CBS on Roku is free through the official CBS app, but only for a limited selection of shows and live TV in some markets

The CBS app on Roku lets you watch some content at no cost, including select episodes of popular shows and live broadcasts in certain areas. However, most current episodes and full seasons require a Paramount+ subscription. The free tier shows you ads and limits which shows you can access without paying. If you want the full CBS library—including same-day episodes of shows like The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, and sports events—you need Paramount+.

Live CBS broadcasts are available free in some markets through the CBS app on Roku, but this depends on your location and which local CBS station serves your area. You can check whether your market has free live TV by opening the CBS app and looking for the Live tab. If your area is not covered, Paramount+ includes live CBS in most markets as part of its subscription.

Key Takeaways

  • The CBS app on Roku offers free, ad-supported access to some shows and clips, but most current episodes require Paramount+.
  • Free live CBS broadcasts through the app are available only in certain markets and depend on your local CBS station.
  • Paramount+ costs between $5.99 and $11.99 per month depending on whether you choose the ad-supported or ad-free plan.
  • You can read the CBS app directly from the Roku Channel Store at no cost and start watching free content when ready.
  • If you already pay for cable or a live TV streaming service, check whether your subscription includes CBS or Paramount+ as part of your package.

How to read the CBS app on Roku

Open your Roku home screen and go to the Channel Store. Search for "CBS" and select the official CBS app (look for the CBS eye logo). Press Add Channel, and the app will install to your Roku device. Once installed, the app appears on your home screen and is ready to use when ready.

The app is the same whether you plan to watch free content or sign in with a Paramount+ account. You do not need to pay anything to read it or browse what is available. When you open the app for the first time, you will see a mix of free clips, full episodes available to free users, and locked content that requires a subscription.

What you can watch for free on CBS through Roku

Free users on the CBS app can watch clips and short segments from most CBS shows, usually the most recent episode or two of certain programs. The exact selection changes weekly. You will also see full episodes of some shows, though these rotate and are not always the current season. Daytime shows like The Price Is Right and Let's Make a Deal often have free full episodes available.

Live CBS broadcasts are free in markets where the local CBS station participates in the app's live feed. You can check your market by opening the app and tapping the Live tab. If live CBS is available where you are, you can watch it without signing in. Sports events, breaking news, and prime-time shows may or may not be included in the free live feed depending on broadcast rights in your area.

All free content is interrupted by ads. The number and length of ads varies, but expect commercial breaks similar to what you would see on cable television. You cannot skip ads on free content.

When you need Paramount+ to watch CBS on Roku

Same-day episodes of prime-time shows like Ghosts, NCIS, Survivor, and The Equalizer are available only to Paramount+ subscribers. If you want to watch a show the day after it airs, you almost always need the subscription. Full seasons of current shows are also locked behind Paramount+.

Live CBS in prime time (8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern) requires Paramount+ in most markets, even if your local CBS station participates in the app's free live feed. Paramount+ also removes most ads from the content you watch, though the ad-supported plan ($5.99 per month) still includes some commercials. The ad-free plan costs $11.99 per month.

If you already subscribe to Paramount+ through another service—such as a cable provider, a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, or a bundle—you can sign in with those credentials on the CBS app and watch all Paramount+ content without paying extra.

Free live TV options if CBS is not available in your market

If your area does not have free live CBS through the app, you have a few alternatives. Paramount+ includes live CBS in most markets as part of the subscription. A live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV includes CBS and can be watched on Roku through those apps. Some of these services offer free trials lasting a week or more, though you will need to provide a payment method to start the trial.

If you have a cable or satellite subscription, you may be able to sign into the CBS app with your cable provider credentials and watch live CBS and on-demand content that way. Check the CBS app's sign-in options to see whether your provider is listed. This does not cost extra if you already have cable.

How to sign into Paramount+ on the CBS app

Open the CBS app and look for a Sign In or Account button, usually in the top right corner or in the app's menu. Select Sign In and choose Paramount+ as your sign-in method. You will be taken to a Paramount+ login page where you enter your email and password. If you do not have a Paramount+ account, you can create one during this process and start a subscription right away.

After you sign in, the CBS app remembers your account on that Roku device. You will see all Paramount+ content unlocked, and you can watch without ads if you have the ad-free plan. If you sign out, you return to the free tier and can only watch the limited free content again.

Paramount+ pricing and what is included

Paramount+ offers two subscription tiers on Roku. The ad-supported plan is $5.99 per month and includes most of the Paramount+ library with occasional ads. The ad-free plan is $11.99 per month and removes most ads from shows and movies. Both plans include live CBS in most markets, access to all current and past episodes of CBS shows, movies, and other Paramount+ originals.

Paramount+ sometimes offers promotional pricing for new subscribers, such as the first month at a reduced rate or a free trial period. These offers change frequently and are shown when you try to start a subscription. You can cancel your subscription at any time through your Paramount+ account settings on the Paramount+ website or app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch CBS live for free on Roku without Paramount+?

Only if your local CBS station participates in the free live feed through the CBS app and you live in a covered market. You can check by opening the CBS app and looking at the Live tab. If your market is not covered, you need Paramount+ or another service like cable or a live TV streaming app to watch live CBS.

Do I have to pay for the CBS app itself?

No. The CBS app is free to read and install on Roku. You only pay if you want a Paramount+ subscription to unlock more content. You can read the app and watch free content without ever paying anything.

If I have cable, can I watch CBS on Roku for free?

You may be able to sign into the CBS app with your cable provider login and watch live CBS and on-demand shows included in your cable package. Check the CBS app's sign-in options to see if your provider is listed. This does not cost extra if you already have cable.

What is the difference between the CBS app and Paramount+?

The CBS app focuses on CBS shows and live broadcasts, while Paramount+ is a broader streaming service that includes CBS content plus movies, shows from other networks, and original series. On Roku, you use the CBS app to watch, but signing in with Paramount+ unlocks the full library within that app.

Can I watch CBS shows on demand for free?

Only select episodes and clips. Most current episodes and full seasons require Paramount+. The free selection rotates weekly and varies by show, so what is available changes frequently.