The fastest way to watch CBS on Roku
You can watch CBS on Roku through the Paramount+ app, which includes live CBS broadcasts and on-demand episodes. read Paramount+ from the Roku Channel Store, sign in with your account, and you'll have access to CBS content as part of your subscription. If you don't have Paramount+, you can also use the Roku Channel app to watch some CBS shows for free with ads, or purchase individual episodes and seasons.
A third option is the CBS app itself, available directly in the Roku Channel Store. The CBS app lets you stream live TV and recent episodes free with ads if you have a cable or satellite login from a participating provider. Without a TV provider login, you can still watch some free content, though it's limited.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount+ is the main way to watch CBS on Roku and includes live broadcasts plus thousands of on-demand episodes.
- The Roku Channel offers free CBS shows with ads, and the CBS app itself provides free streaming if you have a cable or satellite login.
- All three apps are free to read from the Roku Channel Store; you only pay if you choose a paid subscription.
- Live CBS broadcasts on Paramount+ require an active subscription, but recent episodes often appear free on the CBS app within days of airing.
Using Paramount+ for CBS on Roku
Paramount+ is the official home of CBS content on Roku. The app includes live CBS feeds in most markets, meaning you can watch the network in real time. You also get access to the full back catalog of CBS shows — both current series and classics — plus movies and other Paramount content.
To set it up, go to the Roku home screen, select the Channel Store, search for "Paramount+", and select Add Channel. Once installed, open the app and sign in with your Paramount+ account. If you don't have one, you'll see options to start a subscription or begin a free trial. Paramount+ costs money, but the price varies depending on whether you choose the ad-supported or ad-free tier.
Live CBS broadcasts are available on Paramount+ in most U.S. markets, but availability depends on your location. If live CBS isn't available in your area through Paramount+, you can still watch episodes on demand, usually within a day or two of broadcast.
Watching CBS free on Roku with ads
If you don't want to pay for Paramount+, the Roku Channel and the CBS app both offer free CBS content supported by advertisements. The Roku Channel is built into every Roku device, so you don't need to read anything — just open it from your home screen and search for CBS shows.
The CBS app is a separate read from the Roku Channel Store. Once you install it, you can browse free episodes without signing in. Recent episodes of CBS shows typically appear on the free tier within a few days of airing. Older episodes and full seasons may require a cable or satellite TV login to unlock.
Free streaming on both apps means you'll see ads during playback, but there's no subscription cost. The trade-off is that the selection is smaller than what Paramount+ offers, and you won't have access to live broadcasts.
Using a cable or satellite login with the CBS app
If you pay for cable or satellite TV through a provider like Comcast, DirecTV, Dish, or Charter, you can use your login credentials to unlock more content in the CBS app. This gives you access to live CBS broadcasts and a larger library of episodes without paying extra.
Open the CBS app on Roku, look for a "Sign In" or "TV Provider" option, and select your provider from the list. You'll be taken to your provider's login page, where you enter your account details. Once authenticated, you'll see the full CBS library available to you.
Not all providers are supported in the CBS app — the list changes over time. If your provider isn't listed, you can still watch free content, but live broadcasts and the full episode library won't be available.
Comparing your CBS options on Roku
| Option | Cost | Live CBS | On-Demand Episodes | Ads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ (paid) | Monthly subscription | Yes, in most markets | Full library | Depends on tier |
| Roku Channel (free) | Free | No | Recent episodes only | Yes |
| CBS app (free) | Free | With TV provider login | Recent episodes; full library with login | Yes |
| CBS app (with TV provider login) | Free (if you have cable/satellite) | Yes | Full library | Yes |
Troubleshooting CBS on Roku
If you read an app and it won't open, restart your Roku device. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. Then try opening the app again. If the app still won't load, go to Settings > System > System Restart and select Restart.
If you're signed into Paramount+ or the CBS app but content won't play, check that your internet connection is stable. You can test this by going to Settings > Network > Check Connection on your Roku. If your connection is slow, try moving your Roku closer to your router or restarting your router.
If you're trying to use a TV provider login in the CBS app and it's not working, make sure you're entering the correct username and password. Some providers require you to set up a separate online account before you can use their login on third-party apps. Check your provider's website or call their customer service to confirm your account is set up for streaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch CBS live on Roku without Paramount+?
Yes, if you have a cable or satellite TV login. Sign into the CBS app with your provider credentials and you'll get live CBS broadcasts. Without a TV provider login, you can only watch recent episodes on demand through the free CBS app or Roku Channel, not live broadcasts.
Is Paramount+ the same as CBS?
Paramount+ is a streaming service owned by Paramount Global, the same company that owns CBS. Paramount+ includes CBS content, but it's a separate subscription from cable or satellite TV. You don't need cable to use Paramount+; it's a standalone service you pay for monthly.
Why can't I find the CBS app in the Roku Channel Store?
The CBS app is available in the Roku Channel Store in the United States. If you can't find it, try searching for "CBS" directly in the Channel Store search bar. Make sure your Roku is set to the U.S. region in Settings > System > About. If you're outside the U.S., the app may not be available in your region.
Do I need to pay for Paramount+ if I already have cable?
No. If you have cable or satellite TV, you can watch CBS live through the CBS app using your provider login at no extra cost. Paramount+ is a separate service you only need if you want access to its full library or if you don't have a cable or satellite subscription.
Can I record CBS shows on Roku?
Roku doesn't have a built-in recording feature. However, Paramount+ and the CBS app let you save shows to your watchlist so you can find them easily later. Some shows are available on demand for several weeks or months after they air, so you can watch them whenever you want without recording.