CBS streams on Paramount+, not on a separate CBS app

CBS is a broadcast television network owned by Paramount Global. You cannot watch CBS through its own streaming service — instead, CBS content lives on Paramount+, which is Paramount's streaming platform. If you want to stream CBS shows, live CBS broadcasts, or CBS originals, you go to Paramount+, not to a standalone CBS app.

CBS airs network television during set hours each day. Paramount+ lets you watch those broadcasts live during their scheduled times, or watch episodes on demand after they air. The live TV option is available only on Paramount+'s higher-tier plans, not on the basic ad-supported tier.

Before Paramount+ existed, CBS had its own streaming service called CBS All Access, which launched in 2014. Paramount rebranded it to Paramount+ in March 2021 and folded all CBS content into that single platform. If you were a CBS All Access subscriber, your account automatically converted to Paramount+.

Key Takeaways

  • CBS is a broadcast network owned by Paramount Global, and all CBS streaming happens through Paramount+, not a separate app.
  • Paramount+'s basic plan does not include live TV; you need the Premium or Premium+ tier to watch CBS broadcasts as they air.
  • CBS shows appear on Paramount+ both live during broadcast hours and on demand after they air, usually the next day.
  • The old CBS All Access service no longer exists; it became Paramount+ in 2021 and merged all CBS content into one platform.

What you get on Paramount+ for CBS content

Paramount+ carries CBS's full broadcast schedule, including news, sports, game shows, and drama series. Shows like The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, 60 Minutes, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert stream live during their scheduled air times if you have a plan that includes live TV.

CBS originals — shows made specifically for Paramount+ — also live on the platform. These are separate from broadcast CBS shows. Examples include Star Trek: Discovery, Halo, and Yellowstone spinoffs. You can watch these on any Paramount+ tier, not just the live TV plans.

On-demand episodes of CBS broadcast shows typically appear on Paramount+ the day after they air on television. This means you do not have to watch at the scheduled time; you can watch when it suits you. Older seasons of long-running shows are also available in the Paramount+ library.

Live TV plans versus basic streaming

Paramount+ offers three tiers: Essential (ad-supported), Premium (ad-supported), and Premium+ (ad-free). Only Premium and Premium+ include live TV, which means only those plans let you watch CBS broadcasts as they happen.

The Essential tier gives you on-demand access to CBS shows, movies, and Paramount+ originals, but you cannot watch live broadcasts. If you only want to watch episodes after they air, Essential works. If you want to watch CBS news, sports, or live events as they broadcast, you need Premium or Premium+.

Premium includes ads during shows. Premium+ removes ads from most content (though some shows still carry ads due to licensing). Both include live TV. The price difference between the tiers changes periodically, so check Paramount+'s website for current rates.

CBS sports and news on Paramount+

CBS broadcasts NFL games, NCAA basketball, golf tournaments, and other sports events. If your Paramount+ plan includes live TV, you can watch these broadcasts live. On-demand highlights and recaps usually appear after the event ends.

CBS News programming, including the morning show and evening broadcasts, streams live on Premium and Premium+ plans. You can also watch news clips and full episodes on demand the next day.

Some sports events and news programs may have blackout restrictions or regional limitations depending on your location and the rights holder. Paramount+ will tell you whether a specific event is available in your area before you try to watch.

How CBS fits into Paramount's other services

Paramount Global owns multiple streaming services: Paramount+, Pluto TV, and BET+. CBS content does not appear on Pluto TV or BET+. All CBS streaming is consolidated on Paramount+.

Paramount+ also includes content from other Paramount-owned networks like MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central. If you subscribe to Paramount+, you get access to all of these networks' shows in one app, not spread across separate services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch CBS for free anywhere?

CBS broadcasts over the air for free if you have an antenna. You can also watch some CBS content free on Pluto TV (a free ad-supported streaming service), though the selection is limited. To stream the full CBS schedule on Paramount+, you need a paid subscription.

Do I need cable to watch CBS on Paramount+?

No. Paramount+ is a standalone streaming service. You do not need a cable subscription to use it. You only need an internet connection and a Paramount+ account.

Can I watch CBS shows on other streaming services?

Some CBS shows may appear on other platforms depending on licensing deals, but the primary home for all CBS content is Paramount+. If a show is available elsewhere, it is usually also on Paramount+ first or at the same time.

What happens to my CBS All Access account?

CBS All Access no longer exists. If you had an account, it automatically became a Paramount+ account in 2021. Your login information and subscription status carried over, so you did not need to do anything.

Can I watch CBS live without ads?

Yes, if you have the Premium+ plan, which removes ads from most content. Some shows may still include ads due to licensing agreements with networks or content providers, but Premium+ is the ad-free option Paramount+ offers.