CBS is a broadcast television network owned by Paramount

CBS is one of the oldest and largest broadcast television networks in the United States. It is owned by Paramount Global, the same parent company that runs Paramount+. CBS broadcasts over the air for free on channel 2 in most markets, and it also distributes its shows through cable and satellite providers.

CBS airs news, sports, game shows, and scripted dramas and comedies. Some of its longest-running programs include "60 Minutes," "The Price Is Right," "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," and "NCIS." Because CBS is a broadcast network, anyone with an antenna can watch it without paying a subscription.

The relationship between CBS and Paramount+ matters if you want to watch CBS content on demand. Some CBS shows appear on Paramount+ the day after they air on the broadcast network, while others are exclusive to the streaming service. This overlap is why Paramount+ is sometimes called the home for CBS content.

Key Takeaways

  • CBS is a free broadcast network you can watch with an antenna, owned by the same company that runs Paramount+.
  • CBS airs live news, sports, and entertainment shows that you can watch at scheduled times on channel 2 in most areas.
  • Many CBS shows move to Paramount+ the next day, so you can watch them on demand if you have a subscription.
  • Paramount+ includes CBS content as part of its service, but not every show that airs on CBS appears on the streaming platform.

How CBS broadcasts differ from Paramount+ streaming

CBS broadcasts live at set times each day. You watch what the network decides to show when it decides to show it. The network interrupts programs for commercials, and you cannot pause, rewind, or skip ahead. If you miss a show, you have to wait for a rerun or find it elsewhere.

Paramount+ lets you watch CBS shows and other content whenever you want. You can pause, rewind, and skip commercials if you pay for the ad-free tier. Shows stay available in the Paramount+ library for months or years, so you do not have to catch them on a specific night. This is the main reason people use Paramount+ instead of waiting for broadcast CBS.

Which CBS shows appear on Paramount+

Not every CBS show moves to Paramount+ when ready or at all. Scripted dramas like "NCIS," "Ghosts," and "Morningstar" typically land on Paramount+ the day after they air on CBS. Game shows like "The Price Is Right" and "Let's Make a Deal" also appear on the streaming service, though sometimes with a delay.

Live sports and news programs usually do not stream on Paramount+ the same way they air on CBS. "60 Minutes" episodes do appear on Paramount+, but live NFL games and breaking news coverage stay on the broadcast network. If you want to watch a specific show, check Paramount+ directly or look at the show's page to see where it streams.

CBS channels and what they carry

CBS operates more than just the main CBS network. CBS Sports Network carries college sports and some professional events. Showtime, another Paramount-owned channel, airs premium drama and comedy series. Pop TV carries reality shows and older scripted series. All of these are separate from the main CBS broadcast channel, though they are all part of the Paramount family.

If you have a cable or satellite subscription that includes these channels, you can watch them through your provider. Some of their content also appears on Paramount+, but not all of it. The main CBS broadcast network is the one you can watch free with an antenna.

How to watch CBS without paying

The simplest way to watch CBS for free is with a TV antenna. Most areas have good reception on channel 2, and antennas cost between $20 and $60. You get live CBS broadcasts, news, sports, and entertainment shows at no cost. The trade-off is that you watch on the network's schedule and cannot skip commercials.

Some CBS shows also stream free on the CBS website and the CBS app, though you have to watch ads and the selection is limited. You can also find some CBS content on other free streaming services, but the main CBS broadcast network itself is only free through an antenna or a cable subscription.

Why Paramount+ includes CBS content

Paramount owns both CBS and Paramount+, so the company uses the streaming service to reach people who do not watch broadcast television. Younger viewers especially are more likely to stream shows on demand than to sit down for a live broadcast. By putting CBS shows on Paramount+, Paramount keeps those viewers in its ecosystem.

This also means Paramount can charge for access to CBS content through Paramount+. People who want to watch shows on their own schedule pay for the subscription. People who do not mind watching at set times can use the free broadcast network instead. Both options exist because they serve different viewing habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch CBS live on Paramount+?

Paramount+ offers a live CBS feed if you have a Paramount+ subscription with ads or the ad-free tier. This lets you watch CBS broadcasts as they happen on the streaming service instead of through an antenna or cable box. Not all markets have the live feed available.

Do I need Paramount+ to watch CBS?

No. CBS broadcasts free over the air on channel 2 in most areas. You only need an antenna and a television. Paramount+ is useful if you want to watch shows on demand the next day or if you prefer streaming to broadcast television.

Why is some CBS content not on Paramount+?

Paramount owns the rights to some shows but not others. Sports broadcasts and news programs often have separate licensing agreements that prevent them from streaming on Paramount+. Some older shows have rights held by other companies. Paramount+ includes what it can legally distribute.

Is CBS the same as Paramount+?

No. CBS is a broadcast network that has existed since 1927. Paramount+ is a streaming service that launched in 2021. They are owned by the same company, but they are separate services with different ways of delivering content.

What if I cannot get CBS with an antenna?

Some areas have weak CBS reception or no local CBS station. In that case, you can watch through a cable or satellite subscription, or you can use Paramount+ if you have a subscription. Check what channels your antenna picks up by scanning your TV's input.