CBS content is available on Paramount+, but also on traditional cable, the CBS app, and several live TV streaming bundles
CBS broadcasts its shows through multiple routes. The main ones are Paramount+ (which carries CBS shows on demand and some live broadcasts), the CBS app and website (which stream select shows free with ads, or more content with a cable login), cable or satellite TV, and live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV. Which one works for you depends on whether you want live broadcasts, on-demand viewing, and whether you already pay for cable.
If you have a cable subscription, you can watch CBS through your cable box or through the CBS app by signing in with your cable credentials. If you don't have cable, Paramount+ is the cheapest dedicated option for CBS content, though it does not include live local CBS broadcasts in most markets. Live TV streaming bundles cost more but include the live CBS feed plus other channels.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount+ carries most CBS shows on demand but does not include live local CBS broadcasts in most U.S. markets.
- The CBS app streams some shows free with ads and more content if you sign in with a cable login, but does not require a subscription.
- YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV all include live CBS broadcasts and cost between $55 and $77 per month depending on the bundle.
- Cable and satellite TV subscribers can watch CBS through their cable box or through the CBS app using their cable login.
Paramount+ for on-demand CBS shows
Paramount+ is the streaming home for CBS shows on demand. The service carries current and past seasons of shows like The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, Ghosts, Survivor, The Amazing Race, and NCIS franchises. You can watch these shows whenever you want, not on a broadcast schedule.
Paramount+ does not include live local CBS broadcasts in most markets. If you want to watch CBS news, sports, or primetime shows as they air, you will need a different service. Paramount+ costs $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month without ads. The ad-free tier is the only way to watch without interruption, though some shows may still have ads at the beginning or end.
The CBS app and website for free and cable-authenticated viewing
The CBS app and CBS.com let you stream some shows free with ads. The free tier includes select recent episodes of some shows, clips, and full episodes of certain programs, but the library is limited. You do not need to pay or sign in to watch the free content.
If you have a cable or satellite subscription, you can sign in to the CBS app with your cable credentials and unlock more episodes and full seasons. This is called cable authentication. The shows available depend on your cable provider, but typically include more recent episodes and full seasons than the free tier. You do not pay extra for this — it uses your existing cable subscription.
Live TV streaming services that include CBS
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV all carry live CBS broadcasts. These services stream the local CBS station in your market, so you can watch news, sports, and primetime shows as they air. They also include on-demand access to many shows after they broadcast.
YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month and includes CBS plus over 70 other channels. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month and includes CBS plus Hulu's on-demand library. Sling TV costs $55 per month for the Blue package, which includes CBS, or $55 for the Orange package, which does not include CBS — you need Blue to get CBS on Sling. All three services offer a free trial period, usually 3 to 7 days, so you can test the service before paying.
These services are more expensive than Paramount+ alone, but they include live broadcasts and dozens of other channels. If you watch a lot of live TV or sports, they may be worth the cost. If you only want CBS shows on demand, Paramount+ is cheaper.
Cable and satellite TV
If you already subscribe to cable or satellite TV, CBS is included in your package. You can watch it through your cable box on a TV, or through the CBS app on your phone, tablet, or computer by signing in with your cable credentials. Cable and satellite TV costs vary widely depending on your provider and package, but typically range from $50 to $150 per month.
Cable and satellite are the most expensive options, but they include CBS plus many other channels and often come bundled with internet and phone service. If you are already paying for cable, you do not need to pay extra to watch CBS.
Comparing cost and features across services
| Service | Cost per month | Live CBS | On-demand CBS shows | Other channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ | $5.99–$11.99 | No (most markets) | Yes | No |
| CBS app (free tier) | $0 | No | Limited | No |
| CBS app (cable login) | $0 (with cable) | Varies | Yes | No |
| YouTube TV | $72.99 | Yes | Yes | 70+ channels |
| Hulu + Live TV | $76.99 | Yes | Yes | Hulu library + 90+ channels |
| Sling TV (Blue) | $55 | Yes | Yes | 40+ channels |
| Cable/satellite | $50–$150 | Yes | Yes | 100+ channels |
Which service to choose based on what you watch
If you only want to watch CBS shows on demand and do not care about live broadcasts, Paramount+ is the cheapest option at $5.99 per month with ads. Start with the free CBS app tier first to see if the limited library meets your needs.
If you want live CBS broadcasts and a few other channels, Sling TV Blue at $55 per month is the cheapest live TV option. If you want live CBS plus a large channel lineup and do not mind paying more, YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV are better choices. If you already have cable, you already have CBS included — use the CBS app with your cable login to watch on your phone or computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Paramount+ include live CBS broadcasts?
Paramount+ includes on-demand CBS shows but does not carry live local CBS broadcasts in most U.S. markets. Some markets may have limited live CBS access through Paramount+, but this is not standard. Check the Paramount+ app in your area to confirm what is available.
Can I watch CBS for free?
The CBS app offers free streaming of select shows and clips with ads. The free tier has a limited library, but you do not need to pay or sign in. If you have a cable subscription, you can sign in to the CBS app with your cable credentials to unlock more content at no extra cost.
Do I need cable to watch CBS?
No. You can watch CBS shows on demand through Paramount+ without cable. You can also watch free content on the CBS app. If you want live broadcasts without cable, you need a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV.
Which live TV streaming service is cheapest for CBS?
Sling TV Blue is the cheapest at $55 per month and includes live CBS plus 40+ other channels. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV cost more but include larger channel lineups and additional features like cloud DVR storage.
Can I use my cable login to watch CBS on the CBS app?
Yes. If you have a cable or satellite subscription, you can sign in to the CBS app with your cable credentials to unlock more episodes and full seasons. The content available depends on your cable provider, but this does not cost extra — it uses your existing cable subscription.