Paramount Network is on Spectrum. The channel number depends on your city — it runs from channel 13 in Columbus, OH to channel 74 in Dallas, TX. This guide covers every Spectrum market, clarifies the difference between the free Paramount Network and the premium Paramount+ with SHOWTIME channel, and tells you exactly which plan you need.
Paramount Network Channel Numbers on Spectrum (2026)
The Paramount Network is included in all Spectrum cable TV plans at no extra cost. The number below is what you enter on your remote.
| City / State | Spectrum Channel Number |
|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA | 38 |
| Kansas City, MO | 38 |
| San Diego, CA | 38 |
| Buffalo, NY | 40 |
| Durham, NC | 40 |
| Raleigh, NC | 40 |
| Charlotte, NC | 44 |
| Lexington, KY | 44 |
| El Paso, TX | 36 |
| New York, NY | 36 |
| Albany, NY | 55 |
| Anaheim, CA | 66 |
| Austin, TX | 69 |
| Birmingham, AL | 64 |
| Cincinnati, OH | 47 |
| Cleveland, OH | 43 |
| Columbus, OH | 13 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 34 |
| Dallas, TX | 74 |
| Indianapolis, IN | 24 |
| Long Beach, CA | 53 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 45 |
| Louisville, KY | 41 |
| Milwaukee, WI | 51 |
| Montgomery, AL | 54 |
| Reno, NV | 71 |
| San Antonio, TX | 59 |
Don’t see your city? The full Spectrum TV channels list includes every market with current channel numbers. You can also use the local channels availability checker to confirm what’s available at your address.
Paramount+ with SHOWTIME Channel Numbers on Spectrum
This is a separate, premium channel. It was called SHOWTIME until 2023 when Paramount rebranded it. It is not the same as the free Paramount Network — you need a premium add-on or a higher Spectrum tier to get it.
| City | Spectrum Channel |
|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | 561 / 562 |
| Austin, TX | 551 |
| Bronx, NY | 551 |
| Brooklyn, NY | 551 |
| Buffalo, NY | 550 / 551 |
| Charlotte, NC | 550 / 551 |
| Cincinnati, OH | 640 / 641 |
| Cleveland, OH | 1642 |
| Columbus, OH | 552 |
| Dallas, TX | 561 / 562 |
| El Paso, TX | 551 |
| Fort Worth, TX | 561 / 562 |
| Indianapolis, IN | 702 / 703 |
| Kansas City, MO | 550 / 551 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 551 |
| Louisville, KY | 16 / 751 |
| Milwaukee, WI | 640 / 641 |
| New York, NY | 551 |
| Orlando, FL | 120 |
| San Antonio, TX | 551 |
| San Diego, CA | 551 |
| San Jose, CA | 551 |
| St. Louis, MO | 561 / 562 |
| St. Paul, MN | 561 / 562 |
| Tampa, FL | 241 |
Where two channel numbers appear, the lower number is SD and the higher is HD. Use the HD channel for better picture quality.
What’s the Difference Between Paramount Network and Paramount+ with SHOWTIME?
This is where most people get confused, and the naming doesn’t help.
Paramount Network is a basic cable channel. It launched in March 1983 and airs shows like Yellowstone, reality programming, and movies. It comes free with every Spectrum plan.
Paramount+ with SHOWTIME is the premium cable channel formerly known as SHOWTIME. It was rebranded in 2023 to match the streaming service. It airs SHOWTIME originals like Yellowjackets, The Chi, and Dexter: Original Sin, along with theatrically released films. You pay extra for this one.
The streaming side was also called “Paramount+ with SHOWTIME” until 2025, when it was renamed Paramount+ Premium ($13.99/month). The linear cable channel kept the old name. That’s why searching for “Paramount on Spectrum” can pull up two completely different things.
If you’re looking for Yellowstone, you want the Paramount Network (channel 36–74 by city). If you’re looking for Yellowjackets or Dexter, you want Paramount+ with SHOWTIME (channel 550s–700s by city).
Which Spectrum Plan Includes Paramount?
Paramount Network — Free on All Plans
The Paramount Network is included in Spectrum’s entry-level TV Select plan and every tier above it. You don’t need to add anything.
Paramount+ with SHOWTIME — Premium Add-On
This channel requires either a premium add-on purchase or is available on Spectrum’s higher-tier plans. Spectrum’s pricing for premium channel packages starts at roughly $12–$15/month on top of your base plan. Check your current Spectrum bill or log in to My Spectrum to see if it’s already included.
Also worth knowing: Spectrum carries other entertainment channels across its tiers. If you’re curious about similar channels, see what channel Comedy Central is on Spectrum or what channel TBS is on Spectrum.
How to Find Paramount on the Spectrum Channel Guide
If you’d rather search than scroll a table, here’s the fastest way:
- Press the Guide button on your Spectrum remote
- Use the search or channel search function and type “Paramount”
- Two results may appear — Paramount Network (low channel number) and Paramount+ with SHOWTIME (500s–700s)
- Select the one you want and press OK
You can also open the My Spectrum app on your phone, go to TV, and search “Paramount” to see the channel number for your address. This is useful if you’ve moved or if Spectrum reassigned numbers in your area.
Paramount Not Showing on Spectrum? Here’s What to Check
If you can’t find Paramount at the channel number listed above, run through these steps:
1. Confirm your plan. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME requires a premium add-on. The free Paramount Network should be in every Spectrum plan, but if you’re on a promotional or legacy plan, confirm at spectrum.com.
2. Check for a local outage. Log in to the Spectrum app and check the service status for your address. Temporary outages affect channel availability.
3. Re-scan or reboot. Unplug your Spectrum cable box for 60 seconds. This forces a channel refresh. Most missing-channel issues resolve here.
4. Try the HD channel. If SD channel 38 shows no signal, try the HD variant (usually 100+ numbers above the SD number in your market).
5. Call Spectrum support. If none of the above work, call 1-833-267-6094. Ask them to push a signal refresh to your box.
If your issue is with a different channel, the TV error code lookup tool can help identify equipment-side problems.
Watch Paramount Without a Spectrum Cable Plan
No cable? You have solid options.
Paramount+ Premium ($13.99/month)
This streaming service gives you on-demand access to everything on the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME channel — all SHOWTIME originals, Paramount movies, CBS live streams, Nickelodeon, and Star Trek content. It’s the cheapest way to get SHOWTIME content without cable. There’s a 7-day free trial.
For a full breakdown of what’s available, see the Paramount+ channels list.
Live TV Streaming Services
These services carry both the Paramount Network and Paramount+ with SHOWTIME as a live channel — same as cable:
| Service | Paramount Network | Paramount+ with SHOWTIME | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | ✔ | Add-on | $82.99/mo. |
| Hulu + Live TV | ✔ | Add-on | $88.99/mo. |
| Fubo | ✔ | Add-on | $94.99/mo. |
| Sling TV | ✔ | Add-on | $40.00/mo. |
For a side-by-side comparison of what each streaming service carries, use the streaming service comparison tool. If you’re thinking about cutting the cord entirely, the cord-cutting savings calculator shows you what you’d save per month compared to your Spectrum bill.
You can also browse what’s available across services using the free streaming channel finder.
For full channel lists across live TV streaming options: YouTube TV channels list, Sling TV channels list, FuboTV channels list, and Hulu TV channels list.
FAQ
Is Paramount Network the same as Paramount+?
No. Paramount Network is a free basic cable channel included with Spectrum TV plans. Paramount+ is a separate paid streaming service. They share the Paramount brand but are completely different products with different content libraries.
Did Spectrum change the Paramount channel number in 2026?
Channel numbers haven’t changed significantly across Spectrum markets in 2026, but Spectrum does reassign channels occasionally after system upgrades. If the number in this guide doesn’t match what you see, use the Spectrum app’s channel search or call support to confirm your local number.
Is Paramount on Spectrum available in HD?
Yes. Spectrum carries the Paramount Network and Paramount+ with SHOWTIME in HD in most markets. The HD version usually has a higher channel number. In some cities, both SD and HD versions are listed — use the HD channel for sharper picture quality.
What channel is CBS on Spectrum?
CBS is a separate broadcast network and has its own channel number on Spectrum, which also varies by city. Check the full Spectrum TV channels list to find CBS and other broadcast networks in your area.
What other sports and entertainment channels are on Spectrum?
Spectrum carries a wide range of channels alongside Paramount. If you’re tracking down other channels, see what channel NFL Network is on Spectrum, what channel ESPN is on Spectrum, or what channel USA Network is on Spectrum.
