CBS streams on Paramount+ and through the CBS app, plus traditional cable and antenna
CBS is a broadcast television network owned by Paramount Global. You can watch CBS in three main ways: through Paramount+ (the streaming service), through the free CBS app or website, or through a cable or satellite subscription. Which option works best depends on whether you want live TV, on-demand shows, or both, and whether you're willing to pay.
CBS broadcasts live television over the air for free if you have an antenna, and it's also included in most cable and satellite packages. For streaming, Paramount+ is the primary home for CBS content, though the CBS app itself offers some free and paid options. The CBS app lets you watch some current episodes free (with ads) and requires a cable login or Paramount+ subscription for full access to the live feed and back catalog.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount+ is the main streaming home for CBS shows and costs $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month without ads.
- The free CBS app lets you watch some recent episodes with ads, but a cable login or Paramount+ subscription unlocks the full library and live stream.
- CBS broadcasts free over the air with an antenna, and is included in most cable and satellite TV packages.
- Paramount+ includes live CBS in most markets, so you can watch the network in real time if you have a subscription.
Watching CBS on Paramount+
Paramount+ is the streaming service built by Paramount Global, the company that owns CBS. It includes the full CBS catalog of current and past shows, plus original series made for the platform. You can watch CBS live in most U.S. markets through Paramount+, which means you see the network as it airs rather than waiting for on-demand episodes.
The service costs $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month without ads. Both tiers include live CBS and the full back catalog. If you already subscribe to Paramount+ for other content, you don't pay extra for CBS—it's included in your subscription. The live feed works on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire Stick.
Using the free CBS app and website
The CBS app and CBS.com let you watch some episodes free, supported by ads. You can usually watch the most recent episodes of current shows at no cost. However, the free version has limits: you get access to a smaller selection of episodes, and you cannot watch the live CBS feed without signing in with a cable provider or Paramount+ account.
If you have a cable or satellite subscription that includes CBS, you can log in with your provider credentials (Comcast, Charter, DirecTV, and others) to unlock more episodes and the live stream. This is sometimes called "TV Everywhere" access. If you don't have cable, a Paramount+ subscription gives you the same login access through the CBS app.
Watching CBS with cable or satellite TV
CBS is a broadcast network, which means it's included in nearly every cable and satellite TV package. If you pay for cable or satellite service, you already have access to CBS on your TV. You can also use your cable login to watch through the CBS app or website on other devices.
Cable and satellite packages vary by provider and region, so the channel number for CBS differs depending on where you live and which company you use. Check your provider's channel guide or search for "CBS" in your guide to find the right channel. Most providers also offer CBS on-demand through their own apps.
Getting CBS free with an antenna
CBS broadcasts over the air in most U.S. markets, which means you can watch it free with a TV antenna. An antenna costs between $20 and $100 depending on the type and range, and you only buy it once. After that, there are no monthly fees.
To find out whether CBS broadcasts in your area, visit TVFool.com or AntennaWeb.org and enter your address. These tools show which stations broadcast near you and what type of antenna you need. Most people in cities and suburbs can pick up CBS with a basic indoor antenna, though rural areas may need a larger outdoor antenna.
Comparing your CBS viewing options
| Option | Cost | Live CBS | Full back catalog | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ | $5.99–$11.99/month | Yes (most markets) | Yes | Phone, tablet, computer, streaming devices |
| CBS app (free) | Free | No | Recent episodes only | Phone, tablet, computer, streaming devices |
| CBS app (with cable login) | Included in cable bill | Yes | Yes | Phone, tablet, computer, streaming devices |
| Cable or satellite TV | Varies by provider | Yes | Depends on provider | TV set |
| Antenna | $20–$100 (one-time) | Yes | No | TV set |
What shows are on CBS
CBS airs a mix of news, sports, drama series, and reality shows. The network broadcasts the NFL on Sunday afternoons and Thursday nights during football season, the NCAA basketball tournament in March, and the Grammy Awards. Original dramas like NCIS, Ghosts, and The Equalizer air on CBS, along with game shows like The Price Is Right and Let's Make a Deal.
The CBS app and Paramount+ both let you search by show name if you're looking for something specific. Paramount+ also organizes shows by category, so you can browse by genre. If you're not sure what's currently airing on CBS, the network publishes its schedule on CBS.com, and most cable providers show the schedule in their guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch CBS live on Paramount+ in my area?
Paramount+ includes live CBS in most U.S. markets, but not all. When you sign up or open the app, it will show you whether live CBS is available in your location. If it's not, you can still watch on-demand episodes and other Paramount+ content. Check your zip code on Paramount.com to confirm before subscribing.
Do I need a cable subscription to watch CBS?
No. You can watch CBS through Paramount+, the free CBS app (with limits), or with an antenna. Cable is one option, but not required. Paramount+ costs $5.99 to $11.99 per month and includes live CBS in most areas, while an antenna is a one-time purchase of $20 to $100.
Is the CBS app free?
The CBS app is free to read and use, but it has limits. You can watch recent episodes of current shows at no cost with ads. To watch the full back catalog and the live CBS feed, you need either a cable login or a Paramount+ subscription.
What's the difference between the CBS app and Paramount+?
The CBS app focuses on CBS content and offers free access to recent episodes. Paramount+ is a broader streaming service that includes CBS plus hundreds of other shows and movies from Paramount's library. Paramount+ costs money but gives you more content and the full CBS back catalog in one place.
Can I watch CBS on my phone or tablet?
Yes. read the CBS app or Paramount+ app on your phone or tablet, or visit CBS.com or Paramount.com in a web browser. Both work on iOS and Android devices. You can watch on-demand episodes or live CBS (if you have a subscription or cable login) anywhere you have internet.