of certain types of shows and movies by rating. You can enter a pin that will allow you to unlock or change the restrictions.
Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount Plus, Peacock, and STARZ also have parental control features.
Up to 3 Devices
SHOWTIME can be used on up to three devices at the same time.
Offline Downloads
SHOWTIME offers nearly their entire library available to download.
You can authorize up to 5 devices for download at any given time, but you can switch the devices that are authorized if necessary. On each device, SHOWTIME has a limit of 15 titles that can be downloaded at a time.
International Access
While SHOWTIME isn’t available to stream outside the U.S., you can still watch shows or movies you’ve downloaded offline to your mobile or tablet device.
Compatible Devices
SHOWTIME is compatible with these devices:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast (Google Cast)
- Roku
- Android TV
- iPhone/iPad (9.0+)
- Android Phone/Tablet (4.4+)
- Mac
- Windows
- Xbox
- LG Smart TV
- Samsung Smart TV (2015+)
- Sony Smart TV
- VIZIO Smart TV (2016+)
SHOWTIME is not compatible with PlayStation or Nintendo devices.
Tech Specs
1080p HD
Nearly all content on SHOWTIME is in HD. The service doesn’t offer any content in 4K.
Some Surround
Stereo/Surround Sound
Most shows and movies on SHOWTIME are available in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. SHOWTIME doesn’t support Dolby Atmos audio.