Yes, you can watch Survivor on YouTube TV if your account includes the CBS channel
Survivor airs on CBS, and YouTube TV carries CBS in most U.S. markets. If your YouTube TV plan includes CBS — which the standard plan does in nearly all areas — you can watch new episodes on Thursday nights when they air live, or record them to watch later. You can also stream past seasons through the Paramount+ add-on that YouTube TV offers, though that requires a separate subscription.
The availability of CBS on YouTube TV depends on your location. YouTube TV's coverage map shows which channels are available in your zip code before you sign up. If CBS is available where you live, it appears in your channel guide automatically, and you search for "Survivor" the same way you would search for any other show.
Key Takeaways
- Survivor airs live on CBS Thursday nights, and CBS is included in YouTube TV's standard plan in most U.S. markets.
- You can record episodes to your YouTube TV library and watch them on demand, which is useful if you cannot watch live.
- Past seasons of Survivor are available through Paramount+, which you can add to your YouTube TV account for an additional monthly fee.
- CBS availability varies by location, so check YouTube TV's coverage map for your zip code before signing up.
How to find and watch Survivor on your YouTube TV account
Open YouTube TV on any device where you are signed in — phone, tablet, computer, or streaming device. Use the search bar at the top and type "Survivor." The show appears in the results with upcoming episodes listed below it. Tap or click on an episode to see the air date and time.
If the episode has already aired, you can watch it on demand from your library. If it has not aired yet, you can tap "Add to Library" to record it automatically. YouTube TV stores recordings for nine months, so you can go back and watch any episode from the current season without worrying about it disappearing when ready.
Recording Survivor episodes so you can watch them later
YouTube TV's recording feature works automatically once you add a show to your library. When you search for Survivor and tap "Add to Library," the system records every new episode of that season and stores it in your library. You do not have to set up individual recordings for each episode.
Your recordings stay in your library for nine months. After that, YouTube TV removes them to make room for new content. If you want to keep watching old seasons beyond nine months, Paramount+ is the better option, since it keeps past seasons available indefinitely.
Watching past seasons through Paramount+
YouTube TV offers Paramount+ as an add-on subscription, which you can set up from your account settings. Paramount+ includes a large library of past Survivor seasons, though not every single season is always available. The streaming rights for older seasons rotate, so which years you can watch changes over time.
Paramount+ costs extra per month on top of your YouTube TV bill. You can cancel it anytime without affecting your YouTube TV service. If you only want to watch past seasons occasionally, you could add Paramount+ for a month or two, watch what you want, and then remove it.
What to do if CBS is not available in your area
If CBS does not show up in your YouTube TV channel guide, it means CBS is not currently available in your market. YouTube TV's coverage map is the fastest way to confirm this — enter your zip code on their website, and it shows exactly which channels are available where you live.
If CBS is unavailable, you have other options. Paramount+ includes live CBS feeds in some markets, though this varies by location. You can also watch Survivor through the CBS app or website if you have a cable or streaming login from another provider. Some libraries also offer free streaming access to CBS through services like Hoopla or Kanopy, though this depends on your local library's partnerships.
YouTube TV plan details and CBS channel inclusion
YouTube TV's base plan includes CBS in the vast majority of U.S. markets. The plan costs a set monthly rate and includes dozens of other channels like NBC, ABC, Fox, and cable networks. There are no separate tiers that add or remove CBS — if it is available in your area, it is included in the standard plan.
YouTube TV also offers a 4K Plus add-on if you want to watch in higher resolution on compatible devices and internet speeds. This add-on does not change which channels you get; it only changes the video quality. For watching Survivor, the standard plan is sufficient.
Streaming Survivor on multiple devices
You can watch Survivor on YouTube TV across phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, and Google TV. Your library and recordings sync across all devices, so you can start watching on your phone and pick up where you left off on your TV.
YouTube TV allows simultaneous streaming on up to three devices at once with the standard plan. If you have a larger household, you can upgrade to a plan that allows more concurrent streams, though this costs extra per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Survivor live on YouTube TV if I am not home?
Yes. YouTube TV works on your phone, tablet, or computer anywhere you have internet access. You can watch the live broadcast from anywhere, not just on your home TV. The same login you use at home works on any device.
Do I need Paramount+ to watch Survivor, or is CBS enough?
CBS is enough for new episodes. Paramount+ is only necessary if you want to watch past seasons. New episodes air on CBS Thursday nights and are included with your YouTube TV plan.
How long do recordings stay in my YouTube TV library?
Recordings stay for nine months. After that, YouTube TV deletes them automatically. If you want to keep episodes longer, you would need to add Paramount+ and watch them there instead.
What if I miss an episode — can I watch it the next day?
Yes. If you have added Survivor to your library, YouTube TV records it automatically. You can watch it on demand the next day or anytime within the nine-month window. You do not have to catch it live.
Does YouTube TV charge extra to watch Survivor?
No. Survivor on CBS is included in your standard YouTube TV plan. You only pay extra if you want to add Paramount+ to watch past seasons.