What Happened to CBS All Access?
CBS All Access was a pioneering streaming service launched by CBS Corporation in 2014, offering live and on-demand access to CBS programming and original content. Following the re-merger of CBS and Viacom, the service underwent a significant expansion and rebranding, officially becoming Paramount+ on March 4, 2021, to encompass a broader array of content from the combined ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global) library and compete more effectively in the global streaming market. As of mid-2026, Paramount+ continues to grow its subscriber base and invest heavily in original programming and live sports.
Quick Answer
CBS All Access was rebranded and expanded into Paramount+ on March 4, 2021. This transformation occurred after the re-merger of CBS and Viacom, aiming to create a more comprehensive streaming service with content from across the combined company's portfolio, including CBS, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, and more. Paramount+ is now a major global streaming platform, part of Paramount Global, with a subscriber base of 81.6 million as of mid-2026, and it continues to release new original series, films, and live sports content.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
CBS All Access Launches
CBS Corporation launches CBS All Access in the United States, becoming the first American broadcast network to offer a direct-to-consumer streaming service with live local CBS programming and on-demand content.
Original Programming Begins
CBS All Access expands into original programming, with 'Star Trek: Discovery' announced as its first original series for 2017, followed by 'The Good Fight' in 2017.
International Expansion to Canada
CBS All Access expands internationally for the first time, launching in Canada.
Launches as 10 All Access in Australia
The service launches in Australia under the name '10 All Access', reflecting CBS's ownership of Network 10.
ViacomCBS Re-merger Completed
The re-merger of CBS Corporation and Viacom is completed, forming ViacomCBS and bringing a vast content library under one company.
Paramount+ Rebrand Announced
ViacomCBS announces that CBS All Access (and 10 All Access) will be rebranded as Paramount+ in 2021, signaling a major expansion of content and international reach.
Paramount+ Officially Launches
Paramount+ officially replaces CBS All Access in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, offering an expanded content library from CBS, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, and more.
ViacomCBS Becomes Paramount Global
ViacomCBS rebrands to Paramount Global, further solidifying the 'Paramount' brand as central to its identity and streaming strategy.
Skydance Media Acquisition Completed
Paramount Global completes its acquisition of Skydance Media, leading to the company being referred to as Paramount Skydance Corporation in some reports.
Paramount+ Price Hike
Paramount+ implements a price hike for both its ad-free and ad-supported tiers in the US, with monthly plans increasing by $1.
Paramount+ Nears 80 Million Subscribers
Paramount Global reports that Paramount+ reached 79.6 million global subscribers in Q1 2026, with streaming revenue increasing by 17%.
Paramount+ Reaches 81.6 Million Subscribers
Paramount Global announces that Paramount+ has grown to 81.6 million global subscribers by June 30, 2026, adding 2 million net subscribers in Q2 2026.
Paramount Global Announces $500M Content Investment
Paramount Global commits a $500 million capital injection to scale original programming and expand live sports offerings across its global streaming platforms, aiming to boost subscriber retention.
Paramount+ Continues Content Rollout
As of today, Paramount+ is actively promoting its September 2026 content lineup, including new seasons of original series like 'MobLand,' 'Colin From Accounts,' and 'Golden Axe,' alongside live sports and movies.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
CBS All Access was initially launched on October 28, 2014, by CBS Corporation, marking it as the first over-the-top (OTT) offering by an American broadcast television network. The service primarily offered live streaming of local CBS affiliates, on-demand access to current and classic CBS shows, and expanded into original programming starting in 2016 with notable series like 'Star Trek: Discovery' and 'The Good Fight'.
The impetus for its transformation stemmed from the December 2019 re-merger of CBS Corporation and Viacom, forming ViacomCBS. This merger brought together a vast library of content under one corporate umbrella, including Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, and Showtime. The company recognized the need for a more robust and globally competitive streaming service to challenge established players like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. The 'CBS All Access' brand, while established, was perceived to be too narrow, primarily associated with an older demographic and traditional broadcast content.
In September 2020, ViacomCBS officially announced that CBS All Access would be rebranded as Paramount+ in 2021, with plans for significant international expansion. The 'Paramount+' name was chosen for its global recognition and broader appeal, signaling a comprehensive entertainment offering rather than just CBS content. The official launch of Paramount+ in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America occurred on March 4, 2021, followed by other international markets. The new service dramatically expanded its content library to over 30,000 episodes and movies, incorporating content from all ViacomCBS brands, including original series, films, and live sports.
As of August 2026, Paramount+ is a key component of Paramount Global's (formerly Paramount Skydance after the August 2025 merger) direct-to-consumer strategy. The service has shown consistent growth, reaching 81.6 million global subscribers by mid-2026. Paramount Global continues to heavily invest in its streaming content, announcing a $500 million capital injection in August 2026 to scale original programming and expand live sports offerings. The company is also working towards unifying Paramount+, Pluto TV, and BET+ onto a common technology platform by the end of summer 2026 to improve user experience and monetization. The September 2026 content lineup for Paramount+ includes new seasons of original dramas, animated series, and popular movies, alongside continued live sports coverage.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if CBS All Access made different choices?