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Paramount+’s Existential Questions

Sure, the streaming home of the Super Bowl, now being circled by numerous potential acquirers, has reined in its ambitions—decreasing spending and licensing its best content to its competitors. But the real challenge for Par+ comes down to its technology.

n.c.i.s.
Many of the most popular CBS procedurals, like N.C.I.S. and Criminal Minds, are available (and more popular) on Netflix or Hulu. Courtesy of Paramount
Julia Alexander
February 7, 2024

Who is Paramount+ for, exactly? This question comes up all the time in conversation with streaming executives. It’s a fair question. Kids these days are turning to YouTube, not Nickelodeon, whose audience has shrunk more than 70 percent over the past decade. Many of the most popular CBS procedurals, like N.C.I.S. and Criminal Minds, are available (and more popular) on Netflix or Hulu. Fans of Yellowstone might subscribe for exclusive prequels like 1883 or 1923, but even Taylor Sheridan isn’t enough to sustain an entire streaming service.