CBS is owned by Paramount Global, the same company that runs Paramount+

Yes. CBS is a broadcast television network owned by Paramount Global, the parent company that also owns and operates Paramount+. When you subscribe to Paramount+, you are paying a company that owns both the streaming service and the traditional CBS network that broadcasts over the air.

This ownership structure means CBS content — news, sports, entertainment shows, and live broadcasts — flows into Paramount+ as part of the service's library. However, not everything CBS airs on television appears on Paramount+ when ready, and some CBS content requires a cable login or a separate subscription tier to watch on the streaming platform.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Global owns both CBS (the broadcast network) and Paramount+ (the streaming service), so they are part of the same corporate structure.
  • CBS shows that air on television often appear on Paramount+ within days or weeks, but timing depends on the show and your subscription tier.
  • Live CBS broadcasts, including sports and news, require either a cable login or Paramount+'s paid add-on channel to watch on the streaming platform.
  • Paramount+ includes a free tier with ads and a paid tier without ads, and CBS content availability differs between the two.

What CBS content is included with Paramount+

Paramount+ includes a rotating library of CBS shows — both current episodes and older seasons. Recent episodes of shows like The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, and NCIS typically appear on Paramount+ within a day or two of broadcast. Older seasons of popular CBS series are also available as part of the standard subscription.

The catch is that not all CBS content is included at the same time. Some shows are exclusive to cable providers or require a cable login to watch on Paramount+. Sports broadcasts, including NFL games and NCAA basketball, usually require either a cable subscription or Paramount+'s Paramount+ with Showtime add-on to stream.

Live CBS broadcasts and the cable login requirement

If you want to watch CBS live on Paramount+ — for news, sports, or prime-time broadcasts — you will need either a cable or satellite TV subscription, or you will need to pay for an add-on. Paramount+ offers a Paramount+ with Showtime tier that includes live CBS in most markets, though this costs extra beyond the base subscription.

Without a cable login or the add-on, you can still watch recorded CBS shows on Paramount+, but you cannot access live broadcasts. This is a common restriction across streaming services and reflects licensing agreements between networks and streaming platforms.

Differences between Paramount+ tiers and CBS content

Paramount+ offers two main subscription levels: a free tier with advertisements and a paid tier without ads. CBS content is available on both, but the free tier includes fewer shows and older episodes. The paid tier gives you access to more recent CBS episodes and a larger back catalog.

If you subscribe to Paramount+ with Showtime, you get live CBS broadcasts in addition to the on-demand library. This tier costs more than the base paid subscription but includes Showtime channels and other premium content alongside CBS access.

How Paramount Global's ownership affects what you watch

Because Paramount Global owns both CBS and Paramount+, the company can move content between platforms without negotiating with outside networks. This means CBS shows reach Paramount+ faster than shows from other networks might. It also means Paramount Global decides which CBS content goes to which platform and when.

This ownership structure also affects pricing. Paramount Global bundles CBS content into Paramount+ as a way to make the streaming service more attractive compared to competitors. If you are interested in CBS shows specifically, Paramount+ is often the cheapest way to watch them on demand — though live broadcasts still require either cable or an add-on payment.

CBS content you might not find on Paramount+

Some CBS shows air on the network but do not appear on Paramount+ for months or years, if at all. This happens when a show has separate streaming rights held by another company, or when licensing agreements limit where the content can be shown. Sports broadcasts are the most common example — many CBS sports events require cable or the Paramount+ with Showtime add-on.

Local CBS news broadcasts also typically do not stream on Paramount+. If you want to watch your local CBS station's news, you usually need cable, an antenna, or a separate local news app. National CBS News broadcasts like 60 Minutes do appear on Paramount+, but local programming is handled differently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch CBS live on Paramount+ without paying extra?

No. Live CBS broadcasts on Paramount+ require either a cable or satellite TV login, or a paid add-on subscription to Paramount+ with Showtime. You can watch recorded CBS shows with a standard Paramount+ subscription, but not live broadcasts.

Do all CBS shows appear on Paramount+ the day after they air?

Most do, but not all. Recent episodes of major CBS series typically appear within a day or two. Some shows have delayed streaming rights or are exclusive to cable providers for a period of time. Check Paramount+ directly to see if a specific show is available.

Is Paramount+ the only way to watch CBS shows online?

No. You can watch CBS shows through the CBS website or app if you have a cable login, or through other streaming services that license CBS content. Paramount+ is the primary streaming home for CBS shows, but it is not the only option.

What is the difference between Paramount+ and Paramount+ with Showtime?

Paramount+ with Showtime includes live CBS broadcasts, Showtime channels, and premium movies in addition to the standard Paramount+ library. The base Paramount+ subscription includes on-demand CBS shows but not live broadcasts. Paramount+ with Showtime costs more per month.

Does owning CBS help Paramount+ compete with other streaming services?

Yes. Because Paramount Global owns CBS, it can include CBS content in Paramount+ without licensing fees, which keeps the service cheaper than competitors. It also gives Paramount+ a large library of shows and sports that other streaming services have to license separately or cannot offer at all.