CBS is available on Paramount+, live TV streaming services, and the CBS app itself
CBS shows up in three main places: Paramount+ (which carries most CBS shows on demand), live TV streaming bundles like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV (which carry the CBS broadcast channel in real time), and the CBS app or website (which streams some shows free with ads, and others through your cable login). Which one works for you depends on whether you want to watch live broadcasts, catch up on episodes after they air, or own a cable subscription already.
Paramount+ is the primary streaming home for CBS content because Paramount Global owns both the network and the streaming service. If you subscribe to Paramount+, you get access to current and past seasons of shows like The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, NCIS, and Star Trek: Discovery — though not always the same day they air on broadcast CBS. Live TV services carry the actual CBS channel, so you can watch broadcasts as they happen, including sports, news, and prime-time shows.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount+ carries most CBS shows on demand, usually a day or two after they air on broadcast television.
- YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and similar services include the live CBS channel, so you can watch broadcasts in real time.
- The CBS app and CBS.com stream some shows free with ads, and others if you sign in with a cable or streaming TV subscription.
- CBS sports events (including some NFL games and the NCAA tournament) may require a cable login or a live TV streaming service, not just Paramount+.
Paramount+ and on-demand CBS shows
Paramount+ is the easiest route if you want to watch CBS shows whenever you want, without waiting for a live broadcast. The service costs $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month without ads. Most scripted shows — dramas, comedies, and reality programs — land on Paramount+ within a day or two of their CBS broadcast, so you can catch up on your own schedule.
The catch is that Paramount+ does not carry live CBS broadcasts. If you want to watch the evening news, a live sports event, or a show as it airs, you need either a live TV streaming service or a cable subscription. Paramount+ also does not always have every episode of every show; some older seasons may be missing, and some shows may leave the service after a certain time.
Live TV streaming services that include CBS
If you want to watch CBS live — for news, sports, or prime-time shows as they air — you can use a live TV streaming service. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV all carry the CBS broadcast channel. Prices and channel lineups vary: YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV cost around $76 and $77 per month respectively and include a broad range of channels. Sling TV is cheaper (around $40 per month) but carries fewer channels overall. FuboTV focuses on sports and costs around $80 per month.
These services let you watch CBS live on your phone, tablet, computer, or TV through their apps or websites. Most also include cloud DVR storage, so you can record shows and watch them later. If you already pay for one of these services for other channels, you get CBS included — you do not need Paramount+ on top of it, though some people subscribe to both for the on-demand library and the live channel.
CBS app and website with free and paid options
The CBS app and CBS.com offer a mix of free and paid viewing. You can watch some recent episodes of CBS shows free with ads — usually the last few episodes of a current season. To watch older episodes or full seasons, you typically need to sign in with a cable subscription or a live TV streaming service account. If you have YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or another live TV bundle, you can use those credentials to unlock more content in the CBS app.
This route works well if you have a cable or streaming TV subscription already and want to catch up on a show without paying extra. It does not work if you do not have a TV subscription, because the free tier is limited to recent episodes only.
CBS sports and special events
CBS carries NFL games, NCAA basketball and football, golf tournaments, and other sports events. Most of these require either a cable subscription, a live TV streaming service, or a CBS Sports+ subscription (a separate add-on). Some games are available on Paramount+ if they are part of a regular broadcast, but playoff games and major events often need a live TV service or cable login.
If you are mainly interested in watching CBS sports, check the CBS Sports website or app to see which games are coming up and where they will be broadcast. Some games may be exclusive to Paramount+, others to the CBS broadcast channel, and others to cable-only channels like CBS Sports Network.
Comparing your options by what you want to watch
| What You Want | Best Option | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| CBS shows on demand, catch up anytime | Paramount+ | $5.99–$11.99/month |
| Live CBS broadcasts and news | YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or cable | $40–$77/month or existing cable bill |
| Free CBS shows (recent episodes only) | CBS app or CBS.com | Free with ads |
| CBS sports events | Live TV service or cable | $40–$77/month or existing cable bill |
| Everything: live, on-demand, and sports | Live TV service + Paramount+ (optional) | $40–$77/month for live TV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch CBS for free?
Yes, through the CBS app or CBS.com with ads. You can watch recent episodes of some shows free, usually the last few that aired. For a full library or older seasons, you need a cable subscription or a live TV streaming service to sign in with. Paramount+ is not free, but it offers a low-cost way to watch CBS shows on demand without a cable subscription.
Do I need both Paramount+ and a live TV service?
No. If you only want to watch CBS shows on demand, Paramount+ alone is enough. If you want live broadcasts, a live TV service alone is enough. Some people subscribe to both because Paramount+ has a larger on-demand library and live TV services let you watch broadcasts as they happen, but you do not need both.
Can I watch CBS on Paramount+ the same day it airs?
Usually not the same day, but often the next day. Most CBS shows appear on Paramount+ within 24 to 48 hours of their broadcast. If you need to watch live, use a live TV streaming service or cable instead.
Which live TV service is cheapest?
Sling TV is the cheapest at around $40 per month, but it carries fewer channels than YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV cost around $76–$77 per month and include more channels. Compare what channels matter to you before choosing.
Does Paramount+ include live CBS sports?
Some CBS sports events air on Paramount+, but not all. Major playoff games and special events often require a cable subscription or a live TV streaming service. Check the CBS Sports website or app to see where a specific game will be broadcast.