CBS streams on Paramount Plus through the main live TV feed and on-demand library

CBS content appears on Paramount Plus in two ways. First, the service includes a live CBS feed that shows the network's broadcast in real time during East Coast and West Coast time slots — so you can watch evening news, sports, and primetime shows as they air. Second, Paramount Plus hosts on-demand episodes of CBS shows, usually available the day after they broadcast, so you can watch on your own schedule without a cable subscription.

You do not need to find CBS on a channel number. Instead, open the Paramount Plus app or website, look for the live TV section (labeled "Live" or "Live TV" depending on your device), and select CBS. For on-demand shows, search by title or browse the "Shows" section and filter by network.

Key Takeaways

  • CBS broadcasts live on Paramount Plus during East Coast and West Coast primetime hours, so you can watch shows as they air without cable.
  • Most CBS episodes become available on-demand the next day through Paramount Plus, letting you watch on your own schedule.
  • You access CBS through the Paramount Plus app or website by selecting the live TV feed or searching for the show title — there is no channel number to dial.
  • A Paramount Plus subscription with ads or without ads both include CBS content, though the ad-free tier costs more per month.
  • Some CBS content, like sports events or special broadcasts, may not stream live on Paramount Plus and may require a cable login or separate service instead.

What CBS shows are available on Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus carries most CBS primetime shows, daytime programs, and news broadcasts. This includes drama series like Ghosts and The Equalizer, reality competition shows like The Amazing Race and Love Island, and daytime talk shows like The Talk. The service also streams CBS Evening News and morning news segments.

Not every CBS program streams on Paramount Plus. Some sports events — particularly NFL games, NCAA basketball, and golf tournaments — may air on CBS but stream through other services like Paramount Plus's sports add-on, ESPN Plus, or the NFL's own streaming platform. Check the show's description on Paramount Plus or the CBS website to confirm where it streams.

How to find and watch CBS live on Paramount Plus

Open the Paramount Plus app on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or computer. On the home screen, look for a section labeled "Live" or "Live TV" — this varies slightly by device. Tap or click that section, then select CBS from the list of available networks. The live feed will begin playing when ready.

If you cannot find the live section, use the search bar at the top of the app and type "CBS" or the name of the show you want to watch. Results will show both the live feed and any on-demand episodes available. Tap the live option to start watching right away.

Live CBS broadcasts on Paramount Plus follow the network's East Coast and West Coast schedules. If you are on the West Coast, you can watch the East Coast feed live or wait for the West Coast broadcast a few hours later.

Watching CBS shows on-demand the next day

Most CBS shows that air in primetime become available on-demand on Paramount Plus by the next morning. Search for the show title in the app, select it, and you will see a list of recent episodes. Tap the episode you want to watch — no need to wait for a scheduled broadcast time.

Daytime shows like The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless also appear on-demand, though sometimes with a slight delay. News broadcasts are typically available for a few days after airing. If an episode does not appear within 24 hours, it may not be available on Paramount Plus — check the CBS website or the show's official social media to confirm.

Subscription tiers and what they include

Paramount Plus offers two subscription options: with ads and without ads. Both tiers include access to CBS live feeds and on-demand shows. The main difference is that the ad-supported plan shows commercials during playback, while the ad-free plan does not. Pricing varies by region and changes periodically, so check the Paramount Plus website for current rates.

Some CBS content may require an add-on subscription or a cable login. For example, certain sports events or premium live broadcasts might be behind a paywall or require authentication through a cable provider. The app will tell you if additional access is needed before you try to watch.

Troubleshooting CBS on Paramount Plus

If you cannot see the CBS live feed, first check that you are signed into your Paramount Plus account. Then restart the app or refresh the page in your browser. If the live section still does not appear, your subscription plan or region may not include live TV — contact Paramount Plus support to confirm your account status.

If a CBS show is not available on-demand the next day, it may not have aired yet in your time zone, or Paramount Plus may not have the streaming rights to that particular episode. Check the show's air date and your local time zone. If the episode should be available but is not, try searching by episode title instead of browsing the show's page — sometimes episodes appear in search before they show up in the full episode list.

If you are outside the United States, CBS content on Paramount Plus may be limited or unavailable. Paramount Plus has different libraries in different countries, and CBS is a U.S. network. Check what is available in your region through the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch CBS on Paramount Plus without a cable subscription?

Yes. Paramount Plus streams CBS live and on-demand without requiring a cable login. You only need a Paramount Plus subscription, which you can purchase directly from the service.

What time does CBS go live on Paramount Plus?

CBS primetime programming typically begins at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on weeknights and varies on weekends. Daytime shows and news broadcasts air throughout the day. Check the live TV guide in the Paramount Plus app for exact times in your time zone.

Why is a CBS show not showing up on Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus may not have streaming rights to every CBS broadcast. Sports events, special broadcasts, and some syndicated shows often stream elsewhere. Search the show title on the CBS website or the network's app to find where it streams.

Can I record CBS shows on Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus does not offer a traditional DVR or recording feature. However, you can watch on-demand episodes the next day, and some shows remain available for several weeks. Check the episode list for the show you want to watch.

Does the ad-free Paramount Plus plan include CBS?

Yes. Both the ad-supported and ad-free Paramount Plus plans include CBS live feeds and on-demand shows. The difference is whether you see commercials during playback.