CBS and Paramount Plus are separate services, but CBS content lives inside Paramount Plus

CBS is a broadcast television network that has existed since 1927. Paramount Plus is a streaming service launched in 2021 by the same parent company, Paramount Global. The confusion happens because Paramount Plus includes CBS shows — both live CBS broadcasts and on-demand episodes — but CBS itself is not Paramount Plus, and Paramount Plus is not CBS.

If you want to watch CBS shows, you have three paths: watch CBS over the air with an antenna, pay for cable or satellite TV that includes CBS, or subscribe to Paramount Plus. Each path gives you different CBS content and costs different amounts. Understanding which one fits your situation means knowing what each service actually offers.

Key Takeaways

  • CBS is a broadcast network; Paramount Plus is a streaming service owned by the same parent company.
  • Paramount Plus includes CBS shows on demand and live CBS feeds in some markets, but you do not need Paramount Plus to watch CBS.
  • You can watch CBS free over the air with an antenna, through cable or satellite, or through Paramount Plus with a paid subscription.
  • Paramount Plus offers CBS content plus thousands of other shows and movies from the Paramount library that CBS does not air.
  • The CBS app lets you stream some CBS shows free with ads, or watch more content if you have a cable or Paramount Plus login.

What CBS broadcasts and how you can watch it

CBS airs live programming including news, sports, and entertainment shows. Shows like The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, 60 Minutes, and NCAA March Madness broadcast on CBS. You can watch these shows the moment they air on CBS, or you can watch episodes later on demand.

The CBS app (available on phones, tablets, and streaming devices) lets you watch some CBS shows free with ads. Other shows require you to sign in with a cable or satellite TV login, or a Paramount Plus subscription. This means CBS content is split across multiple places depending on what you pay for.

What Paramount Plus includes beyond CBS

Paramount Plus is a streaming service with thousands of shows and movies. It includes all CBS shows, but it also includes content from MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, and the Paramount film library. Shows like Star Trek: Discovery, Halo, The Offer, and Yellowstone are Paramount Plus originals that do not air on CBS broadcast television.

Paramount Plus has two subscription tiers: a lower-cost tier with ads, and a higher-cost tier without ads. Both include the same shows and movies. The main difference is whether you see commercials. Some live sports and events may be exclusive to the ad-free tier.

How to watch CBS without paying for Paramount Plus

If you only want CBS and do not care about Paramount Plus content, you have two free or low-cost options. First, you can use an antenna to pick up CBS over the air. CBS is a broadcast network, which means it transmits free to anyone with an antenna in range of a CBS station. An antenna costs $20 to $100 one time, with no monthly fee.

Second, you can use the CBS app to watch some shows free with ads. The CBS app shows recent episodes of many CBS programs at no cost. You will see commercials, but you will not pay a subscription. If you have cable or satellite TV that includes CBS, you can also log into the CBS app with your cable credentials and watch more content.

When you might want Paramount Plus instead of just CBS

Paramount Plus makes sense if you want CBS content plus shows and movies from other Paramount-owned networks and studios. If you watch Star Trek, Nickelodeon shows, South Park, or Paramount movies, Paramount Plus bundles all of that in one place. You also get live CBS feeds in some markets, which means you can watch CBS as it airs without an antenna.

Paramount Plus also includes live sports events that CBS broadcasts, such as college football and the NFL. If you want to stream these live, Paramount Plus is one way to do it — though you can also watch them on CBS with an antenna or cable TV.

The difference between CBS.com and the CBS app

CBS owns two separate places to watch CBS content online. The CBS app (available on Apple, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire, and other devices) shows recent episodes of CBS shows free with ads. The CBS.com website does the same thing. Both are the same service — just different ways to access it.

Neither CBS.com nor the CBS app is Paramount Plus. They are owned by the same company, but they are different products. The CBS app and CBS.com let you watch CBS shows. Paramount Plus is a separate subscription service that includes CBS shows plus much more.

Bundling CBS, Paramount Plus, and other services

Paramount Global (the parent company) offers bundle deals that combine Paramount Plus with other services. For example, you can subscribe to Paramount Plus bundled with Showtime, or bundled with Apple TV Plus and Showtime through Apple. These bundles cost less than paying for each service separately, but they are still separate services — you are just paying one bill.

If you have cable or satellite TV, your provider may include Paramount Plus as part of your package or offer it at a discount. Check with your cable or satellite company to see what is included in your plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Paramount Plus to watch CBS?

No. You can watch CBS free over the air with an antenna, through cable or satellite TV, or through the CBS app with ads. Paramount Plus is one option, but not the only one.

Can I watch CBS live on Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus includes live CBS feeds in some markets, but not all. Check your Paramount Plus account to see if live CBS is available in your area. If not, you can watch CBS live with an antenna or cable TV.

What shows are on Paramount Plus that are not on CBS?

Paramount Plus originals like Star Trek: Discovery, Halo, Yellowstone, and The Offer stream only on Paramount Plus. Paramount Plus also includes shows from MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and BET, plus thousands of movies from the Paramount library.

Is the CBS app free?

Yes, the CBS app shows recent episodes of many CBS shows free with ads. Some shows require a cable or Paramount Plus login to watch full seasons or older episodes.

Can I watch CBS on Paramount Plus without ads?

Yes, if you subscribe to Paramount Plus with the ad-free tier. The ad-free tier costs more than the ad-supported tier, but both include CBS shows and all other Paramount Plus content.