Manage Showtime

How to cancel showtime in new zealand and reclaim your streaming freedom

What showtime is and how it works in new zealand

Showtime is a premium streaming service delivering original dramas, blockbuster movies, and curated live content to entertainment-hungry viewers across the globe. In New Zealand, you won't find Showtime as a standalone subscription. Instead, you access it exclusively through the Paramount+ with Showtime bundle, which combines both services into one monthly or annual plan.

This matters when you cancel because your subscription and billing are tied to Paramount+, not Showtime directly. Whether you signed up through the web, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store determines exactly how you'll cancel, so knowing your entry point is your first step toward a smooth exit.

Understanding the bundle and billing

The Paramount+ with Showtime bundle in New Zealand includes access to Showtime originals alongside Paramount's extensive library. Your billing arrangement depends entirely on how you subscribed. If you subscribed directly through the Paramount+ website or app, you manage cancellation there. If you signed up through Apple's App Store or Google Play Store, those platforms handle your subscription and cancellation process.

This distinction is crucial because Stopee has identified that many subscribers unknowingly cancel through the wrong platform and end up still being charged. Always verify where your payment method is connected before you attempt to cancel.

Your streaming access and what's included

Both the monthly and annual Paramount+ with Showtime plans deliver the same core features. You get commercial-free playback (except for live TV), downloads to watch offline, access to over 40,000 episodes and movies, and all Showtime originals from day one. The only real difference is the billing frequency and total cost over twelve months.

Pricing and plan options for new zealand subscribers

Here's exactly what you'll pay for Paramount+ with Showtime in New Zealand, displayed in New Zealand dollars.

The annual plan works out to roughly NZ$17.17 per month if you pay upfront, making it the better value if you plan to keep the subscription long-term. However, if you're on the fence about staying, the monthly option gives you flexibility without the pressure of a year-long commitment.

Why you might want to cancel showtime

Common reasons new zealand subscribers step away

Subscribers cancel for varied but predictable reasons. You might have exhausted the content that drew you in initially, found better value in competing services, or simply reassessed your streaming budget. Cost-of-living pressures in New Zealand mean subscription audits are increasingly common-and justified. Life circumstances change too: moving house, losing interest in a particular genre, or juggling too many streaming services at once.

Stopee research shows that most cancellations happen within three months of signup or after a price increase notification. If that sounds like you, you're in good company, and cancelling is straightforward once you know the right steps.

When to cancel before the next billing cycle

Timing matters if you want to avoid an unwanted charge. The exact deadline depends on your platform. Apple App Store subscriptions renew on your anniversary date, so you should cancel at least 24 hours before that date passes. Google Play subscriptions work similarly. Direct web and app subscriptions typically renew monthly unless you opted for annual billing.

Most important: cancellation does not cut off your access immediately. You keep streaming until the end of your paid period, so you won't lose your service the moment you click cancel. This grace period is your buffer-use it wisely.

How to cancel showtime step by step

Your cancellation method depends on which platform you used to subscribe. Follow the exact steps for your situation to avoid the mistakes Stopee customers have flagged in the past.

Cancel through apple app store (iPhone or iPad)

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Tap your name or Apple ID at the top of the screen.
2. Select Subscriptions.
   • You'll see all active subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
3. Find and tap Paramount+ with Showtime.
   • The app name may appear as simply Paramount+ depending on your device.
4. Tap Cancel Subscription.
   • Apple will ask you to confirm; tap again to finish.
5. Check your confirmation email from Apple.
   • Apple sends a cancellation receipt within minutes; save this for your records.

Pro tip: If you're using Mac or a PC, sign into iTunes, navigate to Account Settings, and manage subscriptions from there using the same steps. Warning: cancelling through Apple does not refund the current billing period; you keep access until your renewal date.

Cancel through google play store (Android)

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
   • Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
2. Select Payments and subscriptions.
   • This menu shows all active subscriptions tied to your Google account.
3. Tap Subscriptions.
   • A list of your active services appears.
4. Find Paramount+ with Showtime and tap it.
   • You may need to scroll if you have multiple subscriptions.
5. Select Cancel subscription and confirm.
   • Google will ask for final confirmation before processing.
6. Request a cancellation receipt via email if prompted.
   • Google provides confirmation; request it for your records.

Warning: Always cancel at least 24 hours before your next billing date if you want to avoid the next charge. Google Play processes renewals automatically at midnight on your renewal date (in your local timezone).

Cancel via the paramount+ website or app (direct subscription)

1. Go to the Paramount+ website or open the Paramount+ app.
   • If on the website, ensure you're logged in to your account.
2. Navigate to Account or Settings.
   • Look for a user profile icon or menu option labelled Account or My Account.
3. Select Subscription or Manage subscription.
   • This shows your current plan and billing details.
4. Click or tap Cancel subscription.
   • Paramount+ may ask why you're leaving; this is optional feedback.
5. Confirm the cancellation when prompted.
   • You'll receive an email confirmation within minutes.
6. Save your confirmation email.
   • Screenshot or download it as proof of cancellation.

Pro tip: Direct subscriptions often have a retention offer waiting if you hesitate. Only proceed if you're certain you want out. If you're staying, there's no advantage to cancelling and re-subscribing.

What happens after you cancel

Your access and streaming during the notice period

Cancelling Showtime does not instantly shut off your account. You retain full access to all Paramount+ and Showtime content until the end of your current billing period. This is a genuine benefit: you've already paid, so Stopee recommends making the most of your remaining weeks to watch anything on your wishlist.

Your watch history, preferences, and saved shows remain intact during this grace period. You can continue downloading content to watch offline. The only thing that changes is that no new charge will hit your payment method at the next renewal date.

Account data and privacy after cancellation

After your access expires, your account data remains stored with Paramount+ according to their privacy policy. This means your watch history, saved shows, and user preferences stay on their servers unless you explicitly delete them. If you want to remove this data, log back in before your final access expires and visit the privacy or account settings to request deletion.

Most users don't bother, especially if they think they might resubscribe later. However, if privacy is a concern, take action while you still have access-Stopee users have reported that requesting data deletion after cancellation can be slower or require additional steps.

Will you receive a refund?

Standard refund policy for showtime in new zealand

Paramount+ and Showtime's official policy states that subscription fees are non-refundable. When you cancel, you do not receive a pro-rata refund for unused days remaining in your billing period. This applies whether you subscribed through Apple, Google, or directly through Paramount+.

Cancelling on day 1 of a 30-day month means you forfeit the remaining 29 days-that's the trade-off of month-to-month billing. This is why timing your cancellation correctly matters: if you can wait until closer to your renewal date, you lose less unused time.

Exceptions and when you might get your money back

Refunds are rare but not impossible. Paramount+ may issue a credit or refund in exceptional circumstances, such as a billing error (being charged twice), duplicate charges, or a significant service outage lasting multiple days. These decisions are made at Paramount+ or the distributor's discretion-meaning you have to ask and make your case.

Additionally, New Zealand consumer law provides protections under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. If the service was grossly faulty, misrepresented, or failed to deliver what was promised, you may have a right to remedies including cancellation with a refund. However, this is a high bar and only applies if the breach is significant. Stopee advises that digital content cooling-off rights are limited once the service begins, especially with immediate access and user consent.

Your consumer rights under new zealand law

Consumer guarantees act protections

As a New Zealand consumer, you have statutory rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. These protections apply to all goods and services, including digital subscriptions. The Act guarantees that services must be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, safe, and delivered within a reasonable timeframe.

If Paramount+ with Showtime fails to meet these standards-for example, if the app crashes repeatedly, content is mislabelled, or features promised are unavailable-you have a right to remedies. These can include cancellation without loss of your fee, a refund, or a replacement service. Stopee encourages you to document issues with screenshots, dates, and times so you have evidence if you need to escalate.

How to escalate if the company refuses to help

If Paramount+ or the distributor (Apple, Google) refuses your refund request despite a legitimate issue, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission, New Zealand's consumer protection authority. The Commission doesn't mediate individual disputes, but it investigates systemic breaches of consumer law.

For faster resolution, try disputing the charge with your bank or payment provider first. Most credit card and payment systems in New Zealand offer chargeback protections if a merchant fails to deliver or refunds unjustly. Stopee has seen customers recover funds this way when direct negotiation stalled.

Common cancellation mistakes to avoid

Cancelling on the wrong platform

This is the error Stopee encounters most often: subscribers cancel through the Paramount+ app but never cancel their Apple or Google subscription, so the app store continues charging them. Other subscribers think cancelling their payment method automatically cancels the subscription-it doesn't.

If you subscribed through Apple, cancel through Apple Settings. If you subscribed through Google, cancel through Google Play. If you signed up directly on the Paramount+ website, cancel there. Confirm your cancellation by checking your email for a receipt from the exact platform you used.

Missing the renewal date deadline

The 24-hour rule before renewal is your safety net. If your renewal date is June 15th and you cancel on June 16th, you've already been charged for the next month. While you can request a refund in some cases, prevention is easier than recovery.

Set a phone reminder 48 hours before your renewal date. When that alert sounds, log in and cancel if you're sure you want out. This single habit prevents most unwanted charges Stopee users report.

Not saving your cancellation confirmation

Your cancellation confirmation email is your proof. Without it, you have no record of the date and time you cancelled, which matters if a charge appears on your next billing statement. Screenshot the confirmation, download it, or forward it to yourself. Store it somewhere you'll find it months later if needed.

Your step-by-step cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you've completed every step correctly before you log out for the final time.

Contact details and official cancellation address

Where to send correspondence

If you need to send formal cancellation notice or lodge a complaint, use the details for the current registered entity, Showtime NZ Limited (NZBN: 9429048408066). The older entity Showtime (NZ) Limited is no longer active, so correspondence to that address may be lost or delayed.

For most New Zealand subscribers, cancelling through your platform (Apple, Google, or Paramount+ website) is faster and generates an immediate confirmation. However, if you're in a dispute or have a special circumstance, you can also reach out to the official registered address for Showtime NZ Limited through the New Zealand Companies Office registry.

Pro tip: Always try the digital cancellation method first. It's instant, generates proof, and avoids postal delays. Use formal correspondence only if digital cancellation fails or if you're making a legal claim.

Why stopee exists and how we help

Streaming subscriptions are meant to entertain, not frustrate. Yet renewal traps, hidden cancellation steps, and confusing platform policies leave many New Zealand subscribers overpaying for services they don't use. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, recover wrongful charges, and reclaim their money and peace of mind.

This guide covers Showtime specifically, but Stopee's broader mission is to make cancellation transparent and empowering for every consumer, whether you're stepping away from a streaming service, a gym membership, or a forgotten subscription. You deserve clarity, control, and respect-and Stopee is here to make sure you get it.

If you've followed these steps and still encounter problems, or if a charge appears after you've cancelled, Stopee has resources and escalation guides to help you fight back. Your streaming choices should be yours alone.