Walmart+ adds Paramount+ to roster of benefits

Walmart shoppers can soon tune in to “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” while putting away their groceries.

That’s because Walmart is adding a Paramount Essential Plan subscription at no extra cost for Walmart members. The subscription service will remain at $98 a year, or $12.95 a month, and include the Paramount Essential Plan subscription with an added $59 value.

The streaming component, which begins in September, includes recent blockbuster films such as “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” live sports and the perennially popular preschool franchise “PAW Patrol.” And if looking into the future with Paramount’s original drama “Strange New Worlds” doesn’t strike their fancy, Walmart members can visit the past in the “Yellowstone” prequel series “1883.”

“We know Walmart is providing members real value in their every day — from grocery shopping to filling up their tank and more,” Chris Cracchiolo, senior vice president and general manager of Walmart , said in a statement. “With the addition of Paramount , we are demonstrating our unique ability to help members save even more and live better by delivering entertainment for less, too. Eighty-five percent of U.S. households use streaming services, and Paramount has the premium content and broad appeal that our members are looking for — like Walmart, they have something for everyone. We’re excited about the launch and what comes next for Walmart .”

Related:Walmart makes InHome grocery delivery an add-on to Walmart+

Walmart offers members unlimited, free same-day grocery delivery from stores ($35 order minimum), free shipping (no order minimum) and an array of shopping tools such as Scan & Go contactless checkout (via the Walmart app) for $98 per year, or $12.95 a month. Other benefits include prescription drug savings, member-exclusive pricing and deals, and early access to promotions like Black Friday and new product releases.

In addition, Walmart members are eligible for six months of the Spotify Premium music streaming service at no cost. Walmart members can also add unlimited, no-fee and tip-free InHome delivery for another $7 per month or $40 per year, Walmart said. Walmart has also boosted the Walmart fuel benefits.

“Paramount has enjoyed a close relationship with Walmart for years, and Walmart customers connect with Paramount’s beloved brands, content and characters every day through a range of consumer products available throughout Walmart stores,” commented Jeff Shultz, chief strategy officer and chief business development officer for Paramount Streaming. “Now, pairing Walmart’s expansive reach across the country with Paramount ’s broad and popular content that offers something for everyone is a unique opportunity to expand our partnership. Together we will bring Walmart members the full breadth of Paramount programming.”

Related:Walmart pumps up fuel discount for Walmart+ members

The Paramount tie-in might be Walmart’s way of competing against Amazon Prime Video. Launched in 2020, Walmart has steadily increased benefits as Walmart looks to take on Amazon Prime.

By comparison, an Amazon Prime membership costs $15 a month, or $139 annually, and includes various perks such as free delivery (two-day, one-day and same-day delivery options), streaming, shopping and reading benefits. Prime members in 4,000 U.S. cities can sign up for a year of free Grubhub . Members can buy groceries from Whole Foods, listen to audiobooks with Audible, subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, watch Amazon Video and use Amazon Echo speakers. Members can share their benefits with one other adult for free, and up to 10 members of a family can share benefits like shipping, video and photos through Amazon Household.