Paramount+ includes most CBS shows, but not all of them, and the overlap depends on which Paramount+ plan you choose

Paramount+ is owned by the same parent company as CBS, so the streaming service carries a large library of CBS programming—including current episodes of shows like The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, and 60 Minutes. However, Paramount+ does not carry every CBS show, and some content requires the paid tier rather than the free ad-supported version. If you want to watch a specific CBS program, you need to check whether it streams on Paramount+ or whether you need to watch it through CBS.com, the CBS app, or cable instead.

The relationship between Paramount+ and CBS can be confusing because both are part of Paramount Global, but they function as separate services with different libraries. Paramount+ focuses on on-demand content you can watch anytime, while CBS.com and the CBS app emphasize recent episodes and live broadcasts. Understanding which shows live where will save you time searching.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount+ with ads includes most current CBS shows and daytime programming, but the free tier of Paramount+ does not include any CBS content.
  • Some CBS shows stream only on Paramount+ Premium (the paid ad-free plan), while others air on CBS.com or the CBS app for free the day after broadcast.
  • Sports events, breaking news, and live CBS broadcasts do not stream on Paramount+; you need cable, a live TV streaming service, or CBS.com to watch them as they happen.
  • Paramount+ Premium gives you access to more CBS content than the ad-supported tier, but neither plan includes everything CBS produces.

What CBS shows are on Paramount+ and which tier you need

Paramount+ with ads (the paid tier with commercials) carries the bulk of CBS's scripted shows, daytime programs, and some reality content. Shows like The Equalizer, NCIS, Ghosts, and Love Island are available on this plan. Paramount+ Premium (the paid ad-free tier) includes everything in the ad-supported plan plus additional content and early access to some episodes.

The free tier of Paramount+ does not include CBS programming at all—it is limited to a smaller selection of movies and shows. If you want CBS content on Paramount+, you must pay for at least the ad-supported plan. Check the Paramount+ app or website to see whether a specific show is available on your current plan, since the library changes and some shows move between tiers. You can search by title or browse the CBS section to see what your plan includes.

CBS shows that do not stream on Paramount+

Not every CBS show appears on Paramount+. Some programs air only on CBS.com or the CBS app, where you can often watch the most recent episode for free the day after it broadcasts. Live sports, including NFL games and March Madness, do not stream on Paramount+—you need cable, a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, or CBS.com to watch those events.

Breaking news and live CBS broadcasts also do not appear on Paramount+. If you want to watch the CBS Evening News live or catch a special event as it airs, you will need to tune in through cable, a live TV service, or CBS.com. Paramount+ focuses on on-demand content rather than live feeds, so real-time programming is not part of the service. This is a key difference between Paramount+ and traditional cable or live TV streaming services.

How to find a specific CBS show on Paramount+

The fastest way to check is to search for the show's title in the Paramount+ app or on the Paramount+ website. If it appears in your search results, it is available on your current plan. If it does not show up, try searching on CBS.com or the CBS app to see whether it streams there instead.

You can also browse Paramount+ by category—look for a "CBS" or "TV Shows" section to see what is currently available. Keep in mind that Paramount+ rotates content regularly, so a show that is not there now may appear later, and vice versa. If you are looking for a specific episode or season, check the show's page to see which episodes are available on your plan. Some shows may have only recent seasons on Paramount+ while older seasons live elsewhere.

The difference between watching on Paramount+ and CBS.com

CBS.com and the CBS app let you watch recent episodes of many CBS shows for free, usually the day after they air. You may need to sign in with a cable provider or a live TV streaming service to access full episodes, depending on the show. Paramount+ does not require a cable login—you pay a subscription fee and get access to a curated library of CBS content plus other shows and movies.

Paramount+ is better if you want a large on-demand library and do not have cable. CBS.com is better if you want to watch a single recent episode for free or if you have cable and want to use your provider login. The two services overlap but are not identical, so your best option depends on what you want to watch and whether you already have a cable subscription or Paramount+ membership. CBS.com also offers live streaming of the CBS broadcast feed if your provider supports it, which Paramount+ never does.

Why some CBS content is not on Paramount+

Paramount+ and CBS are owned by the same company (Paramount Global), but they serve different purposes. CBS.com and the CBS app are the network's free and cable-authenticated streaming options, while Paramount+ is a paid subscription service that includes content from multiple networks under the Paramount umbrella. Some shows are licensed to other streaming services or have older seasons on different platforms, which limits what Paramount+ can offer.

Live broadcasts and sports require separate licensing agreements and real-time streaming infrastructure, which is why they do not appear on Paramount+. The company prioritizes on-demand scripted shows, reality programming, and movies on Paramount+ rather than live content. This separation allows CBS to offer free next-day episodes on its own platforms while Paramount+ focuses on building a subscription library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch CBS live on Paramount+?

No. Paramount+ does not offer live CBS broadcasts or live TV. To watch CBS as it airs, use cable, a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, or CBS.com if your provider is supported.

Do I need cable to watch CBS shows on Paramount+?

No. Paramount+ is a standalone subscription service—you do not need cable. You pay a monthly fee for either the ad-supported or ad-free plan and get access to the CBS shows included in that tier.

Can I watch CBS shows for free on Paramount+?

The free tier of Paramount+ does not include CBS content. You must pay for Paramount+ with ads (the lowest-cost paid plan) to watch CBS shows on Paramount+.

Why is a CBS show I want to watch not on Paramount+?

Some CBS shows stream only on CBS.com or the CBS app, while others may be on different streaming services or behind a cable login. Search the show's title on CBS.com to see where it is available, or check if it airs on a different network's streaming service.

Do I get all CBS shows if I pay for Paramount+ Premium?

Paramount+ Premium includes more CBS content than the ad-supported plan, but not every CBS show. Some programs air only on CBS.com, the CBS app, or cable. Check the Paramount+ app to see what is available on your plan.