How to cancel Showtime in new zealand and take control of your streaming subscriptions
What Showtime is and how it works in new zealand
Showtime is a premium streaming service delivering original dramas, blockbuster films, and curated live content to entertainment audiences worldwide. In New Zealand, you do not access Showtime as a standalone subscription. Instead, you subscribe to the Paramount+ with Showtime bundle, which merges both streaming libraries into one monthly or annual plan billed in New Zealand dollars.
This matters for cancellation because your subscription and billing tie directly to Paramount+, not Showtime alone. Your entry point-whether you signed up via the Paramount+ website, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store-determines your cancellation route. Yafee has observed that subscribers who cancel through the wrong platform often remain charged, so identifying where your payment method is connected is your essential first step.
Understanding the bundle structure
The Paramount+ with Showtime bundle in New Zealand grants you access to Showtime originals alongside Paramount's catalogue of over 40,000 episodes and films. Your billing arrangement depends entirely on your subscription entry point. If you subscribed directly through the Paramount+ website or app, you manage cancellation there. If you joined via Apple's App Store or Google Play Store, those platforms control your subscription lifecycle and cancellation process.
This distinction is crucial. Many subscribers attempt cancellation on the wrong platform and discover weeks later that charges continue. Before you take any action, log in to the account where you believe you signed up and verify which platform holds your active subscription.
Streaming access and included features
Both monthly and annual Paramount+ with Showtime plans deliver identical core benefits: commercial-free playback (except during live TV), offline downloads, access to the full 40,000+ title library, and all Showtime originals from day one. The only substantive difference is billing frequency and the total annual cost when spread across twelve months.
Pricing and plan options for new zealand subscribers
The following table sets out the exact costs you pay for Paramount+ with Showtime in New Zealand, displayed in New Zealand dollars (NZ$).
| Plan |
Price (NZ$) |
Billing period |
Key features |
| Paramount+ with Showtime (monthly) |
NZ$22.22 |
Month to month |
Commercial-free (except live TV), downloads, 40,000+ titles, Showtime originals |
| Paramount+ with Showtime (annual) |
NZ$205.99 |
One year, paid upfront |
Same as monthly, works out to NZ$17.17 per month |
The annual plan reduces your per-month cost to approximately NZ$17.17 if you commit upfront, making it better value if you plan to retain the subscription long-term. Conversely, if you are uncertain about staying, the monthly option provides flexibility without a year-long financial commitment.
Why you might want to cancel Showtime
Common reasons new zealand subscribers cancel
Subscribers terminate their subscriptions for varied but predictable reasons. You may have worked through the content that initially attracted you, discovered better value in rival services, or simply reassessed your entertainment budget. Cost-of-living pressures across New Zealand mean subscription audits are increasingly common and justified. Life changes also drive cancellations: relocating, losing interest in particular genres, or consolidating too many streaming services at once.
Yafee research indicates that most cancellations occur within three months of signup or immediately after a price increase notice. If this describes your situation, you join a substantial group of subscribers, and the cancellation process is straightforward once you follow the correct steps.
When to cancel before your next billing cycle
Timing protects you from unwanted charges. The cancellation deadline depends on your subscription platform. Apple App Store subscriptions renew on your anniversary date, so you must cancel at least 24 hours before that date. Google Play Store subscriptions follow similar rules. If you subscribed directly through Paramount+, the cancellation deadline is typically the day before your billing date. Yafee advises noting your exact renewal date in your calendar or email to prevent accidental charges.
Your consumer rights and what they mean for you
Legal position under new zealand consumer law
Your right to cancel a subscription service in New Zealand is protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986. These laws give you a legal entitlement to cancel subscription services without penalty, provided you act within the prescribed timeframe and follow the company's stated cancellation procedure.
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, if a supplier (such as Paramount+) misrepresents the terms of your subscription, fails to deliver the promised service, or charges you after you have requested cancellation, you may be entitled to a refund or credit. The Fair Trading Act 1986 prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct. If Showtime or Paramount+ continues to charge you after you have submitted a valid cancellation request, this conduct may breach the Act, and you can lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission.
Consequently, your position is strong. You are not locked into an indefinite contract. Once you submit a valid cancellation request through the correct platform, the company must honour it and cease billing on your next renewal date.
Escalation and enforcement if the company refuses
If Paramount+ or Showtime declines to cancel your subscription, ignores your request, or continues to charge you after cancellation, you have formal redress. Contact the Commerce Commission (the New Zealand regulator for consumer protection) with evidence of your cancellation request and proof of ongoing charges. The Commerce Commission investigates breaches of the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986 and can pursue enforcement action against the company.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers navigate subscription disputes by gathering clear evidence: screenshots of cancellation requests, confirmation emails, and transaction records. Keep these documents throughout the process.
Your cancellation route depends on where you subscribed. Follow the steps for your platform to ensure the cancellation processes correctly and charges cease on your next renewal date.
Cancelling via the paramount+ website
If you subscribed directly through paramountplus.com, use the web-based cancellation process.
- Log in to your Paramount+ account at paramountplus.com using your registered email and password.
- Navigate to your account settings by clicking on your profile icon (top right corner).
- Select "Account" or "Subscription" from the menu.
- Locate the "Manage subscription" or "Billing" section.
- Click "Cancel subscription" or "End membership".
- Review the cancellation notice and confirm any final details about your plan or accumulated credits.
- Click the final "Confirm cancellation" button.
- Screenshot the confirmation page or save any confirmation email Paramount+ sends you.
Paramount+ typically sends a confirmation email within minutes. Check your inbox and spam folder for this message, as it serves as proof of your cancellation request if a dispute arises later.
Cancelling via apple app store
If you subscribed through the Apple App Store (on iPhone, iPad, or Mac), you manage your subscription through Apple's subscription settings.
- On your Apple device, open the Settings app.
- Tap your name at the top of the screen.
- Select "Subscriptions".
- Find "Paramount+" in the list of active subscriptions.
- Tap "Paramount+" and then select "Cancel subscription".
- Confirm the cancellation by tapping "Confirm" when prompted.
- Screenshot the confirmation screen or note the date Apple displays.
Apple immediately revokes your access after the current billing period ends. You retain streaming access until that date; thereafter, your subscription is inactive and you are no longer charged.
Cancelling via google play store
If you subscribed through the Google Play Store (on Android), you manage cancellation through Google's platform.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select "Manage subscriptions".
- Tap "Paramount+".
- Select "Cancel subscription".
- Follow any additional prompts to confirm the cancellation and choose a reason (optional).
- Screenshot the final confirmation screen for your records.
Google processes the cancellation and stops billing on your next renewal date. You retain full access until that date arrives.
Cancelling by contacting customer support
If you experience technical difficulties or your subscription method is unclear, contact Paramount+ customer support directly. This creates a documented record of your cancellation request and provides additional protection under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
- Visit the Paramount+ help centre at support.paramountplus.com.
- Search for "cancel subscription" or "contact support".
- Select your preferred contact method: live chat, email, or phone.
- Explain your situation and request cancellation.
- Provide your account email, subscription plan name, and preferred cancellation date.
- Save or screenshot the conversation and request a written confirmation email.
- Request that Paramount+ send you a confirmation of the cancellation via email for your records.
Written documentation protects you if a dispute arises. Do not rely on verbal cancellation requests alone; always obtain written confirmation.
What happens after you cancel Showtime
Access during your final billing period
After you submit your cancellation request, you retain full access to Showtime and Paramount+ until your current billing period ends. If you cancelled on 15 January and your renewal date is 28 January, you can stream without interruption until 27 January at 23:59. On 28 January, your subscription becomes inactive, all streaming access terminates, and you are no longer billed.
This grace period applies across all platforms (direct web, Apple App Store, Google Play Store). You pay nothing extra for this remaining access; it is part of your existing subscription.
Confirmation and billing cessation
Yafee advises checking your bank or credit card statement approximately 5-7 days after your final renewal date. Confirm that no charge appears. If a charge does appear after cancellation, contact your bank immediately and reference your cancellation confirmation email or screenshot. Your bank can reverse the charge under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 if you provide clear evidence of a valid cancellation request.
Re-subscribing or switching to a different plan
If you change your mind, you can resubscribe at any time using the same process you used initially. New subscribers sometimes receive promotional discounts or free trial periods, so check the Paramount+ website for current offers before reactivating your account.
Refunds and credits if you are due a rebate
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 entitles you to a refund if you cancel before your renewal date and Paramount+ or Showtime charges you for an undelivered service period. Yafee strongly recommends reviewing your entitlement if either of the following applies to you.
When you qualify for a refund
You qualify for a refund in these specific circumstances:
- You cancelled more than 10 days before your renewal date, and the company still charged you for the full month or year.
- The service was unavailable or unsuitable for a substantial portion of your billing period due to a technical fault or breach of contract by the company.
- The company misrepresented the subscription terms, features, or price, and you relied on that misrepresentation when you signed up.
- The company continued charging you after you submitted a valid, documented cancellation request.
How to claim a refund
- Gather all evidence: cancellation request confirmation, bank statements showing charges after cancellation, and any correspondence with Paramount+.
- Contact Paramount+ customer support with your evidence and clearly state your refund claim.
- If Paramount+ declines, write a formal letter to the company's registered address (detailed below) explaining the breach and your refund amount calculation.
- If the company still refuses, lodge a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission, attaching all evidence.
- Alternatively, contact your bank or credit card issuer and initiate a chargeback dispute if you believe the charge was unauthorized after a valid cancellation.
Refunds typically take 5-10 business days after approval. If the company does not respond within 20 business days, escalate to the Commerce Commission.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancellations are straightforward, but small oversights can result in unwanted charges and frustration. Yafee has observed these frequent errors and the steps to prevent them.
Cancelling on the wrong platform
The most common mistake is cancelling through one platform while your payment method is connected to another. For example, you may delete the Paramount+ app from your phone and assume the subscription has ended, but if you subscribed via Apple App Store, the subscription remains active in Apple's system and continues to be billed.
Before you cancel, log into the account where you originally signed up. Verify your payment method and renewal date. Cancel only through that same platform.
Cancelling too close to your renewal date
If you cancel on your renewal date or within 24 hours before it, the company may process your final charge before your cancellation request is registered. Apple and Google require cancellation at least 24 hours before renewal; Paramount+ direct subscriptions typically require cancellation the day before your renewal date.
Calculate your renewal date and set a phone reminder for two days before that date. This buffer ensures your cancellation processes in time.
Not saving confirmation details
Without written proof of your cancellation request, you have no recourse if the company denies receiving it or claims you never cancelled. Screenshot every confirmation screen and save every confirmation email.
Assuming app deletion equals cancellation
Deleting the Paramount+ or Showtime app from your device does not cancel your subscription. The app is merely a portal to access the service; removing it leaves your subscription active and billing continues. You must cancel through your subscription platform (Paramount+ website, Apple, or Google), not simply delete the app.
Checklist before you cancel Showtime
Use this checklist to ensure you are prepared and your cancellation proceeds smoothly.
| Task |
Status |
Details |
| Identify your subscription platform |
Pending |
Paramount+ website, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store? |
| Note your renewal date |
Pending |
Check your last invoice or account settings. Date: ___________ |
| Set a cancellation reminder |
Pending |
Set alarm or calendar event for two days before renewal |
| Download or screenshot confirmation emails |
Pending |
Save all evidence of subscription and billing |
| Complete cancellation through correct platform |
Pending |
Follow the steps for your platform above |
| Save cancellation confirmation |
Pending |
Screenshot or email confirmation of cancellation request |
Comparing Showtime with alternative new zealand streaming services
If you are cancelling Showtime because you are considering alternatives, the following table compares the leading streaming options available in New Zealand.
| Service |
Monthly price (NZ$) |
Content focus |
Free trial |
| Paramount+ with Showtime |
NZ$22.22 |
Blockbuster films, Showtime originals, Paramount catalogue |
7 days |
| Netflix (Standard with ads) |
NZ$9.99 |
Series, films, documentaries |
None |
| Netflix (Standard) |
NZ$17.99 |
Series, films, documentaries (commercial-free) |
None |
| Disney+ |
NZ$11.99 |
Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel |
7 days |
| Amazon Prime Video |
NZ$7.99 |
Films, series, Amazon Originals |
30 days |
| TVNZ+ |
NZ$8.99 |
NZ television, news, documentaries |
Free tier available |
Yafee recommends comparing not only price but total value. Paramount+ with Showtime includes a larger catalogue than most competitors at a mid-range price. If you are cancelling solely to reduce spending, consider whether consolidating services (rather than eliminating them) better serves your viewing habits.
If you need to send formal correspondence regarding cancellation, refunds, or complaints, address your letter to the registered office of Showtime NZ Limited (the current registered entity).
Showtime NZ Limited is registered with Companies House (New Zealand Companies Register) under registration number NZBN 9429048408066. For cancellation correspondence and formal complaints, use the company's registered address as provided on the Companies Register. Yafee advises sending all formal letters via registered post and retaining a copy of your correspondence and proof of posting.
If Showtime NZ Limited or Paramount+ does not respond to your cancellation or refund request within 20 business days, escalate your complaint to the Commerce Commission (komisiha.govt.nz). The Commission enforces the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986 and can investigate whether the company has breached your consumer rights.
Summing up your path to cancellation
Cancelling Showtime in New Zealand is straightforward once you identify your subscription platform and follow the correct procedural steps. Your consumer rights are protected under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986. The company must cease billing on your next renewal date if you submit a valid cancellation request, and you retain full access until that date arrives.
Remember: document every step, cancel through the platform where you subscribed, and do not delay beyond two days before your renewal date. If the company refuses to honour your cancellation or continues to charge you, contact the Commerce Commission and provide your evidence.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel streaming subscriptions, recover refunds, and understand their legal rights under New Zealand consumer law. Whether you are consolidating services, reassessing your budget, or simply exploring alternatives, the process protects you from unwanted charges and gives you full control over your subscriptions. Take action today, and regain your streaming freedom.