CBS on Roku: Your Free Streaming Options
You can watch CBS on Roku through the Paramount+ app, which offers a free tier with ads, or through the Pluto TV app, which streams CBS content at no cost. The Paramount+ free plan includes current episodes of CBS shows and some back catalog content, though the full library requires a paid subscription. Pluto TV carries older CBS episodes and reruns on dedicated channels.
Both apps are available directly from the Roku Channel Store and install in minutes. The free Paramount+ tier does not require a credit card, though you will need to create an account with an email address. Pluto TV requires no account at all—you can start watching when ready after installing the app.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount+ offers a free ad-supported plan that includes current CBS episodes and some older seasons without requiring a credit card.
- Pluto TV streams CBS content free with ads and requires no account or sign-up of any kind.
- Both apps install from the Roku Channel Store in under a minute and work on all Roku devices.
- The free Paramount+ plan shows ads between episodes but does not limit how many episodes you can watch per day or week.
Installing Paramount+ on Your Roku Device
Open the Roku home screen and select Streaming Channels from the left menu. Search for "Paramount+" using the on-screen keyboard. Select the Paramount+ result and choose Add Channel. The app will install in 30 to 60 seconds, then appear on your home screen.
Once installed, open Paramount+ and select Sign Up for Free at the bottom of the login screen. Enter your email address and create a password. You will be asked to confirm your email by clicking a link sent to your inbox—check your spam folder if you do not see it within a few minutes. After confirming, you can start watching when ready. The app will ask about payment methods, but you can skip this step to use the free plan.
What You Can Watch on Free Paramount+
The free Paramount+ plan includes new episodes of CBS shows like The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, and Ghosts within 24 hours of broadcast. You also get access to some complete seasons of older shows and limited back catalog episodes. The exact content changes monthly, so what is available today may rotate out in a few weeks.
Sports, movies, and premium originals are restricted to the paid plan. If you want to watch a show that says "Upgrade to Premium," that content is not available on the free tier. The free plan includes ads—typically 30 to 60 seconds of commercials per episode, similar to watching on broadcast television.
Using Pluto TV as an Alternative
Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service that carries CBS reruns and older episodes on dedicated channels. Search for "Pluto TV" in the Roku Channel Store, select Add Channel, and the app will install when ready. Unlike Paramount+, Pluto TV requires no account—you can open the app and start watching right away.
Pluto TV organizes content into live channels rather than a searchable library. You will find CBS-focused channels in the guide that show episodes back-to-back. The selection is older material and reruns rather than current episodes, but there is no limit on how much you can watch. Ads run every 10 to 15 minutes, similar to cable television.
Comparing Free CBS Streaming on Roku
Both services work on any Roku device, but they serve different viewing habits. Paramount+ is the better choice if you want to watch current CBS episodes shortly after they air and do not mind creating a free account. Pluto TV works better if you prefer older shows and reruns, value having zero setup, and like the channel-surfing experience of traditional television.
Installation takes less than two minutes for either app. Paramount+ requires an email address to create a free account, while Pluto TV asks for nothing. Both include ads, though Paramount+ shows them in blocks between episodes while Pluto TV intersperses them throughout, similar to cable. The choice between them depends on whether you want current episodes or are satisfied with back catalog content.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If Paramount+ or Pluto TV will not install, restart your Roku device by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If the app installs but will not open, try removing it and reinstalling. Go to Settings > System > System Update and check for updates—older Roku models occasionally need updates before newer apps will run.
If you see a message that the app is not available in your region, you are outside the United States. Both Paramount+ and Pluto TV are only available to viewers in the US. If you installed the app but cannot log in, make sure you confirmed your email address by clicking the link Paramount+ sent you. Check your spam and promotions folders if the confirmation email does not appear in your inbox within 10 minutes.
When to Upgrade to Paid Paramount+
The free Paramount+ plan works well if you watch CBS shows casually and do not mind ads. If you want to watch movies, sports, or premium originals like Yellowstone or Star Trek: Discovery, you will need the paid plan. Paramount+ Premium (ad-free) and Paramount+ with Showtime are available at different price points—check the Paramount+ website for current pricing, as it changes by region and promotion.
You can switch from free to paid anytime by opening the app, going to Account, and selecting a subscription plan. Your free account will convert to the paid plan without losing your watch history or saved shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Paramount+ account to watch CBS on Pluto TV?
No. Pluto TV requires no account at all. You can open the app and start watching when ready. Paramount+ does require a free account with an email address, but no credit card is needed for the free plan.
Can I watch live CBS broadcasts on Roku for free?
Not through Paramount+ or Pluto TV. Paramount+ shows episodes within 24 hours of broadcast, and Pluto TV carries only reruns. To watch live CBS, you would need a cable subscription or a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, which charge a monthly fee.
Will the free Paramount+ plan always include new CBS episodes?
Yes, current episodes are a core part of the free plan. However, the number of back catalog seasons available rotates monthly. If you want may provide access to the full library of a show, the paid plan is more reliable.
Can I read CBS episodes to watch offline on Roku?
No. Roku apps do not support offline downloads. You can only stream content while connected to the internet. If you need offline viewing, you would need to watch on a phone or tablet through the Paramount+ mobile app, which does offer downloads on some shows.
What happens if I pause a show—will I lose my place?
No. Both Paramount+ and Pluto TV save your watch progress. If you stop watching midway through an episode, you can resume from that point the next time you open the app, as long as you are logged into the same account (on Paramount+) or using the same device (on Pluto TV).