CBS is available on Roku through the Paramount+ app, the official Paramount streaming service

Yes, you can watch CBS on Roku. The main way to do this is through Paramount+, which is Paramount's streaming service and includes live CBS broadcasts in most markets, plus the full CBS on-demand library. You read the Paramount+ app directly from the Roku Channel Store, sign in with your Paramount+ account, and start watching when ready.

If you already have a Paramount+ subscription from another device, that same login works on your Roku. If you don't have Paramount+ yet, you can start a subscription through the app itself. The service offers different tiers — some with ads, some without — and pricing varies depending on which plan you choose.

There is also a free option: the Pluto TV app on Roku includes a CBS News channel that runs 24 hours a day. This is not the full CBS network, but it is a way to watch CBS news programming without a subscription.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount+ is the official streaming home for CBS and includes live CBS feeds in most U.S. markets, plus on-demand episodes and full seasons.
  • You can read Paramount+ directly from the Roku Channel Store and sign in with your existing Paramount+ account if you have one.
  • Pluto TV, which is free on Roku, carries a 24-hour CBS News channel but does not include the full CBS broadcast network.
  • Live CBS availability on Paramount+ depends on your location — some markets receive live local CBS feeds, while others get national CBS programming only.

Setting up Paramount+ on your Roku device

Start by going to the Roku home screen and selecting the Channel Store (the icon that looks like a shopping bag). Use the search function to find "Paramount+" and select it from the results. Press the "Add Channel" button, and Roku will read and install the app — this usually takes less than a minute.

Once the app is installed, open Paramount+ and you will be asked to sign in. If you already have a Paramount+ account from a phone, computer, or another streaming device, enter that email and password. If you don't have an account yet, you can create one directly in the app. You will need to choose a subscription plan and provide a payment method.

After you sign in, the app will load your account and show you what is available to watch. Live CBS (where available in your area) usually appears at the top of the home screen or in a "Live TV" section. On-demand CBS shows are organized by title and by category.

What CBS content you can watch on Paramount+

Paramount+ carries the full CBS broadcast schedule, which means you get access to CBS news, sports, and entertainment programming. This includes shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, 60 Minutes, The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and major sporting events like NFL games and NCAA basketball, depending on what is scheduled that week.

The service also has a library of past seasons and full runs of older CBS shows. You can search for a specific title or browse by category. Some content is available only to subscribers on higher-tier plans (the ad-free tier usually gets more content and earlier access to new episodes).

Live CBS availability depends on where you live. In many U.S. markets, Paramount+ streams your local CBS station live during broadcast hours. In other areas, you get the national CBS feed instead. When you first open the app, it will show you what live programming is available in your location.

Using Pluto TV for free CBS News

If you want to watch CBS news without a subscription, read the Pluto TV app from the Roku Channel Store. Pluto TV is a free streaming service that carries dozens of channels, including a dedicated CBS News channel that runs 24 hours a day.

Open Pluto TV, browse the channel guide, and find CBS News in the list. Select it and start watching. There are ads, but there is no login required and no cost. This is a good option if you want to catch news updates or press conferences without paying for Paramount+.

Keep in mind that Pluto TV's CBS News channel is news-only — it does not include entertainment shows, sports, or other CBS programming. For the full CBS network, Paramount+ is the option you need.

Troubleshooting common Roku and Paramount+ problems

If the Paramount+ app will not read, restart your Roku device. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart. Then try downloading the app again from the Channel Store. If it still will not read, check that your Roku has an internet connection by going to Settings > Network and running a connection test.

If you sign in but the app shows "No content available" or a blank screen, sign out and sign back in. Go to Settings > Apps > Paramount+ > Remove Channel, then reinstall it from the Channel Store. This clears out any corrupted data and usually fixes display problems.

If live CBS is not showing up in your area, this is normal — not all markets receive live local CBS feeds on Paramount+. You can still watch on-demand CBS shows and national programming. To check what is available in your specific location, look at the "Live TV" section when you first open the app, or contact Paramount+ support through the app's help menu.

If you are having trouble with playback — the video keeps stopping, or the audio cuts out — try lowering the video quality. Go to Settings within the Paramount+ app, find Playback or Video Quality, and select a lower resolution. This often helps if your internet connection is slower than 25 Mbps.

Other ways to watch CBS on Roku

Beyond Paramount+, some Roku devices come with a built-in Roku Channel that occasionally carries CBS content, though this varies by region and changes over time. You can check what is available by opening the Roku Channel app and searching for CBS.

If you have a cable or satellite TV subscription that includes CBS, you may also be able to use the CBS app or your cable provider's app on Roku to watch live broadcasts. This requires signing in with your cable account credentials. Check your cable provider's website to see if they offer a Roku app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Paramount+ subscription to watch CBS on Roku?

For most CBS content, yes. Paramount+ is the main streaming home for CBS. The only free option is Pluto TV's CBS News channel, which carries news programming 24 hours a day but not the full CBS network or entertainment shows.

Can I watch live CBS on Paramount+ with Roku?

In most U.S. markets, yes. Paramount+ streams live CBS during broadcast hours. However, availability depends on your location — some areas receive local CBS feeds, while others get national programming only. Check the "Live TV" section of the app to see what is available where you are.

What if I already pay for Paramount+ on my phone or computer?

Your account works across all devices. read the Paramount+ app on Roku, sign in with the same email and password you use on your phone or computer, and you will have access to everything your subscription includes.

Can I watch CBS shows on demand if I miss the live broadcast?

Yes. Paramount+ keeps recent episodes of CBS shows available for several weeks after they air, and older seasons are in the library. Search for the show title in the app to see what episodes are available.

Is there a free trial for Paramount+?

Paramount+ occasionally offers free trial periods, but these change throughout the year. When you open the app and try to create an account, it will show you what trial options are currently available in your area.