CBS shows are available on Paramount+, but not all of them, and the selection depends on whether you pay for the ad-supported or ad-free plan

Paramount+ carries current CBS broadcasts and a library of past CBS series, but the catalog is not identical to what airs on CBS television. Some shows stream on Paramount+ the day after they air on CBS; others arrive weeks later or not at all. A few programs—mainly sports, news, and daytime talk shows—do not move to the streaming service, even though they air on CBS.

The difference between your two plan options matters. The ad-supported plan (the cheaper tier) includes most CBS content but may have a delay before new episodes arrive. The ad-free plan (the more expensive tier) gets the same shows, usually at the same time. Neither plan changes which shows are available—the plan you choose affects only whether you see advertisements and how much you pay per month.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount+ streams most CBS dramas, comedies, and reality shows, but not all CBS programming—sports, news, and some daytime shows stay on CBS television only.
  • New episodes of CBS shows typically arrive on Paramount+ the next day, though some programs have a longer delay or release on a different schedule.
  • Both the ad-supported and ad-free Paramount+ plans include the same CBS content; the plan you choose affects only cost and advertisements, not what you can watch.
  • You can search for a specific CBS show on Paramount+ to see whether it streams there and when new episodes arrive.

Which CBS shows stream on Paramount+

Paramount+ carries the majority of CBS's scripted dramas and comedies. Shows like The Bold and the Beautiful, Young Sheldon, Ghosts, Tracker, and Seal Team are on the service. Reality competition shows such as Survivor and The Amazing Race also stream there. Past seasons of these programs are usually available in full, so you can catch up on older episodes.

The shows that do not appear on Paramount+ are mainly in three categories: live sports (NFL games, NCAA football, golf tournaments), news programming (the CBS Evening News, 60 Minutes), and daytime talk shows (The Talk, The Price Is Right). These programs either stay exclusive to CBS television or air on other platforms owned by the same parent company. A few limited series or one-off specials may also skip Paramount+ if they have different distribution deals.

The easiest way to check whether a specific show streams on Paramount+ is to search for it directly in the app or on the Paramount+ website. If it is available, you will see the option to watch; if it is not, the search will tell you that too.

When new CBS episodes arrive on Paramount+

For most CBS dramas and comedies, new episodes land on Paramount+ the day after they air on CBS television. If a show airs on Tuesday night on CBS, you can usually stream it on Paramount+ on Wednesday morning. This timing applies to both the ad-supported and ad-free plans.

Some shows follow a different schedule. A few programs release new episodes on Paramount+ at the same time they air on CBS, rather than waiting until the next day. Others may have a longer delay—sometimes a week or more—before they appear on the streaming service. Reality competition shows sometimes release episodes on a different day than their CBS broadcast, so check the show's page on Paramount+ to see the exact schedule.

If you miss an episode when it first arrives, it stays on Paramount+ for you to watch later. You are not limited to a short window; the episode remains available throughout the season and often beyond.

How to find CBS content on Paramount+

Paramount+ does not have a single "CBS" section, but you can narrow your search in a few ways. Use the search bar at the top of the app or website and type the name of the show you want. You can also browse by category—"Drama," "Comedy," or "Reality"—and scroll through the titles. Many of the shows you see in these categories are CBS programs, though Paramount+ also includes content from other networks.

If you are looking for a specific type of show, the filter options help. You can sort by release date (newest first), by rating, or by how recently new episodes arrived. This is useful if you want to find CBS shows that just added new episodes this week.

Paramount+ also sends notifications when new episodes of shows you are watching become available. Turn on notifications in your account settings, and you will get a reminder the morning a new episode drops.

Differences between ad-supported and ad-free plans

Both Paramount+ plans—the ad-supported tier and the ad-free tier—include access to the same CBS shows and the same episodes. The difference is not in what you can watch, but in how you watch it and what you pay.

The ad-supported plan costs less per month but includes advertisements during playback. The ads appear at the beginning, middle, and end of episodes, similar to watching on CBS television. The ad-free plan costs more but removes those interruptions. Neither plan changes the catalog of CBS shows available to you, the day episodes arrive, or any other feature of the service.

If you are mainly interested in CBS content, either plan works. Your choice depends on whether you prefer to pay less and watch ads, or pay more for uninterrupted viewing.

What happens with live CBS broadcasts

Paramount+ does not stream live CBS television. You cannot watch CBS broadcasts in real time through Paramount+. If you want to watch a show as it airs on CBS—such as a live sports event, a news broadcast, or a special event—you need to tune in to CBS television directly, either through a cable or satellite subscription, an antenna, or a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

Once a CBS show finishes airing, it typically moves to Paramount+ within 24 hours (or on the schedule specific to that show). But during the live broadcast itself, Paramount+ is not an option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch CBS shows on Paramount+ the same day they air?

Most CBS shows arrive on Paramount+ the day after they air on CBS television. A few programs release on Paramount+ at the same time as the CBS broadcast, but this is less common. Check the specific show's page on Paramount+ to see its release schedule.

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

No. Paramount+ is a standalone streaming service. You do not need a cable subscription or a CBS login to watch CBS shows on Paramount+. You only need a Paramount+ subscription.

Why is a CBS show I watch not on Paramount+?

Some CBS programs—mainly sports, news, and daytime shows—do not stream on Paramount+. A few limited series or specials may also have different distribution deals. Search for the show on Paramount+ to confirm whether it is available there.

If I cancel Paramount+, can I still watch CBS shows?

You can watch CBS broadcasts on CBS television with an antenna or cable subscription. You can also watch some CBS shows on other platforms, depending on the program. Once you cancel Paramount+, you lose access to shows you were streaming there.

Are there any CBS shows that are only on Paramount+ and not on CBS television?

Paramount+ produces some original series with CBS actors and producers, but most CBS shows on Paramount+ also air on CBS television. Check the show's description on Paramount+ to see whether it is a CBS broadcast show or a Paramount+ original.