Paramount+ is a streaming platform that offers TV shows; access to movies, sports broadcasts, and news; among others. Its rich library features a wide gamut of high-quality content, such as modern blockbusters, classic films, documentaries, children’s programming, and shows created exclusively for the platform. Paramount+ is associated with a rich cinematic history and delivers diverse content through digital streaming for everyone.
The Paramount+ logo resembles the logo of its iconic production house and is instantly recognisable for its mountain peak surrounded by stars. The article delves into the evolution of the Paramount+ logo over the years.
The Genesis of the Paramount+ Logo (2017 – 2021)
The original Paramount+ logo is a combination of a graphic emblem and the wordmark. The graphical emblem closely resembled the emblem of Paramount Pictures. The logo thus carried the rich legacy of the renowned film company. The emblem carried a pointed mountain peak at its centre and was set against a dark blue semicircle.
The silhouette of the peak displayed a large white area to be interpreted as snow. Along the circumference of the semicircle appear twenty-two five-pointed stars. Initially, these stars supposedly represented the actors who signed contracts with the company in 1914. At the bottom of the mountain base was written the brand name “Paramount+” in a signature font. The font with elegant curves, contrasting thickness, and subtle slant evoked a sense of dynamism and sophistication.
(2021 – Present)
In 2021, the Paramount+ logo retained the core elements of the classic Paramount emblem. These include the mountain, script wordmark in Peak Sans typeface, and stars. However, several changes were made for digital optimisation. The number of stars was reduced to 13, which corresponded to the number of letters in “Paramount Plus”. This change also ensured clarity and recognisability on small screens and app icons. Also, the stars were made slightly larger for better visibility in digital contexts.
The mountain’s outline was traced from the curtain-raiser video used in Paramount Pictures films, with shadows and detailing adjusted for clarity at various sizes. The colour palette shifted to a vibrant blue aka retro blue and white, which aligns with modern digital aesthetics while maintaining the brand’s heritage.
The Elements of the Paramount+ Logo
Font
The wordmark and the “+” symbol use a bespoke sans-serif typeface called Peak Sans, which was created specifically for Paramount+. The Peak Sans typeface draws inspiration from theatre marquees. It thus lends a contemporary yet classic feel that complements the wordmark and ensures readability across digital platforms.
Colour
Paramount+ uses a distinctive colour palette centred around a vibrant blue, known as “Retro Blue”. This shade is an evolution of blues previously used by CBS All Access, ViacomCBS, and Paramount Pictures. It was chosen for its visual appeal and to differentiate the brand from other streaming competitors. The blue is bright and calming, which makes it suitable for digital environments.
The History of Paramount+
Paramount+ began its journey as CBS All Access, which was launched in the United States on October 27, 2014, by CBS Corporation. The service initially focused on providing live streaming of CBS programming from local affiliates and on-demand access to CBS shows and library content. In 2016, CBS All Access expanded into original programming. It debuted with spin-offs and new series such as The Good Fight and Star Trek: Discovery. The service steadily grew its library, including content from CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, the Smithsonian Channel, and Paramount Pictures.
CBS All Access expanded internationally and was launched in Canada in April 2018 and as 10 All Access in Australia in December 2018. Over time, it added more films and shows, which included content from Paramount Pictures and other major studios.
A significant turning point came in November 2019 when CBS and Viacom re-merged to form ViacomCBS (later rebranded as Paramount Global). This merger allowed CBS All Access to acquire the Nickelodeon library and, soon after, to integrate more content from Paramount Pictures, MTV, Comedy Central, and Pluto TV. By early 2020, CBS All Access was positioned for a broader content offering and global expansion.
On September 15, 2020, ViacomCBS announced that CBS All Access would rebrand as Paramount+ in 2021, leveraging the globally recognised Paramount brand for greater international appeal. The official relaunch took place on March 4, 2021. Paramount+ offered a significantly expanded content library, including new original series, films, live sports, news, and access to Paramount Pictures’ theatrical releases 45 days after their cinema debut.
With the rebrand, Paramount+ also began an aggressive international rollout. The service launched in the Nordics and Latin America, with further expansion into Australia, Europe, and other regions. In some European markets, Paramount+ content is available through the SkyShowtime joint venture.
In 2022, Paramount+ integrated Showtime content into its platform by offering a combined subscription for users in the United States. The service also partnered with Walmart+ and airlines like Qantas to broaden its reach and accessibility.
Interesting Facts About Paramount+
- Paramount+ was originally launched as CBS All Access in 2014. It was rebranded to Paramount+ on March 4, 2021, to reflect its expanded content offerings and global ambitions.
- Paramount+ has extended its services beyond the U.S. and has reached countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and parts of Europe. In some regions, it’s bundled with other services, such as Sky Cinema in the UK.
- The platform boasts a vast library, including over 40,000 episodes from networks like CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and the Smithsonian Channel. It also features movies from Paramount Pictures and live TV options.
- The service is known for hit original series like Criminal Minds: Evolution, The Chi, and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, as well as exclusive premieres and reboots of classic franchises.
- Paramount+ has invested in original programming, including series like “1923” starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren and reboots of classics like “Frasier”.
- As of late 2024, Paramount+ reported a total of 72 million subscribers. This reflects steady growth driven by its diverse content and strategic partnerships.
- The platform provides kid-friendly profiles and a wide array of family content. These include PAW Patrol, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.
- The platform offers live streaming of various sports events, which include NFL games and international soccer leagues.
- Paramount+ allows up to six user profiles per account and supports three simultaneous streams.
- The service offers different subscription tiers, which include a bundle with Showtime.
- Paramount+ often streams major Paramount Pictures releases just 45 days after their theatrical debut. This makes it one of the fastest ways to watch new blockbusters at home.
- Paramount+’s blend of classic favourites, original productions, live sports, and flexible viewing options places it as a comprehensive streaming choice for a wide audience.
Finally
The Paramount+ logo stands as a testament to the brand’s ability to evolve with the times while preserving its glorious heritage. From its origins as a hand-drawn mountain inspired by a founder’s childhood memories to its sleek, digital-friendly incarnation, the logo continues to symbolise excellence in entertainment for audiences worldwide.