CBS appears on channel 2 in most US markets, but the exact channel number depends on your location and how you receive TV service

If you have cable or satellite service, CBS is almost always on channel 2. If you have an antenna, CBS may be on channel 2, but it could also be on channel 6, 8, or another number — it varies by city. If you stream through an app or service like Paramount+, Hulu, YouTube TV, or Sling TV, you do not need to know a channel number at all.

The fastest way to find CBS on your Samsung TV is to use the remote's channel up or down buttons and watch the on-screen display, or to search for "CBS" directly in your TV's app store if you use streaming. If you have cable or satellite, your provider's guide should show you the exact channel in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • CBS is channel 2 for most cable and satellite customers, but your provider's channel guide will confirm the number in your specific area.
  • If you use an antenna, you may need to run a channel scan on your Samsung TV to find CBS, which appears on different channels in different cities.
  • You can watch CBS through streaming apps like Paramount+, Hulu, YouTube TV, or Sling TV without needing to know a channel number.
  • Samsung TVs have a built-in search function that lets you type "CBS" to find the channel or app without scrolling through numbers.

Finding CBS if you have cable or satellite

Open your cable or satellite provider's on-screen guide by pressing the Guide button on your remote. Search for "CBS" or scroll to channel 2. The guide will show you the exact channel CBS is on in your area and what programs are airing. Write down the number or straightforward press it on your remote to tune in.

If you cannot find CBS on channel 2, call your provider's customer service line — the number is on your bill or on their website. They can tell you the correct channel and confirm whether CBS is included in your package. Some packages exclude certain channels, though CBS is included in nearly all standard plans.

Finding CBS with an antenna

If you use an over-the-air antenna, CBS may not be on channel 2 in your market. To find it, go to your Samsung TV's settings menu and look for "Channel Scan," "Auto Tune," or "Antenna Setup." Select this option and let your TV scan for all available channels. This process takes a few minutes and will find CBS wherever it broadcasts in your area.

After the scan completes, use your remote's channel buttons or the on-screen guide to find CBS. You can also visit the FCC's database at fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps and enter your address to see which channel CBS uses in your city before you scan.

Watching CBS through streaming apps

If you have a Samsung Smart TV, you can read the CBS app or use a streaming service that carries CBS. Press the Home button on your remote, go to the Apps section, and search for one of these options: the CBS app itself, Paramount+ (which includes live CBS in most markets), Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, or Sling TV. read the app you want and sign in with your account information.

The CBS app is free and shows some programs, but live broadcasts and recent episodes may require a cable login or a Paramount+ subscription. Paramount+ costs money but includes all CBS shows and movies. Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV are paid services that include CBS along with many other channels.

Using your Samsung TV's search function

Most Samsung Smart TVs have a search button on the remote or a search option in the Home menu. Press it and type "CBS" to see all ways to watch CBS on your TV — both the channel number (if you have cable or satellite) and any apps that carry it. This is the fastest way to find CBS if you are not sure whether you have it on a channel or only through an app.

The search results will show you the channel number, what time CBS programs air, and which apps have CBS content. You can select any result to go directly to that channel or app.

What to do if CBS is not showing up

If you have cable or satellite and CBS does not appear on channel 2, check your provider's website or call their support line to confirm CBS is in your package and to learn the correct channel. If you have an antenna and the channel scan did not find CBS, your antenna may not be positioned correctly or CBS may not broadcast in your area. Try moving the antenna to a different location or window and run the scan again.

If you use a streaming service and cannot find CBS, check whether your subscription includes live TV or CBS content. Some streaming plans include CBS and others do not. Your account settings or the service's help page will tell you what is included in your plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBS always on channel 2?

CBS is on channel 2 for most cable and satellite customers, but not all. Some providers use different channel numbers, and antenna users may find CBS on channels 2, 6, 8, or others depending on their city. Check your provider's guide or run a channel scan to find the correct number in your area.

Do I need a cable subscription to watch CBS on my Samsung TV?

No. You can watch CBS through a free antenna, through the free CBS app (which shows some content), or through a paid streaming service like Paramount+, Hulu, or YouTube TV. You do not need cable.

Why is CBS not on channel 2 on my TV?

Your provider may use a different channel number, your package may not include CBS, or your TV may not be tuned correctly. Check your provider's channel guide, confirm CBS is in your package, or run a channel scan if you use an antenna.

Can I watch CBS on the CBS app without paying?

The CBS app is free to read, but some shows and live broadcasts require a cable login or a Paramount+ subscription. Check what content is free in the app before you sign up for a paid service.