CBS broadcasts on different channels depending on where you live and how you watch
CBS is a broadcast network, which means it airs over the air for free on a local channel number that varies by city. In New York, CBS is channel 2. In Los Angeles, it is channel 2. In Chicago, it is channel 3. Your local CBS station's channel number depends on what the Federal Communications Commission assigned to that market decades ago—there is no single "CBS channel" across the country.
If you have cable or satellite TV, CBS usually appears in the same range as other broadcast networks (typically channels 2 through 13 in your guide), but the exact number depends on your provider's lineup. If you stream through Paramount+, you do not need to know a channel number at all—you open the app and select CBS or a specific show.
Key Takeaways
- Your local CBS channel number is determined by your city and your TV provider, not by CBS itself.
- To find your local CBS channel, search online for "CBS channel [your city]" or check your TV provider's channel guide.
- Cable and satellite subscribers see CBS in their provider's channel lineup, usually in the 2–13 range.
- Paramount+ streams CBS content without a channel number—you access it through the app instead.
- An antenna pointed at your local broadcast tower will pick up CBS for free if you live within range.
Finding your local CBS channel number
The fastest way is to search your TV provider's website or app. If you have Comcast Xfinity, log into your account and search for CBS in the channel guide. If you have Charter Spectrum, DirecTV, Dish, or another provider, the same method works—open your provider's app or website, search "CBS," and it will show you the channel number in your area.
If you do not have cable or satellite, search "CBS channel [your city name]" in a search engine. You will see your local CBS affiliate's call letters (like WCBS in New York or KCBS in Los Angeles) and its channel number. You can also visit your local CBS station's website directly—it lists the channel number prominently.
Using an antenna to watch CBS for free
CBS is a broadcast network, so you can receive it with an antenna if you live within range of your local transmitter. An indoor antenna works for some viewers; others need an outdoor antenna mounted on the roof or in the attic. The distance and terrain between you and the broadcast tower determine which type you need.
To check whether an antenna will work at your address, visit the FCC's TV Reception Maps tool or use a site like TVFool.com. Enter your address and it will show you which broadcast towers are nearby and how strong their signals are at your location. If your local CBS station shows a strong signal, an antenna is a realistic option.
CBS on cable and satellite TV
Cable providers like Comcast, Charter, and Cox include CBS in their standard packages. Satellite providers DirecTV and Dish also carry your local CBS station. The channel number appears in your on-screen guide—it is not the same everywhere because each provider arranges channels differently, but CBS always appears near the other broadcast networks.
If you cannot find CBS in your guide, call your provider's customer service line. They can confirm the channel number and check whether your package includes it. Some lower-tier packages exclude local broadcast channels, though this is uncommon.
Watching CBS through Paramount+
Paramount+ is the streaming home for CBS content. The service offers live CBS feeds in most markets, so you can watch your local CBS station in real time through the app. You can also watch CBS shows on demand after they air, and access the full Paramount+ library of movies and other series.
Paramount+ requires a subscription. The service offers different tiers—a lower-cost ad-supported plan and a higher-cost ad-free plan. Both include access to live CBS and on-demand shows. If you already subscribe to Paramount+ through another service (like through your cable provider or as a bundle), you may be able to log in with those credentials.
CBS on other streaming services
Some CBS shows appear on other platforms the day after they air. Paramount+ has the most complete library and the live feed, but services like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime Video sometimes carry individual CBS series. The availability changes as licensing agreements shift, so check the specific show you want to watch on each service.
If you want to watch CBS news or sports live, Paramount+ is your main streaming option. For on-demand episodes of specific shows, search the show title across multiple services to see where it is available in your region.
What to do if you cannot find CBS
If you have cable or satellite and CBS does not appear in your channel guide, first confirm that your package includes local channels. Some promotional packages or lower tiers exclude them. Call your provider and ask whether local broadcast channels are part of your plan. If they are, ask them to rescan your box or restart your equipment—sometimes the guide needs to refresh.
If you are using an antenna and cannot get a signal, try moving the antenna to a different location, pointing it toward the broadcast tower (use TVFool.com to see which direction), or upgrading to a larger antenna. If you are streaming and cannot find CBS on Paramount+, confirm that your subscription is active and that you are logged in. If the app is not loading, try uninstalling and reinstalling it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBS the same channel number everywhere?
No. CBS is assigned different channel numbers in each city by the FCC. Your local CBS station's number depends on where you live and which provider you use. Search "CBS channel [your city]" to find your specific number.
Can I watch CBS without cable?
Yes. You can use an antenna to receive CBS over the air for free, or you can stream it through Paramount+. Both options work without a cable subscription, though Paramount+ requires a paid account.
Does Paramount+ show live CBS?
Paramount+ offers live CBS feeds in most markets, so you can watch your local station in real time. You can also watch shows on demand after they air. Check your specific region on the Paramount+ app to confirm live CBS is available where you are.
What if my cable provider does not list CBS in the channel guide?
Call your provider's customer service and ask whether local channels are included in your package. If they are, ask them to rescan your equipment. If local channels are not part of your plan, ask about upgrading or adding them.
Can I watch CBS on my phone?
Yes, through the Paramount+ app or the CBS app (if available in your region). You can also use the Paramount+ website on a computer or tablet. Both require a Paramount+ subscription for full access.