How to Watch Showtime on a Vizio Smart TV

It’s never a good feeling to be completely lost on your own smart TV. It’s so frustrating to be unable to find the streaming apps you’re searching for. Take Showtime, for example. If you own a Vizio smart TV and are trying to watch Showtime, you’re probably coming up empty in your search for the right streaming app. Don’t give up, though! You might not be aware that Showtime has made some significant changes to its streaming home recently. Here’s how to watch Showtime on a Vizio smart TV, complete with step-by-step instructions to help guide you along.

Can You Stream Showtime on a Vizio Smart TV?

Scrolling through all the streaming apps listed on the SmartCast interface on your Vizio smart TV, you might notice something peculiar. There’s no Showtime app. With no SmartCast shortcut, is it even possible to stream Showtime on a Vizio smart TV in the first place? Of course, there’s always the option to buy an external set-top streaming box to stream Showtime. But why should you have to do that when SmartCast has its own streaming service hub? As it turns out, there is a way to stream Showtime on a Vizio smart TV. You just have to know where to look.

Here’s the trick: to watch Showtime on a Vizio smart TV, you’ll need a Paramount+ subscription. Since Paramount+ absorbed Showtime’s streaming hub into its premium tier, Paramount+ is going to be your gateway to streaming Showtime. Paramount+ has always offered a comprehensive library of shows and content, but this now includes an array of Showtime programming. That’s why there’s no Showtime app on your SmartCast interface. You have to access Showtime through the Paramount+ app instead.

It’s not enough to simply sign up for Paramount+, however. You have to make sure you sign up for the right Paramount+ streaming tier to unlock access to Showtime. Luckily, Paramount+ broadcasts this fact loud and clear in the name of each tier. The cheaper tier is called Paramount+ Essential. It costs $5.99 a month. The more expensive tier is called Paramount+ with Showtime. It costs $11.99 a month. Let there be no confusion: The only way to stream Showtime on a Vizio smart TV is with a Paramount+ subscription with Showtime access.

Signing Up for Showtime

If you don’t have a Paramount+ subscription yet, it’s easy to get signed up. The same goes for those with the Essential tier who want to upgrade to the plan with Showtime access. You can even subscribe right from the Paramount+ app on the SmartCast interface if you so please. However, you may find it easier to sign up from the computer or your smartphone instead. (After all, who likes having to type using the navigational pad on the remote? What a pain.)

For new subscribers, head to paramountplus.com and click the button that reads “Try It Free.” On the next screen, you’ll be greeted with two choices: Paramount+ Essential and Paramount+ with Showtime. We want the second option so we can get access to Showtime. Select the plan, then create your account and enter your billing information. You’ll be treated to a one-week free trial before Paramount+ will start charging you the monthly rate.

For Paramount+ Essential subscribers hoping to upgrade their subscription to unlock Showtime access, you can also head to the Paramount+ website. However, instead of clicking “Try It Free,” you should log into your existing account instead. Once logged in, head to your profile and click on your account settings. Navigate to the subscription tab and then choose to upgrade from Essential to Paramount+ with Showtime.

How to Watch Showtime on a Vizio Smart TV

Now that you’ve gotten signed up, let’s help you start streaming. To watch Showtime on a Vizio smart TV, simply follow along with the steps listed below. A quick note: To enjoy Paramount+ access, you’ll likely need a Vizio smart TV from 2016 or later. This is because older Vizios from before 2016 cannot always handle the streaming specs required for successful Showtime streaming. You’ll also need to ensure your TV is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet port.

Step One: Press Input

To begin, press the INPUT button on the top left corner of your TV remote. This will pull up all the available inputs for you to switch to — including the one we’re looking for, which is SMARTCAST.

Step Two: Select SmartCast

Choose SMARTCAST from the list of input options on your TV screen. Then, wait for it to load. It may take a second or two depending on the last time you used the SmartCast interface. Sometimes, you’ll also see an ad on the screen before you can access the streaming hub. You can skip past this and proceed as normal.

Step Three: Find Paramount+

Once SmartCast loads, scroll through the list of available apps and inputs until you see the Paramount+ app. Remember: there is no Showtime app here. Paramount+ is the only way to watch Showtime on a Vizio smart TV.

Step Four: Log In

Once the Paramount+ app loads, you’ll see a few different options. You can choose to try it free, watch free episodes, or sign in. Either sign up for a new Paramount+ with Showtime subscription or log into your existing one.

Step Five: Start Watching

At last, you can now watch Showtime on your Vizio smart TV. Enjoy the latest seasons of shows like Billions and The Chi, or stream shows and films from the Showtime library. As a bonus, your subscription also gives you access to the larger library of Paramount+ content.

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