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

CBS is a broadcast television network. Paramount+ is a streaming service. Both are owned by the same parent company, Paramount Global, but they operate as separate services with different content libraries and pricing.

CBS broadcasts free over the air on traditional television and also streams some of its content through the CBS app and website. Paramount+ is a paid subscription service that includes CBS shows, movies, and exclusive streaming content. Peacock, by contrast, is owned by NBCUniversal — a completely different company — and competes directly with Paramount+.

The confusion arises because Paramount Global owns multiple entertainment properties and uses the Paramount+ brand as its main streaming platform. If you want to watch CBS content through a streaming service, Paramount+ is where most of it lives, but you do not have to subscribe to Paramount+ to watch CBS on traditional television.

Key Takeaways

  • CBS is a broadcast network owned by Paramount Global; Paramount+ is the streaming service owned by the same company.
  • Peacock is owned by NBCUniversal and is a separate streaming service that does not include CBS content.
  • You can watch CBS for free over the air or through the CBS app, or subscribe to Paramount+ for a larger library that includes CBS shows, movies, and exclusive content.
  • Paramount+ and Peacock are competitors offering different content libraries, so your choice depends on which shows and movies you want to watch.

What content is on Paramount+ versus Peacock

Paramount+ includes CBS shows (both current and archived), movies from the Paramount film library, and exclusive series made for the streaming service. Shows like The Good Fight, Star Trek: Discovery, and Yellowstone are on Paramount+. You also get live CBS broadcasts through Paramount+ if you subscribe to the Premium tier.

Peacock includes NBC shows, Universal movies, and content from other NBCUniversal properties. Shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Saturday Night Live are on Peacock. The two services have almost no overlap because they are owned by different companies and have separate licensing agreements.

If you want to watch CBS content through streaming, you need Paramount+. If you want NBC content, you need Peacock. Many households subscribe to both because the shows they want are split between them.

How to watch CBS without paying for Paramount+

CBS broadcasts free over the air if you have an antenna. You can also watch some CBS shows and clips through the CBS app and CBS.com at no cost, though the selection is limited and includes ads. Live CBS broadcasts are available through the free tier of the CBS app in most markets.

If you have cable or a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV, you can watch CBS through those subscriptions. These services include the CBS broadcast channel as part of their package.

The trade-off is that the free CBS app does not include the full library of shows that Paramount+ offers. If you want to binge older seasons or watch exclusive Paramount+ originals, you will need the paid subscription.

Paramount+ pricing and what you get at each tier

Paramount+ offers two subscription tiers. The Standard tier includes ads and costs less per month. The Premium tier removes ads and includes live CBS broadcasts. Prices vary by region and change periodically, so check the Paramount+ website for current rates.

Both tiers give you access to the same content library — the difference is whether you see advertisements and whether you can watch live CBS. The Premium tier is worth considering if you watch frequently or dislike ads.

Paramount+ also runs promotional offers throughout the year, including discounted first months or bundled deals with other services. Signing up during a promotion can lower your effective monthly cost.

Why Paramount Global owns both CBS and Paramount+

Paramount Global is a media conglomerate that owns television networks, film studios, and streaming services. CBS is one of the oldest broadcast networks in the United States, and Paramount Global acquired it as part of a larger portfolio of entertainment assets. Rather than operate CBS and streaming as completely separate businesses, the company created Paramount+ as a unified streaming platform that includes CBS content alongside movies and exclusive shows.

This structure lets Paramount Global compete with Netflix, Disney+, and other large streaming services by offering a broad range of content. It also means CBS shows can premiere on broadcast television and then move to Paramount+ for streaming, maximizing the audience for each piece of content.

How Paramount+ compares to other streaming services

Paramount+ is one of several major streaming services competing for subscribers. Netflix and Disney+ have larger overall libraries. HBO Max (now Max) focuses on premium film and HBO original series. Apple TV+ emphasizes high-budget original content. Peacock offers NBC and Universal content at a lower price point.

Paramount+ stands out if you want CBS shows, live sports through CBS, and a mix of movies and originals. It is smaller than Netflix but larger than some specialty services. The right choice depends on which shows and movies matter to you — most people who want a full range of content subscribe to three or four services rather than relying on one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch CBS on Peacock?

No. Peacock is owned by NBCUniversal and carries NBC content, not CBS. CBS content is only available through Paramount+, the CBS app, or traditional CBS broadcasts. If you want both NBC and CBS shows through streaming, you need both Peacock and Paramount+.

Do I need Paramount+ to watch CBS?

No. You can watch CBS for free over the air with an antenna, through the free CBS app, or through a cable or live TV streaming subscription. Paramount+ is only necessary if you want the full library of CBS shows, movies, and exclusive content in one place.

Is Paramount+ the same as Paramount Pictures?

Paramount Pictures is a film studio owned by Paramount Global. Paramount+ is the streaming service. They are related but separate — Paramount+ includes some Paramount Pictures films, but not all movies on Paramount+ are Paramount Pictures productions.

What happens to CBS shows after they air?

Most CBS shows move to Paramount+ after they broadcast on television. Some shows are available on Paramount+ the day after they air, while others may have a delay. Live sports and news events typically remain exclusive to CBS broadcasts and the Premium tier of Paramount+.

Can I bundle Paramount+ with other services?

Paramount Global offers bundle deals that combine Paramount+ with other services like Showtime or Pluto TV. Pricing and availability vary by region. Check the Paramount+ website to see which bundles are available in your area.