CBS streams on Paramount+ as its primary app, plus live on the CBS app itself
CBS shows up in two places: Paramount+, which carries both live CBS broadcasts and on-demand episodes, and the CBS app, which streams live local CBS stations in most markets. If you want to watch CBS shows after they air, Paramount+ is where most of them live. If you want to catch the live broadcast as it happens, you can use either app depending on what's available in your area.
The CBS app is free with ads in most markets, though some markets require a cable login to watch live broadcasts. Paramount+ requires a paid subscription but includes a much larger library of CBS shows, movies, and other content beyond just CBS programming.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount+ carries live CBS feeds in most markets plus thousands of on-demand CBS episodes and original shows.
- The CBS app streams live local CBS broadcasts free in most markets, though some require a cable or streaming TV subscription to unlock live access.
- Paramount+ costs money but includes CBS content plus movies, sports, and shows from other networks.
- Both apps work on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire Stick.
How Paramount+ carries CBS content
Paramount+ is owned by the same company that owns CBS, so it functions as the main streaming home for CBS programming. The service includes live CBS feeds in most U.S. markets, meaning you can watch the network as it broadcasts. You also get access to the full back catalog of CBS shows — both current series and older programs that have left broadcast.
The on-demand library is the main reason people choose Paramount+ over the free CBS app. Shows like The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, NCIS, and Star Trek: Discovery are available to stream whenever you want, not just when they air. Paramount+ also produces original shows that air on CBS first, then move to the streaming app.
Paramount+ requires a monthly subscription. The service offers both an ad-supported tier and an ad-free tier at different price points, though both include CBS content.
The CBS app: free live broadcasts in most markets
The CBS app is the network's own streaming platform and is free to read. In most U.S. markets, you can watch live CBS broadcasts without paying anything, though you will see ads. The app also includes some on-demand episodes of CBS shows, though the selection is smaller than what Paramount+ offers.
Some markets require a cable TV login or a streaming TV subscription (like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV) to unlock live CBS broadcasts in the app. You can check whether your market requires a login by opening the app and attempting to watch live — it will tell you when ready if authentication is needed.
The CBS app works on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices. If you only want to watch CBS and do not care about a larger library, this is the cheapest option.
Other places CBS shows up
CBS content also appears on cable and streaming TV services that carry live broadcasts. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream all include CBS as part of their channel lineups. If you already subscribe to one of these services, you can watch CBS through their apps.
Some individual CBS shows are also available on other platforms. For example, Star Trek series may appear on other streaming services, and older CBS shows sometimes land on services like Pluto TV or Freevee. However, Paramount+ and the CBS app remain the official sources for current CBS programming.
Comparing the apps side by side
| Feature | Paramount+ | CBS App |
|---|---|---|
| Live CBS broadcasts | Yes, in most markets | Yes, in most markets (some require login) |
| On-demand CBS shows | Large library, full back catalogs | Limited selection |
| Cost | Paid subscription required | Free with ads (some markets need login) |
| Other content | Movies, sports, shows from other networks | CBS content only |
| Devices | Phone, tablet, smart TV, streaming devices | Phone, tablet, smart TV, streaming devices |
Which app to choose
Choose the CBS app if you only want to watch live CBS broadcasts and do not care about watching shows after they air. It is free in most markets and requires no subscription. This works well if you watch news, sports, or live events on CBS.
Choose Paramount+ if you want to watch CBS shows on your own schedule, catch up on episodes you missed, or access the full library of past seasons. The subscription cost is worth it if you plan to watch more than a few shows. Paramount+ also gives you access to movies, sports, and content from other networks, so you get more than just CBS.
If you already pay for a cable or streaming TV service that includes CBS, you can use that service's app instead of downloading a separate one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a cable subscription to watch CBS on the CBS app?
In most markets, no — the CBS app is free with ads. However, some markets require you to log in with a cable or streaming TV subscription to watch live broadcasts. The app will tell you whether your market requires a login when you try to watch live.
Can I watch CBS on my smart TV?
Yes. Both Paramount+ and the CBS app are available on most smart TVs, including Samsung, LG, Roku, and Android TV models. You can also use streaming devices like Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, or Roku to access both apps.
Does Paramount+ have all CBS shows?
Paramount+ has a large library of CBS shows, including current series and back catalogs, but not every single episode of every show ever made. Some older or less popular shows may not be available. The service adds new episodes of current shows shortly after they air on CBS.
Can I watch CBS for free without the CBS app?
If you have a cable or streaming TV subscription that includes CBS, you can watch through that service's app. Otherwise, the CBS app is the free option in most markets. Paramount+ requires a paid subscription.
What is the difference between Paramount+ with ads and without ads?
Both versions include the same CBS content and on-demand library. The ad-free version costs more per month and does not show commercials. The ad-supported version is cheaper but includes ads during shows.