CBS is available on Paramount+, but also on other platforms depending on what you want to watch

Paramount+ is the primary streaming home for CBS content, owned by the same parent company. It carries current CBS shows, older seasons of popular series, and live CBS feeds in most markets. But CBS also appears on other services — some offer live TV bundles that include the CBS broadcast channel, while others carry individual shows or back catalogs. Which service works best depends on whether you want live broadcasts, on-demand episodes, or specific shows.

The main split is between services that stream CBS as a live channel and services that offer CBS shows on demand. Live TV bundles cost more but give you real-time access to news, sports, and primetime broadcasts. On-demand services let you watch episodes when you choose, usually at a lower price or included in a subscription you already have.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount+ carries the largest CBS library and offers live CBS in most U.S. markets, making it the most direct option for CBS content.
  • YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV all include live CBS as part of their cable-replacement bundles, though availability varies by location.
  • Some CBS shows appear on Netflix, Apple TV+, and other platforms, but usually only after their CBS run ends or as exclusive originals.
  • Pluto TV offers free, ad-supported CBS content including older shows and some live programming, with no subscription required.
  • Your local CBS station may stream free episodes on its own website or app, though usually only the most recent ones.

Live CBS through cable-replacement services

YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV all carry live CBS, but availability depends on your location. These services replace a cable subscription by bundling dozens of channels including CBS, along with cloud DVR storage so you can record shows. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV cost more but include more channels. Sling TV is cheaper but may not carry CBS in all markets — you can check your zip code on their website before paying.

The trade-off is cost versus convenience. A live TV bundle runs $55 to $75 per month, which is less than cable but more than Paramount+ alone. You get the ability to watch CBS live during broadcasts, record games and news, and access the full channel lineup. If you only want CBS and a few other channels, a bundle may not be worth it.

On-demand CBS shows on other platforms

Individual CBS shows sometimes move to other streaming services after their broadcast run. Netflix has carried shows like The Equalizer and Ghosts in past seasons, though the timing and availability shift. Apple TV+ has exclusive originals that started on CBS, like Slow Horses. Amazon Prime Video offers some CBS shows through its main subscription or as add-on channels.

The catch is that these deals are not permanent and vary by region. A show may be on Netflix in one country and Paramount+ in another. If you are looking for a specific series, searching its title on each service you already subscribe to is faster than trying to predict where it will be. Most current-season CBS shows premiere on Paramount+ first, then may move elsewhere later.

Free CBS content on Pluto TV

Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service that includes CBS shows and live CBS News programming. You do not need to pay or sign in with a cable provider. The selection is smaller than Paramount+ — mostly older seasons and reruns — but it is genuinely free and works on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.

Pluto TV is useful if you want to sample a show before committing to a paid service, or if you just want background viewing without cost. The ads are frequent, and you cannot skip ahead, so it is not ideal if you want to binge quickly. But for casual watching, it removes the barrier to entry entirely.

CBS.com and local station apps

Your local CBS affiliate may stream recent episodes free on its own website or mobile app. CBS.com also offers some content, though much of it requires you to sign in with a cable or streaming provider account. The selection is limited — usually the last few episodes of current shows — and availability depends on your location and the show's licensing terms.

This route works best if you missed an episode that aired recently and want to catch up without paying. It does not replace a full streaming service, but it can save you money if you only need one or two episodes. Check your local station's app first, since it often has more recent content than the national CBS site.

How to find CBS content across services

If you subscribe to multiple services, searching across them takes time. Apps like JustWatch and Reelgood let you enter a show title and see which services carry it in your region, along with whether it is free, included in a subscription, or costs extra to rent or buy. These tools update regularly as licensing deals change.

You can also check directly: Paramount+ has a search bar, YouTube TV shows what channels are available in your zip code, and Pluto TV displays its full lineup by category. Starting with Paramount+ makes sense since it owns CBS and carries the most content, then branching out to other services only if you need something specific.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need cable to watch CBS live?

No. Paramount+ offers live CBS in most markets without a cable subscription. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV also carry live CBS as part of their bundles. Your local CBS station website may stream live broadcasts too, though usually only during major events.

Can I watch current CBS shows on Netflix or other services?

Some CBS shows appear on other platforms, but usually only after their season ends on CBS or Paramount+. Netflix and Apple TV+ have carried certain series, but these deals vary by region and change over time. Paramount+ is the most reliable place to find current CBS shows.

Is Pluto TV really free?

Yes. Pluto TV is free and ad-supported, with no subscription or cable login required. The CBS content is limited to older episodes and reruns, not current shows, but there is no cost to watch.

What if CBS is not available in my area on live TV services?

Check your zip code on YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV before signing up — availability varies by market. If live CBS is not available where you are, Paramount+ still carries on-demand CBS content in all regions. Your local station app may also stream live broadcasts.

Can I record CBS shows on a streaming service?

Yes, but only on live TV bundles like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, which include cloud DVR storage. Paramount+ does not offer recording, but you can watch on-demand episodes anytime after they air. Sling TV also offers DVR, though the amount of storage depends on your plan.