Ad-supported streaming service Pluto TV is now available in Canada.
The free FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) streaming platform says that it features over 100 channels and over 20,000 hours of content, including series like NCIS, Hawaii Five-O, The Love Boat, Judge Judy and more. Canadian series include Love it or List It, Chopped Canada and Border Security are also part of the Canadian version of the app.
The service’s free channels include Pluto Comedy, Pluto TV Drama, Pluto Action, Christmas 365 and of course, The Asylum, which offers the cinematic masterpiece, Sharknado, alongside other “mockbuster,” b-level films, and more. Of course, there’s also a channel dedicated to CSI called, as you may have guessed, the CSI Channel. It’s worth noting that the Paramount-owned streaming service is launching through a partnership with Corus.
Paramount also offers its Paramount+ streaming service in Canada, which is home to notable content like Yellowstone, 1883, Seal Team, the painfully awful Halo TV show, and more. The company recently increased the cost of the platform to $9.99/mo or $99.99/year. It’s likely that older Paramount content will appear on Pluto TV given it’s entirely free, while the companies’ more premium offerings will still be found on Paramount+.
Pluto TV is available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast, and Samsung and LG smart TVs.
If you’ve been waiting for a discount before subscribing to Paramount+, that time has finally arrived.
In Canada, Paramount+ costs $9.99/month or $99.99 a year, alongside a free seven-day trial. At 50 percent off, this means that you’re paying $4.99/month or $49.99 for the year. As is the case with most offers like this, after the first year, the Paramount+’s cost returns to the regular price.
The deal is available to new and former Paramount+ subscribers, so if you already have a subscription, unfortunately, you can’t top it up with this deal.
Top Gun: Maverick will begin streaming on Paramount+ in Canada, the U.S. and other markets on December 22nd, Paramount Pictures has confirmed.
The action film hit North American theatres on May 27th and hit premium video on demand services on August 23rd. The critically-acclaimed flick has gone on to become the 11th highest-grossing film of all time with global earnings of around $1.486 billion USD (about $1.99 billion CAD).
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, Maverick is a direct sequel to the 1986 classic Top Gun and sees Tom Cruise’s eponymous captain training a new era of pilots, including the son of his deceased friend, Goose.
The original Top Gun, meanwhile, is currently streaming in Canada on Paramount+ and Crave.
According to a support page on the Paramount+ website, new Canadian subscribers will need to pay $9.99/mo or $99.99/year starting November 1st, 2022. Existing subscribers will see their costs go up with the December 2022 renewal.
“Paramount+ is in the process of getting even bigger, with many additions of blockbuster movies, new originals and exclusive series, plus a wide variety of hit drama, action, reality, comedy and kids shows. It’s a mountain of entertainment,” says the support page. Beyond that, the support page lists a variety of content that’s available on Paramount+ in an awkward attempt to justify the higher cost.
Details from the Paramount+ support page.
The price change marks a significant increase from the subscription service’s previous $5.99/mo price in Canada.
If you’re not interested in sticking with Paramount+ after the price increase, you can cancel by heading to the Paramount+ website, going to the account page and clicking ‘Cancel Subscription.’ From there, follow the steps to complete the cancellation.
The Verge reported that Paramount CFO Naveen Chopra sees “opportunities” to raise the Paramount+ price in the U.S. as well.
Paramount+ joins other streaming services in raising prices for Canadians, like YouTube and Apple. Amid record inflation, it seems every company is taking advantage and raising prices.
Paramount Global is reportedly looking at restructuring Showtime and its future. As Showtime CEO David Nevins plans his exit later this year, Showtime may end up merging with Paramount+. If so, the Showtime merger could impact the catalogue on Crave, which is owned by Bell.
Showtime has long been treated as a premium cable network. Over the years, the network has seen the likes of the hit series Dexter, Weeds, Homeland, Billions, and Yellowjackets. It’s long been a success for Paramount. However, its future as an independent network may be numbered.
Recently, Paramount Global announced that Showtime’s network business is being handed to Chris McCarthy, who oversees MTV, Comedy Central, and Paramount+. This exchange in leadership also comes with the plan to merge Showtime with Paramount+. In doing so, Paramount Global can help utilize Showtime’s catalogue to leverage its streaming service better.
As content continues to be an asset in the streaming wars, Showtime can help Paramount reach its goals. According to those familiar with the matter, the company has its eyes set on becoming one of the fifth-biggest streaming services around the globe. This would see Paramount+ next to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max.
If Showtime does indeed merge with Paramount+, this could leave Crave users with less programming. Although Crave offers many original series as well as a substantial amount of HBO content, Showtime’s catalogue is well-supported.
Currently, Crave offers many Showtime originals like the aforementioned Dexter and Homeland. Additionally, Crave subscribers can keep up with weekly episodes of American Gigolo, Let the Right One In, and more. Showtime also offers many documentaries and one-off specials.
Paramount has not made a final decision regarding Showtime’s merger with Paramount+. Therefore, there’s no telling how it may affect Crave. However, given that the streaming service is available in Canada, Showtime’s content may be lifted from Crave and placed on Paramount+ once any contractual agreements run their course.
Crave offers plans for as little as $9.99 per month. However, to access all of Crave’s content on any device, the $19.99/month Crave Total plan is required.
Beavis and Butt-Head are making their way back to the small screen. As part of a Paramount Plus revival, the titular characters are here to mock modern-day content creators on TikTok and YouTube.
Following the release of Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe, Paramount has ordered Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head, a series revival of the two moronic teenage slackers that became icons in the 90s. Created and voiced by Mike Judge, Beavis and Butt-Head originally ran for seven seasons. In 2011, Beavis and Butt-Head returned for another season before being cancelled yet again.
While making fart jokes and laughing at the misfortune of others, the duo would regularly react to MTV music videos. Converting to the modern age, Beavis and Butt-Head will now react to TikTok videos and YouTube clips.
Paramount has released an eight-minute-long look at the new series. In it, Beavis and Butt-Head react to a TikTok in which someone reaches the audience on how to make tattoo ink in prison. The two mock the creator’s accent, calling it a “prison accent,” and state that he looks like someone who should be in jail.
Of course, Beavis and Butt-Head need two things and two things only — T.P. and music videos. The latter of which is most certainly integrated into the show. There are reports that a San Diego Comic-Con exclusive clip of Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head shows the two reacting to a BTS music clip. In it, Beavis attempts to hide the fact that he enjoys the song from Butt-Head.
If you’re itching to see the return of The Great Cornholio, you don’t have to wait long. Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head debuts on August 4th on Paramount Plus. The streaming service is available in Canada for $5.99 a month.
Every week, MobileSyrup outlines some of the most notable movies and TV shows that recently hit Canadian streaming platforms.
Our ‘Streaming in Canada’ column typically focuses on new content from Amazon Prime Video, Crave and Netflix, but other services like Apple TV+ and Disney+ are mentioned when relevant. Premium video on demand (PVOD) platforms are also fair game as movies continue to come to digital early amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finally, we’ll highlight shows or movies that are made by Canadian companies, involve notable Canadian cast or crew and/or are filmed in Canada.
Amazon Prime Video
The Lake [Amazon Original]
A gay man seeks to reconnect with the teenage daughter he gave up for adoption while at his family’s cottage, which is now owned by his step-sister.
The Lake was created by Ottawa’s Julian Doucet (Hudson & Rex) and stars Caledon, Ontario’s Jordan Gavaris (Orphan Black), Julia Stiles (Hustlers) and Madison Shamoun (Black-ish). The series was also shot in Northern Ontario.
The full list of movies and shows hitting Prime Video Canada this month can be found here.
Apple TV+
Cha Cha Real Smooth [Apple Original]
While working at a Bar Mitzvah, a young man strikes up a friendship with a mother and her autistic daughter.
Cha Cha Real Smooth was written and directed by Cooper Raiff (Shithouse) and stars Raiff, Dakota Johnson (The Lost Daughter), Vanessa Burghardt (debut role) and Leslie Mann (Knocked Up).
Apple TV+ Canada premiere date: June 17th, 2022 Genre: Comedy-drama Runtime: 1 hour, 47 minutes
James and Oliver Phelps, who played Fred and George Weasley in the Harry Potter films, go on tours of Ireland, Iceland, Dubai and more with the help of some friends.
Some of the guests include Harry Potter co-stars Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) and Luke Youngblood (Lee Jordan), as well as Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones) and Haley Joel Osment (The Sixth Sense).
Crave premiere date: June 17th, 2022 Genre: Travel documentary Runtime: Six episodes (48 to 50 minutes each)
A father grapples with his daughter’s wedding and multiple relationships within his big Cuban-American family.
Based on Edward Streeter’s 1949 novel of the same name, Father of the Bride was directed by Gary Alazraki (Club de Cuervos) and stars Andy García (The Godfather: Part III), Gloria Estefan (“Conga”), Adria Arjona (Triple Frontier) and Isabela Merced (Dora and the Lost City).
A standard Crave subscription is priced at $19.99/month, with Starz costing an additional $5.99/month. A mobile-only subscription is also available for $9.99/month.
The full list of movies and shows hitting Crave this month can be found here.
Disney+
Love, Victor (Season 3) [Star Original]
In this final season, Victor goes on a journey of self-discovery to figure out hi post-high-school plans and who he wants to be with.
Inspired by the 2018 film Love, Simon, Love, Victor was created by Love, Simon producers Elizabeth Berger and Isaac Aptaker and stars Michael Cimino (Annabelle Comes Home), Rachel Hilson (This Is Us) and Lukas Gage (Euphoria).
Disney+ Canada premiere date: June 15th, 2022 Genre: Teen comedy-drama Runtime: Eight episodes (25 to 34 minutes each)
Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin: Ladies Night Live [Netflix Original]
Grace & Frankie stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin host a variety of women stand-ups, including Michelle Buteau, Margaret Cho, Eliot Glazer and Iliza Shlesinger.
Netflix Canada premiere date: June 13th, 2022 Genre: Stand-up comedy special Runtime: 1 hour
Stream Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin: Ladies Night Livehere.
Pete Davidson Presents: The Best Friends [Netflix Original]
Comedian Pete Davidson riffs on rumours, free plane rides and more with a bunch of guests, including Machine Gun Kelly, Big Wet, Neko White, Giulio Gallarotti and Carly Aquilino.
Netflix Canada premiere date: June 13th, 2022 Genre: Stand-up comedy special Runtime: 58 minutes
Stream Pete Davidson Presents: The Best Friends here.
Spiderhead [Netflix Original]
An inmate in a state-of-the-art penitentiary begins to question the mind-altering drugs he’s testing for a pharmaceutical genius.
Based on George Saunders’ short story “Escape From Spiderhead,” Spiderhead was directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and stars Chris Hemsworth (Avengers: Endgame), Miles Teller (Whiplash) and Jurnee Smollett (Lovecraft Country).
Web of Make Believe: Death, Lies and the Internet [Netflix Original]
This docuseries explores the dangerous consequences of digital misinformation, with individual episodes focusing on topics like conspiracy theories, sextortion and “swatting” (calling emergency services over to someone’s address under false pretenses).
Netflix Canada premiere date: June 15th, 2022 Genre: True crime documentary Runtime: Six episodes (46 to 64 minutes each)
Stream Web of Make Believe: Death, Lies and the Internet here.
The full list of movies and shows hitting Netflix this month can be found here.
Paramount+
Jerry and Marge Go Large [Paramount+ Original]
A married couple takes advantage of a mathematical loophole to win the lottery and use the prize money to revitalize their town.
Based on a 2018 Huffington Post article by Jason Fagone, Jerry and Marge Go Large was directed by David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada) and stars Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Annette Bening (The Kids Are Alright), Rainn Wilson (The Office) and Larry Wilmore (Insecure).
The action drama film is a sequel to the late Tony Scott’s iconic 1986 Top Gun and sees Tom Cruise reprise his role of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell as he trains a new team of Top Gun graduates.
Now, if you’re like me and hadn’t ever seen the original Top Gun film before, you might be wondering where to watch it in Canada. After all, Maverick has been getting rave reviews, with many calling it a significant improvement over the original. (For what it’s worth, my colleague Bradley Bennett and I got to attend an early screening last week, and we both agree: the movie is absolutely fantastic).
With all of that in mind, here’s how you can stream the original Top Gun in Canada. All in all, you have a few options.
Elsewhere, the film is streaming on Paramount+, which costs $5.99/month with a seven-day free trial. You can also rent it for $3.99 to $4.99 on premium video on demand (PVOD) platforms like iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video and the Cineplex Store.
While we knew that the Sega video game adaptation would be available on the service in the U.S. on May 24th, given its 45-day theatrical exclusivity, it wasn’t previously clear where it would stream in Canada. A Paramount+ subscription costs $5.99 CAD/month.
In the sequel to 2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic allies with a crafty fox named Tails to face off once more against the evil Dr. Robotnik, who has enlisted the dangerous Knuckles the Echidna.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was once again directed by Jeff Fowler and features returning cast members Ben Schwartz (Sonic), James Marsden (Tom), Newmarket, Ontario’s own Jim Carrey (Robotnik), Tika Sumpter (Maddie) and Canadian-raised Lee Majdoub (Stone). Meanwhile, Idris Elba voices Knuckles and Colleen O’Shaughnessy reprises her fan-favourite role of Tails from the Sonic video games. It’s also worth noting that much of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was shot in Vancouver, just like the first film.
Since its release in early April, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has grossed more than $375 million USD (about $482.5 million CAD) worldwide, making it the highest-grossing video game film to date. Paramount is currently developing a third Sonic film, as well as a Paramount+ spin-off series focused on Elba’s Knuckles.
Every week, MobileSyrup outlines some of the most notable movies and TV shows that recently hit Canadian streaming platforms.
Our ‘Streaming in Canada’ column typically focuses on new content from Amazon Prime Video, Crave and Netflix, but other services like Apple TV+ and Disney+ will be mentioned when relevant. Premium video on demand (PVOD) platforms are also fair game as movies continue to come to digital early amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finally, we’ll highlight shows or movies that are made by Canadian companies, involve notable Canadian cast or crew and/or are filmed in Canada.
Amazon Prime Video
Kids in the Hall [Amazon Original]
The iconic Canadian sketch comedy troupe is back. All five original group members — Etobicoke, Ontario’s Dave Foley, Edmonton’s Bruce McCulloch, Montreal’s Kevin McDonald, Ottawa’s Mark McKinney and Brampton, Ontario’s Scott Thompson — have returned for new sketches.
Amazon Prime Video premiere date: May 13th, 2022 Genre: Sketch comedy Runtime: Eight episodes (24 to 27 minutes each)
The full list of movies and shows hitting Amazon Prime Video Canada this month can be found here.
Apple TV+
The Essex Serpent [Apple Original]
After moving to Essex to investigate reports of a mythical serpent, a London widow bonds with the local pastor until tragedy strikes and locals accuse her of attracting the creature.
Based on Sarah Perry’s 2016 novel of the same name, The Essex Serpent stars Claire Danes (Homeland) and Tom Hiddleston (Loki).
Apple TV+ Canada premiere date: May 13th, 2022 (first two episodes, new episodes every Friday) Genre: Drama Runtime: Six episodes (around one hour each)
Deborah and Ava set out on a cross-country trip to workshop Deborah’s latest stand-up act.
Hacks was created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky (Broad City) and stars Jean Smart (Watchmen), Hannah Einbinder (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert), Carl Clemons-Hopkins (Candyman) and Jane Adams (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind).
Crave premiere date: May 12th, 2022 (first two episodes, two new episodes every Thursday) Genre: Comedy-drama Runtime: Eight episodes (around 30 minutes each)
Sixty years after the events of Revolutions, Neo finds himself drawn back into the Matrix to fight alongside a new group of rebels and rescue Trinity.
The Matrix Resurrections was co-written and directed by Lana Wachowski (The Matrix trilogy) and features Toronto’s Keanu Reeves and Burnaby, B.C.’s Carrie-Anne Moss reprising their roles of Neo and Trinity, while Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Watchmen), Jessica Henwick (Marvel’s Iron Fist), Jonathan Groff (Mindhunter) and Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) join the cast.
Theatrical release date: December 22nd, 2021
Crave premiere date: May 13th, 2022 Genre: Sci-fi, action Runtime: 2 hours, 28 minutes
Stream The Matrix Resurrections here.
See For Me
After three criminals break into the home she’s housesitting, a visually-impaired teen must use a smartphone app to connect to a remote helper.
See For Me was directed by Calgary’s Randall Okita (The Lockpicker) and stars Skyler Davenport (Sword Art Online), Calgary’s Jessica Parker Kennedy (The Flash), Pascal Langdale (Killjoys), Saskatoon’s Kim Coates (Sons of Anarchy) and Toronto’s Laura Vandervoort (Smallville).
The film was shot in and around Toronto.
Theatrical release date: January 7th, 2022
Crave premiere date: May 13th, 2022 Genre: Thriller Runtime: 1 hour, 32 minutes
This Letterkenny spin-off follows the titular foul-mouthed hockey player as he moves to Sudbury to join the struggling local hockey team.
Shoresy was created by Listowell, Ontario’s Jared Keeso (Letterkenny) and stars Keeso, Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation’s Harlan Blayne Kytwayhat (Tribal), Toronto’s Tasya Teles (The 100) and Blair Lamora (Outlander).
Crave premiere date: May 13th, 2022 (first two episodes, two new episodes every Friday) Genre: Comedy Runtime: Six episodes (around 21 to 30 minutes each)
A standard Crave subscription is priced at $19.99/month, with Starz costing an additional $5.99/month. A mobile-only subscription is also available for $9.99/month.
The full list of movies and shows hitting Crave this month can be found here.
Disney+
The Quest [Disney+ Original]
Eight real-life teenagers (“Paladins”) are dropped into a fictional world in a competition centred around fulfilling an ancient fantastical prophecy.
Disney+ Canada premiere date: May 13th, 2022 (first two episodes, two new episodes every Friday) Genre: Reality competition Runtime: Eight episodes (40 to 47 minutes each)
A stock boy in Queens falls in love with Manhattan’s “Princess Charming” and pursues his dreams of becoming a sneaker designer with the help of his best friend and Fairy Godfather.
A modern re-imagining of Cinderella, Sneakerella was directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum (Ramona and Beezus) and stars Chosen Jacobs (It series), Lexi Underwood (Little Fires Everywhere), NBA star John Salley and Brantford, Ontario’s Devyn Nekoda (Utopia Falls).
It’s worth noting that the film was shot in and around Toronto.
The full list of movies and shows hitting Disney+ Canada this month can be found here.
Netflix
The Lincoln Lawyer [Netflix Original]
An L.A. defense attorney works out of a chauffeur-driven Lincoln Town Car.
Based on Michael Connelly’s 2008 novel, The Brass Verdict, The Lincoln Lawyer was created by David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies) and stars Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (Cake), Guelph, Ontario’s Neve Campbell (Scream series), Becki Newton (Ugly Betty) and Jazz Raycole (My Wife and Kids).
Netflix Canada premiere date: May 13th, 2022 Genre: Legal drama Runtime: 10 episodes (46 to 56 minutes each)
Based on a true story, two British intelligence officers hatch a bold scheme to dupe the Nazis and alter the course of World War II.
Operation Mincemeat was directed by John Madden (Shakespeare in Love) and stars Colin Firth (The King’s Speech), Matthew Macfayden (Succession), Kelly Macdonald (Boardwalk Empire) and Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey).
Netflix Canada premiere date: May 10th, 2022 Genre: War drama Runtime: 2 hours, 7 minutes
Director Lucie Jourdan (Taken at Birth) unpacks the disturbing true story of a popular U.S. doctor who was secretly inseminating dozens of patients with his own sperm.
The full list of movies and shows hitting Netflix Canada this month can be found here.
Paramount+
The Lost City
Novelist Loretta Sage and her cover model Alan Caprison must escape a billionaire, who demands Loretta’s help in finding a lost city.
The Lost City was directed by the Nee Brothers (Band of Robbers) and stars Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side), Channing Tatum (Jump Street series), Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter series) and Brad Pitt (Ocean’s series).
