CBS is on both Paramount+ and Peacock, but the content differs between them

CBS broadcasts are available on both Paramount+ and Peacock, but they are not the same service and they do not carry identical CBS content. Paramount+ is owned by Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS. Peacock is owned by NBCUniversal. Both services carry CBS programming, but Paramount+ carries more of it because CBS is part of the same corporate family.

If you want the most complete CBS experience—live CBS broadcasts, full episode libraries, and exclusive CBS content—Paramount+ is the primary destination. Peacock carries some CBS shows, but its focus is on NBC, Universal, and its own original programming. The choice between them depends on what you actually want to watch.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount+ carries live CBS broadcasts and the full back catalog of most CBS shows because CBS and Paramount+ are owned by the same company.
  • Peacock carries selected CBS shows on demand, but not live CBS broadcasts or the full library of every CBS program.
  • If you watch primarily CBS content, Paramount+ is the better choice; if you watch NBC and want some CBS shows as a bonus, Peacock may be sufficient.
  • Both services require separate subscriptions—having one does not give you access to the other.

What Paramount+ offers from CBS

Paramount+ carries live CBS broadcasts in most markets, which means you can watch CBS news, sports, and primetime shows as they air. You do not need cable or an antenna if you have a Paramount+ subscription. The service also maintains the full episode library for most CBS shows, including dramas like NCIS and The Bold and the Beautiful, comedies like The Ghosts, and reality shows.

Paramount+ also produces original content featuring CBS characters and franchises—shows that exist only on Paramount+, not on CBS broadcast television. This is why Paramount+ costs more than a basic ad-supported streaming service: you are paying for both the broadcast content and the exclusive material.

What Peacock offers from CBS

Peacock carries a selection of CBS shows on demand, but not live broadcasts. You can watch episodes of certain CBS series after they air, but you cannot tune in to CBS at the moment it airs. Peacock's CBS library is smaller and more selective than Paramount+'s because Peacock's primary focus is NBC content.

Peacock includes these shows as part of a broader streaming package that emphasizes NBC programming, Universal films, and Peacock originals. If you already subscribe to Peacock for NBC content and occasionally want to watch a CBS show, you may find what you need. If CBS is your main interest, Peacock will feel incomplete.

Live broadcasts: the main difference

The single biggest difference is that Paramount+ offers live CBS broadcasts while Peacock does not. If you want to watch the CBS Evening News, a live sports event on CBS, or a primetime show as it airs, you need Paramount+. Peacock only offers on-demand episodes after they have already aired.

This matters most if you watch news, sports, or award shows on CBS. If you only watch scripted dramas and comedies and do not mind watching them a day or two after broadcast, Peacock's on-demand library may be enough.

Subscription costs and ad-supported tiers

Paramount+ offers both ad-supported and ad-free subscription tiers. The ad-supported version costs less but includes commercials; the ad-free version costs more. Peacock also offers both tiers. The exact prices vary by region and change over time, so check each service's website for current rates.

Some people subscribe to both services because they want NBC content (on Peacock) and CBS content (on Paramount+), plus the originals each service produces. Others choose one based on which broadcast network they watch more often. If you have cable or use an antenna, you may not need either service for live broadcasts, but both offer extensive on-demand libraries that cable does not.

How to decide between them

Ask yourself what you actually watch. If you watch CBS news, sports, or primetime shows and want to see them live or have a full library to browse, Paramount+ is the right choice. If you primarily watch NBC and want access to a few CBS shows on demand, Peacock may be sufficient. If you watch both networks equally, you may end up subscribing to both.

You can also use the free ad-supported tiers of both services to explore what each one offers before paying. Paramount+ and Peacock both have free versions with ads that let you sample their libraries. This is the best way to see which service actually has the shows you want to watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch CBS live on Peacock?

No. Peacock carries selected CBS shows on demand after they air, but does not offer live CBS broadcasts. For live CBS, you need Paramount+, cable, or an antenna.

Do I need both Paramount+ and Peacock to watch all CBS shows?

No. Paramount+ carries the full CBS library. Peacock carries only a selection of CBS shows. If you subscribe to Paramount+, you will have access to more CBS content than Peacock offers, so a second subscription is not necessary for CBS viewing.

Is CBS the same thing as Paramount+?

No. CBS is the broadcast network; Paramount+ is the streaming service owned by the same company. CBS broadcasts over the air and on cable. Paramount+ is a subscription streaming service that includes CBS broadcasts plus exclusive content.

Can I watch Paramount+ shows on Peacock?

No. Paramount+ originals are exclusive to Paramount+. Peacock originals are exclusive to Peacock. The two services do not share their original programming, only some licensed content from their parent companies' libraries.

Which service has more CBS content overall?

Paramount+ has significantly more CBS content because CBS is part of the same corporate family. Peacock carries some CBS shows but focuses primarily on NBC programming. For a complete CBS experience, Paramount+ is the better choice.