Yes, CBS is available on YouTube TV in most U.S. markets

CBS is included in the standard YouTube TV package, which means you can watch it without paying extra. The channel appears in your guide alongside other broadcast networks. You'll see CBS listed under the "Live" tab when you open YouTube TV, and you can also use the search function to find CBS shows directly.

Availability depends on your location. YouTube TV carries CBS in the vast majority of U.S. cities, but a small number of markets—usually smaller cities or rural areas—may not have local CBS access. When you first set up YouTube TV, the app shows you which local channels are available in your zip code, so you can verify CBS is included before you commit.

Key Takeaways

  • CBS comes with your standard YouTube TV subscription at no additional cost.
  • You can watch CBS live during broadcast hours or record shows to your library using YouTube TV's cloud DVR.
  • Check your local channel availability in your zip code during setup to confirm CBS is offered in your area.
  • CBS shows are also searchable by title, so you can find a specific program without browsing the full guide.
  • YouTube TV lets you watch on phones, tablets, computers, and connected TV devices with a single subscription.

How to find and watch CBS on YouTube TV

Open YouTube TV and go to the "Live" tab at the bottom of the screen. Scroll through the channel list until you see CBS, or use the search icon at the top to type "CBS" directly. Tap the channel to open it, and you'll see what's currently airing and upcoming programs in the next few hours.

If you want to watch a specific show rather than browse, search for the program name instead. YouTube TV will show you all upcoming air times for that show across the next two weeks. You can then select a time slot to watch it live or set it to record automatically.

Recording CBS shows with cloud DVR

YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, so you can record CBS programs without worrying about running out of space. When you find a CBS show you want to watch later, tap the record button (usually a circle icon) next to the program title. The show will be saved to your library automatically when it airs.

Recorded shows stay in your library for nine months. You can watch them on any device where you're signed into YouTube TV—your phone, tablet, computer, or TV. There's no limit to how many shows you can record at once, and recording doesn't count against any data or storage limit.

Watching CBS on different devices

Your YouTube TV subscription works across all your devices. You can start watching CBS on your TV, pause it, and pick up where you left off on your phone. YouTube TV is available on most smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Roku, Google TV, and others), as well as on phones and tablets running iOS or Android, computers using a web browser, and streaming devices like Apple TV and Fire Stick.

Sign in with the same YouTube account on each device. Your library, recordings, and watch history sync across everything, so you never lose your place in a show.

What to do if CBS isn't showing up in your area

If CBS doesn't appear in your channel list, it means YouTube TV doesn't currently carry the local CBS station in your zip code. This is rare but does happen in some smaller markets. You can still watch CBS content through other methods: the CBS website and mobile app (with a cable login), CBS's streaming service Paramount+, or an antenna if you're in range of a local broadcast tower.

You can also contact YouTube TV support to ask whether CBS coverage is planned for your area in the future. Markets sometimes get added as YouTube TV expands its local channel partnerships.

CBS shows and sports on YouTube TV

CBS carries a mix of news, drama series, reality shows, and sports. You'll find programs like 60 Minutes, The Bold and the Beautiful, and NCIS on the main CBS channel. CBS also broadcasts NFL games on Sundays and some playoff games, college football, and golf tournaments depending on the season.

If you're looking for a specific CBS show or sports event, use the search function to find it. YouTube TV will show you the next air time and let you record it if you can't watch live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay extra to watch CBS on YouTube TV?

No. CBS is part of your standard YouTube TV subscription. There are no add-on fees or premium tiers required to watch it.

Can I watch CBS on YouTube TV if I don't have cable?

Yes. YouTube TV is a standalone streaming service—you don't need a cable subscription. You only need a YouTube TV subscription and an internet connection.

What if I miss a CBS show—can I watch it later?

Yes, if you record it using YouTube TV's cloud DVR. You can also check the CBS website or Paramount+ to see if the episode is available there, though some shows may require a cable login or subscription.

Can I watch CBS on YouTube TV while traveling?

You can stream YouTube TV from anywhere in the U.S. Some live local channels, including CBS, may be blocked if you're outside your home market for more than a few weeks. YouTube TV will notify you if this happens.

Is CBS the same as Paramount+?

No. CBS is the broadcast channel you watch on YouTube TV. Paramount+ is a separate streaming service owned by the same company. YouTube TV doesn't include Paramount+, but you can subscribe to both if you want.