CBS and Paramount Plus are owned by the same parent company

Paramount Global owns both CBS and Paramount Plus. CBS is a broadcast television network that has operated since 1927. Paramount Plus is the streaming service that launched in 2020. Both are divisions of the same corporation, which also owns other media properties including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and the film studio Paramount Pictures.

This ownership structure means CBS content often appears on Paramount Plus. New episodes of CBS shows typically become available on the streaming service the day after they air on broadcast television, or sometimes the same day depending on the program. Movies from Paramount Pictures also stream on Paramount Plus as part of the service's content library.

The relationship between the two is straightforward: CBS is the traditional broadcast channel, and Paramount Plus is where the same company distributes content through streaming. You do not need a cable subscription to watch Paramount Plus — it is a standalone streaming service with its own subscription cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Global is the parent company that owns both CBS and Paramount Plus, along with MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and Paramount Pictures.
  • CBS shows typically appear on Paramount Plus within a day of their broadcast air date, though timing varies by program.
  • Paramount Plus is a separate streaming service with its own subscription fee and does not require a cable or broadcast television subscription.
  • The shared ownership means Paramount Plus includes a large library of CBS shows, movies, and original series produced by the company's various divisions.

How CBS content reaches Paramount Plus

When CBS airs a new episode of a show, Paramount Plus usually makes it available the next day. Some programs, particularly sports events or live broadcasts, may not stream the same way on Paramount Plus as they air on CBS. Paramount Plus offers both a free tier with ads and a paid subscription tier without ads, though the free tier has a smaller content library.

The streaming service also produces original shows and movies that do not air on CBS broadcast television. These originals are exclusive to Paramount Plus subscribers. The company uses the streaming platform to reach viewers who no longer watch traditional broadcast television, while CBS continues to serve the audience that watches live television or uses cable and antenna reception.

What this ownership means for viewers

If you watch CBS shows, you have options for how to view them. You can watch live on CBS broadcast television if you have an antenna or cable subscription. You can also watch on Paramount Plus after the episode airs, either with a paid subscription or on the free tier with advertisements. This gives you flexibility in when and how you watch, rather than being locked into a broadcast schedule.

The shared ownership also means Paramount Plus has a deep catalog of CBS shows from past seasons. You can watch older episodes of long-running series like The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, and NCIS on the streaming service. This back catalog is one reason people subscribe to Paramount Plus — they can catch up on shows they missed or rewatch favorites.

Paramount Global's other media properties

Beyond CBS and Paramount Plus, Paramount Global owns several other major media brands. MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central are cable networks under the same corporate umbrella. Paramount Pictures is the film studio that produces theatrical movies, many of which eventually stream on Paramount Plus.

This means Paramount Plus draws content from multiple sources within the same company. You might watch a CBS drama, a Nickelodeon show, a Comedy Central special, or a Paramount Pictures film all on the same streaming service. The company consolidates its various entertainment divisions into one streaming platform to compete with Netflix, Disney Plus, and other streaming services.

The difference between broadcast and streaming rights

CBS has broadcast rights to air shows on traditional television. Paramount Plus has streaming rights to distribute the same content online. These are separate legal agreements, which is why a show can air on CBS but not when ready appear on Paramount Plus, or vice versa. Most CBS shows do stream on Paramount Plus because the company owns both, but the timing and availability depend on the specific contracts for each program.

Sports programming is a common exception. CBS broadcasts NFL games and other sports events, but streaming rights for sports are often sold separately and may go to different platforms. This is why you might see a CBS sports event on television but not find it on Paramount Plus, even though the same company owns both.

How to watch CBS content on Paramount Plus

To watch CBS shows on Paramount Plus, you create an account on the Paramount Plus website or mobile app. The free tier lets you watch with advertisements and has a limited library. The paid subscription removes ads and gives you access to the full content library, including new episodes and back seasons of CBS shows.

You do not need a cable subscription or a separate CBS account. Paramount Plus is its own service with its own login. If you already have a Paramount Plus subscription, you can start watching CBS content when ready — it is included in your access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need cable to watch CBS shows on Paramount Plus?

No. Paramount Plus is a standalone streaming service. You can watch CBS shows on it with just a Paramount Plus subscription and an internet connection. You do not need cable television or a broadcast antenna.

Are all CBS shows available on Paramount Plus?

Most CBS shows are available on Paramount Plus, but not all. Some programs have different streaming rights holders, or their streaming availability may be limited by contract. Check the Paramount Plus app or website to see if a specific show is there.

Can I watch CBS live on Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus offers live streaming of CBS in most markets, but this feature is only available to paid subscribers, not the free tier. You can watch new episodes the day after they air on all subscription levels.

Why is a CBS show not on Paramount Plus yet?

New episodes typically appear the day after broadcast, but timing varies. Some shows may have different streaming schedules, or the episode may still be in the window where it is exclusive to broadcast television before moving to streaming.

Does Paramount Plus have content from other networks besides CBS?

Yes. Paramount Plus includes shows and movies from Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, and Paramount Pictures — all divisions of Paramount Global. The streaming service combines content from all these brands into one library.