For a fleeting two months, Paramount+ is offering both its Essential and Premium plans at just $2.99 per month — a price last seen during Black Friday 2024. The deal, confirmed by Paramount’s official support page on November 24, 2025, targets new and former subscribers, running from November 18 through December 1, 2025. But here’s the thing: this isn’t a bargain. It’s a countdown clock.
It’s the Same Deal as Last Year — And It’s Ending Soon
Yes, you read that right. The exact same offer that lured subscribers in 2024 is back. Paramount+ isn’t innovating; it’s recycling. The Paramount+ website echoes the same phrasing: “$2.99/MO FOR YOUR FIRST 2 MONTHS. Limited-time Black Friday offer!”
Consumer deal expert Michael Saves broke down the offer in a YouTube video posted November 25, 2025, at 6:34 PM UTC. He noted the deal applies equally to the ad-supported Essential plan and the ad-free Premium tier — a rare parity in streaming promotions. But he also dropped the bomb: “If this deal looks familiar, well, that’s because it is.”
And then came the kicker. In mid-January 2026, Paramount+ will raise both plans by $1.00 per month. That means if you sign up now, you’re locking in $2.99 for two months… then paying $6.99 or $11.99 going forward. For perspective, that’s a 134% increase on the Essential plan and a 70% jump on Premium. You’re not saving money — you’re just delaying the pain.
The Walmart+ Wildcard: A Better Long-Term Play?
While Paramount+ is playing the short game, Walmart+ is playing chess.
Through December 2, 2025, Walmart+ is offering its annual membership at half price: $49 instead of $98. That’s not just a discount — it’s a steal. And here’s where it gets interesting: for the price of a single month of Paramount+ Premium, you get a full year of Walmart+ — and with it, a rotating streaming perk.
Subscribers can choose either Paramount+ Essential or Peacock Premium as their included service. And every 90 days, they can switch. That means you could get Paramount+ for three months, then flip to Peacock, then back again. No lock-in. No surprise price hikes. Just flexibility.
“For most people, I think that is the better value,” Michael Saves concluded in his video. Business Insider backed him up, calling the Walmart+ deal “the cheapest we have ever seen these annual plans go for.”
Why This Matters Beyond Your Wallet
This isn’t just about saving a few bucks on streaming. It’s about how streaming companies manipulate consumer behavior.
By offering identical deals year after year, Paramount+ trains subscribers to wait for Black Friday. Then, just as they sign up, they’re hit with a price hike — a classic bait-and-switch. It’s not a promotion; it’s a scheduled revenue reset.
Meanwhile, Walmart+ is quietly reshaping the value equation. It’s not a streaming service — it’s a lifestyle bundle. Grocery discounts, free delivery, fuel savings, and now, rotating premium streaming. For families or frequent shoppers, the $49 annual fee pays for itself in shipping alone. Streaming is just the cherry on top.
And let’s not forget the timing. The price increase for Paramount+ hits mid-January — right after New Year’s resolutions peak. People are already spending. They’ve already signed up. And now, they’re stuck.
What’s the Real Deadline?
There’s a tiny, frustrating inconsistency. Paramount+’s official support page says the deal ends December 1, 2025. But Michael Saves and other outlets cite December 2. The difference? One day. But in a 14-day window, that’s meaningful.
Best practice? Don’t wait. Sign up by November 30. If you’re on the fence, consider Walmart+. The $49 annual fee gives you 12 months of flexibility — and the ability to walk away without penalty. Paramount+ wants you to commit to a $12 price tag. Walmart+ wants you to feel in control.
What’s Next for Streaming Deals?
With Disney+, Hulu, and Apple TV+ all running promotions this Black Friday, the market is saturated. But Paramount+’s strategy is revealing: rely on repetition, not innovation. The real winners? Companies like Walmart+ that bundle streaming into something bigger — groceries, gas, shipping — turning a $5 monthly perk into a $4 annual savings.
Expect more retailers to follow. The era of standalone streaming deals is fading. The future is bundles. And if you’re still paying $11.99 a month for one service? You’re already behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Paramount+ $2.99 deal really worth it?
Only if you’re using it for exactly two months and plan to cancel before mid-January 2026, when prices rise $1. For most people, the savings vanish quickly. You’re paying $5.98 for two months, then jumping to $6.99 or $11.99 — a steep increase that erases any real discount. It’s a short-term trap, not a long-term win.
Can I get Paramount+ for free through Walmart+?
Yes — but only the Essential (ad-supported) version. Walmart+ includes either Paramount+ Essential or Peacock Premium as a rotating perk. You can switch every 90 days, so you could get Paramount+ for three months straight, then switch to Peacock. The catch? You must pay $49 annually for Walmart+, but that’s still cheaper than two months of Paramount+ Premium at regular price.
Why is Paramount+ repeating the same Black Friday deal?
It’s a psychological tactic. By offering the same deal year after year, Paramount+ trains customers to wait until November. Then, it raises prices in January — right after people have signed up and are already committed. This cycle maximizes sign-ups while minimizing long-term customer retention costs. It’s not a sale; it’s a revenue reset.
What’s the difference between Paramount+ Essential and Premium?
Essential includes ads and access to CBS, Paramount+, and Showtime content. Premium is ad-free, adds live CBS streams, and includes 4K and Dolby Vision support. Both are included in the $2.99 deal, but Premium normally costs $11.99/month — so the discount is larger on that tier. Still, the price hike in January makes both less attractive long-term.
When exactly does the Paramount+ deal expire?
Paramount+’s official page says December 1, 2025. But influencer Michael Saves and other outlets cite December 2. The discrepancy is minor, but it’s best to sign up by November 30 to avoid missing out. Either way, the window closes in early December — don’t wait until the last minute.
Should I choose Paramount+ or Walmart+ for streaming?
If you shop at Walmart or need free delivery and fuel discounts, Walmart+ is the smarter buy — even if you only want Paramount+. For $49/year, you get streaming flexibility, no price hikes, and other perks. If you’re a pure streaming-only user who won’t use Walmart’s other benefits, the $2.99 deal might make sense… but only if you’re ready to cancel in January.
