What Paramount Plus shows and what it doesn't

Paramount Plus carries some Dallas Cowboys games, but not all of them. The service shows games that air on CBS, since Paramount Plus is owned by the same parent company. That means you can watch Cowboys games that CBS broadcasts during the regular season and playoffs — typically Thursday Night Football matchups and some Sunday afternoon games.

Games on other networks — ESPN Monday Night Football, NBC Sunday Night Football, Fox, and the NFL Network — do not appear on Paramount Plus. If the Cowboys are playing on one of those channels, you will need a different streaming service or cable subscription to watch.

The NFL schedule changes every year, so which games land on CBS varies. You can check the full schedule on NFL.com or the Cowboys' official website to see which network will broadcast each game before the season starts.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus shows Cowboys games that air on CBS, including most Thursday Night Football games and some Sunday afternoon broadcasts.
  • Games on ESPN, NBC, Fox, and the NFL Network are not available on Paramount Plus and require a different service.
  • You need an active Paramount Plus subscription to stream CBS games; a free tier account does not include live sports.
  • The NFL schedule determines which games appear on CBS each season, so check the official schedule before game day.

Which subscription tier includes live sports

Only the paid tiers of Paramount Plus include live sports. The free version of Paramount Plus does not carry any live games, including Cowboys broadcasts. You must have either the ad-supported paid plan or the ad-free plan to watch live CBS games.

Both paid tiers give you access to the same live sports content. The difference is that the ad-supported plan shows commercials during games, while the ad-free plan does not. The ad-free plan costs more per month, but the game coverage itself is identical between the two.

How to find Cowboys games on the app or website

Once you have an active paid subscription, open the Paramount Plus app or go to paramountplus.com. Look for the "Sports" section in the main menu or search bar. From there, you can browse upcoming CBS broadcasts, including Cowboys games.

You can also search for "Cowboys" directly in the search box to see upcoming games and past broadcasts available on demand. If a game is scheduled for CBS, it will show up in the app with a start time and the option to set a reminder.

On game day, live games typically become available a few minutes before kickoff. If you miss the live broadcast, some games are available to watch on demand shortly after they end, though this depends on the specific game and licensing agreements.

What happens during the playoffs

Paramount Plus carries CBS playoff games if the Cowboys make the postseason. The network's playoff schedule is set by the NFL, so not every playoff game will be on CBS — some air on other networks. You can find the playoff schedule on NFL.com once the regular season ends and the bracket is set.

Playoff games on CBS follow the same rules as regular-season games: you need a paid Paramount Plus subscription, and the game streams live on the app and website starting a few minutes before kickoff.

Using Paramount Plus on different devices

You can watch Cowboys games on Paramount Plus through the app on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and Chromecast. You can also watch on a computer through the website.

Your subscription works across all these devices as long as you are signed in with the same account. If you want to watch on your TV, read the Paramount Plus app from your TV's app store, sign in, and navigate to the game the same way you would on a phone or computer.

Blackout rules and regional restrictions

Some CBS games may be subject to local blackout rules, which means they will not stream in certain regions even if you have a paid subscription. Blackouts typically explore to local broadcasts in the Cowboys' home market and sometimes to games on local CBS affiliates in other regions.

If you see a message that a game is not available in your area, a blackout is likely the reason. These restrictions are set by the NFL and the networks, not by Paramount Plus. You can check your local CBS station's schedule to see if the game airs on the local broadcast instead.

Other ways to watch if Paramount Plus doesn't have the game

If the Cowboys game is on ESPN, NBC, Fox, or the NFL Network, you will need a different service. ESPN Plus carries some games, though not all Monday Night Football broadcasts. YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and traditional cable subscriptions carry most NFL games across all networks.

The NFL also offers NFL Plus, a separate subscription service that streams some games, though blackout rules and game availability vary. Check which network is broadcasting the specific game you want to watch, then choose the service that carries it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need cable to watch Cowboys games on Paramount Plus?

No. You only need a paid Paramount Plus subscription. You do not need a cable login or cable subscription. However, Paramount Plus only carries games that air on CBS, so you may need cable or another streaming service for games on other networks.

Can I watch Cowboys games for free on Paramount Plus?

No. The free tier of Paramount Plus does not include live sports. You must pay for either the ad-supported or ad-free plan to stream live CBS games, including Cowboys broadcasts.

What if I miss a game — can I watch it later?

Some games are available on demand after they air, but not all. Availability depends on licensing and the specific game. Check the app after the game ends to see if an on-demand version is available. Highlights are usually posted faster than full replays.

Will Paramount Plus show the Cowboys in the Super Bowl?

Only if the game airs on CBS. The Super Bowl rotates between networks each year. If it is on CBS, Paramount Plus will carry it. You can check which network has the Super Bowl in any given year on NFL.com.

Can I watch on multiple devices at the same time?

That depends on your plan. The ad-supported plan typically allows streaming on one device at a time. The ad-free plan usually allows two simultaneous streams. Check your plan details in the Paramount Plus account settings to confirm how many devices you can use at once.