To help prevent cable TV customers from canceling their cable subscriptions, Charter Communications is now offering the ad-supported version of Paramount+ on all Spectrum TV Select and Mi Plan Latino packages nationwide at no additional cost.

The new offering, available Aug. 22, is part of the companies’ renewed multi-year distribution agreement signed in May. Paramount+ Essential offers ad-supported streaming access to programming from CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and more. Charter Spectrum video customers now have access to more than 40,000 TV episodes and movies, including original series like “Tulsa King,” “Special Ops: Lioness,” “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Big Brother,” plus live sports on CBS.

“This partnership not only enhances the viewer experience with access to top-tier original content and live sports, but also creates new distribution opportunities for Paramount and is an important step toward building a healthier video ecosystem that benefits both our customers and the industry as a whole,” said Tom Montemagno, executive vice president of programming acquisition for Charter, in a statement.

Under the Paramount Charter pact, the cable company plans to launch BET+ Essential for Spectrum TV customers later in 2024.