Paramount+ is the streaming home for CBS shows, owned by the same parent company

Paramount+ is CBS's streaming service, owned by Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS). When CBS moved its shows to streaming, Paramount+ became the primary place to watch current and past CBS programs online. You do not need a cable subscription to use it — Paramount+ works as a standalone service you pay for monthly or yearly.

CBS still broadcasts over the air and on cable, but new episodes of CBS shows premiere on Paramount+ at the same time they air on television, or sometimes exclusively on the streaming service. This means if you want to watch CBS content without cable, Paramount+ is where you go.

The relationship between CBS and Paramount+ is ownership, not partnership. Paramount Global owns both the broadcast network and the streaming platform, so they control where shows land and how they are distributed. This is different from a show that airs on one network and streams on a separate company's service.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount+ streams CBS shows the same day they air on broadcast television, so you can watch current episodes without cable.
  • Paramount Global owns both CBS and Paramount+, which is why CBS content is exclusive to Paramount+ for streaming rather than spread across multiple services.
  • Some CBS shows stream only on Paramount+ and do not air on broadcast television at all, making the streaming service the only legal way to watch them.
  • A Paramount+ subscription costs less than a cable package but does not include live CBS broadcasts — you get on-demand episodes instead.

What CBS shows are actually on Paramount+

Paramount+ carries current and archived episodes of most CBS shows, including drama series like NCIS, The Equalizer, and Ghosts; comedies like The Neighborhood and Bob Hearts Abishola; and reality and competition shows. The catalog changes as new seasons premiere and older seasons rotate off.

Not every CBS show streams on Paramount+ when ready. Some shows have a delay before episodes appear on the service, usually a few days to a week after broadcast. A few older shows may not be on Paramount+ at all because of licensing agreements made before the service existed.

Paramount+ also produces original shows that do not air on CBS broadcast television. These are exclusive to the streaming service and include dramas, comedies, and limited series. If you see a show labeled as a Paramount+ original, it streams only there.

Live CBS broadcasts versus on-demand episodes

Paramount+ does not include a live feed of CBS broadcast television in most parts of the United States. Instead, you get on-demand access to full episodes, usually within a day or two of broadcast. This means you can watch shows on your schedule, but you cannot tune in to live CBS news, sports, or special events through Paramount+ alone.

If you want to watch CBS live — for news, sports, or awards shows — you need either a cable or satellite subscription, an antenna for over-the-air broadcast, or a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV that includes CBS. Paramount+ is for catching up on episodes you missed, not for live viewing.

Some Paramount+ plans include limited live CBS access in certain markets, but this varies by location and subscription tier. Check your specific plan details to see whether live CBS is included where you live.

Paramount+ subscription tiers and what they cost

Paramount+ offers two main subscription tiers: a lower-priced plan with ads and a higher-priced plan without ads. Both include access to CBS shows and Paramount+ originals. The ad-supported plan costs less per month but shows advertisements during shows. The ad-free plan costs more but removes those interruptions.

Paramount+ also sometimes offers bundle deals that combine it with other services, such as Showtime or CBS Sports Network, at a discounted rate compared to subscribing separately. These bundles may be worth considering if you watch content on multiple services.

You can cancel your subscription at any time — there is no contract or cancellation fee. If you subscribe through a third-party platform like Apple or Amazon, cancellation happens through that platform, not directly through Paramount+.

Why CBS content moved to streaming

Paramount Global shifted CBS shows to streaming because viewership habits changed. Fewer people watch television on a set schedule, and more people prefer to watch on demand through phones, tablets, and streaming devices. By moving shows to Paramount+, the company captures viewers who do not have cable and keeps them within its own ecosystem rather than losing them to competitors.

Streaming also generates revenue through subscriptions and advertising, which helps offset the decline in cable TV revenue. For Paramount Global, owning both the broadcast network and the streaming service means they control the entire distribution chain and keep all the money from subscriptions.

This does not mean CBS broadcast television is going away. CBS still airs shows on cable and over the air, and many people still watch that way. Paramount+ is an additional option, not a replacement — though for new shows and exclusive content, streaming is increasingly where the company is investing.

How to find CBS shows on Paramount+

When you open Paramount+, you can browse by category or search by show name. Most apps have a dedicated section for CBS shows, making it straightforward to find what you are looking for. You can also filter by genre — drama, comedy, reality — or by whether a show is current or archived.

If you know the show name, the search function is usually the fastest route. Type the title and the app will show you all available seasons and episodes. From there, you can start watching when ready or add the show to a watchlist to come back to later.

Paramount+ also recommends shows based on what you have watched before, though these recommendations vary in usefulness. If you are looking for something specific — a particular genre or type of show — browsing the category sections often works better than relying on recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Paramount+ is a standalone streaming service that works without cable. You pay Paramount+ directly and watch on demand. You do not need a cable subscription to use it, though some cable packages may include Paramount+ as an add-on.

Can I watch CBS live news and sports on Paramount+?

Not in most places. Paramount+ offers on-demand episodes of shows, not live broadcasts. For live CBS news, sports, and special events, you need cable, an antenna, or a live TV streaming service. Some Paramount+ plans include limited live CBS in certain areas — check your plan details.

Are new CBS episodes on Paramount+ the same day they air?

Usually yes. Most new CBS episodes appear on Paramount+ the same day they broadcast on television, or within a day or two. Some shows premiere exclusively on Paramount+ without airing on broadcast CBS at all. Check the show's page on Paramount+ for exact premiere dates.

What happens to old CBS shows — are they all on Paramount+?

Most are, but not all. Current and recent CBS shows are on Paramount+. Older shows may or may not be available depending on licensing agreements made before Paramount+ existed. If a show you want is not there, it may appear later or may not be available on the service.

Can I share my Paramount+ account with family members?

Paramount+ allows multiple profiles on one account, but the terms of service restrict sharing outside your household. Paramount+ has begun enforcing account-sharing limits, similar to other streaming services, so check the current policy before sharing login details with people outside your home.