CBS 2 New York (WCBS-TV) is the flagship station of the CBS television network, serving the New York metropolitan area with local news, weather, and sports alongside CBS primetime programming. The station operates from the CBS Broadcast Center in Manhattan and reaches millions of viewers across New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
This guide covers every way to watch CBS 2 New York online, from live TV streaming services to the CBS apps and free antenna options.
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What Is CBS 2 New York?
WCBS-TV signed on the air July 1, 1941, making it the second oldest continuously operating commercial television station in the United States after NBC’s experimental broadcasts. The station has been a CBS owned-and-operated property since its launch, serving as the network’s flagship for over eight decades.
Today, CBS 2 is owned by CBS (now part of Paramount Skydance Corporation following the 2025 merger). The station broadcasts from the CBS Broadcast Center on West 57th Street in Manhattan, with its transmitter located at One World Trade Center. WCBS shares facilities with sister station WLNY-TV (an independent station also owned by CBS).
As the flagship of the CBS network, WCBS-TV serves the nation’s largest media market with comprehensive local news coverage, CBS primetime entertainment, NFL on CBS broadcasts, and major sporting events including the Masters Tournament coverage and March Madness.
CBS 2 New York Programming
CBS 2 delivers extensive local news alongside CBS network entertainment and sports programming.
CBS News New York
CBS News New York (formerly CBS 2 News) provides local news coverage throughout the day. Morning newscasts begin at 4:30 a.m. and run through CBS Mornings at 7 a.m. Evening newscasts air at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., with late news at 11 p.m. following CBS primetime programming. The station covers breaking news, crime, politics, weather, and community stories across the New York metropolitan area.
CBS Network Programming
WCBS carries the full CBS primetime lineup including NCIS, FBI, Tracker, Survivor, The Amazing Race, Young Sheldon spinoff Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, and other popular series. Daytime programming includes The Price Is Right, Let’s Make a Deal, and CBS daytime dramas.
NFL on CBS
CBS 2 broadcasts AFC football games on Sunday afternoons, featuring the Jets, Patriots, Bills, Dolphins, and other AFC teams. The station carries playoff games and alternates Super Bowl broadcasts with Fox in CBS’s rotation. CBS also broadcasts Thursday Night Football games early in the NFL season.
CBS Sports
Beyond NFL coverage, CBS 2 broadcasts college football, college basketball including March Madness tournament games, the Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, and other major sporting events throughout the year.
How To Watch CBS 2 New York Live
CBS 2 New York is available through multiple streaming options and over-the-air broadcast.
Free Over-the-Air Antenna
CBS 2 broadcasts on VHF channel 2 from One World Trade Center. A digital antenna can receive the signal for free across the New York metropolitan area. This remains the most affordable option for local viewers who want CBS 2 without monthly subscription fees.
Paramount+ with Showtime ($12.99/month)
Paramount+ offers live streaming of WCBS-TV for subscribers in the New York market with the Paramount+ with Showtime tier. The Essential tier ($7.99/month) does not include live local CBS stations. Beyond live CBS, Paramount+ provides on-demand access to CBS shows, movies, and original programming.
CBS News App (Free)
The CBS News app provides free streaming of CBS News New York’s local newscasts and breaking news coverage. The app is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. Note that the free stream focuses on news content and does not include CBS primetime entertainment or sports.
CBS 2 on Live TV Streaming Services
These streaming services include CBS 2 New York (WCBS) for viewers in the New York market:
Fubo ($74/month)
Fubo includes WCBS along with 150+ channels. The sports-focused service offers 1000 hours of cloud DVR and up to 10 simultaneous streams. Fubo carries all major local broadcast networks in New York. Note: Fubo is currently missing NBCUniversal channels due to a carriage dispute, but CBS stations are unaffected.
YouTube TV ($82.99/month)
YouTube TV includes WCBS with 100+ channels, unlimited DVR storage, and three simultaneous streams. The service provides all major local networks in New York including CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox.
Hulu + Live TV ($89.99/month)
Hulu’s live TV tier carries WCBS along with 90+ channels. The subscription includes the full Hulu on-demand library plus Disney+ and ESPN+. Unlimited DVR stores recordings for nine months.
DirecTV Stream ($84.99/month)
DirecTV Stream’s Entertainment tier includes WCBS with 75+ channels. The service offers unlimited cloud DVR and provides all New York local broadcast stations.
Sling TV
Sling TV does not include local CBS affiliates in its streaming packages. New York viewers would need an antenna, Paramount+, or a different live TV service for WCBS live streaming.
Streaming Service Comparison for CBS 2
| Service | Monthly Price | CBS 2 (WCBS) | DVR | Streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBS News App | Free | News only | No | Unlimited |
| Paramount+ with Showtime | $12.99 | Yes | No | 3 |
| Fubo | $74 | Yes | 1000 hours | 10 |
| YouTube TV | $82.99 | Yes | Unlimited | 3 |
| DirecTV Stream | $84.99 | Yes | Unlimited | 3 |
| Hulu + Live TV | $89.99 | Yes | Unlimited | 2 |
CBS 2 News Team
CBS News New York features experienced anchors and reporters covering the New York metropolitan area:
- Maurice DuBois: Evening anchor, Emmy Award winner with over 25 years at WCBS
- Lonnie Quinn: Chief weathercaster, also serves as CBS News national weather anchor
- Dana Tyler: Veteran anchor with over three decades at CBS 2
- Mary Calvi: Morning anchor and co-host of CBS 2 morning newscasts
Device Compatibility
Stream CBS 2 New York across all major platforms:
- Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sony, TCL, Hisense
- Streaming devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, NVIDIA Shield
- Mobile: iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets
- Computers: Any web browser on Windows, Mac, Linux
- Gaming consoles: PlayStation, Xbox
CBS 2 Live Stream FAQ
Is CBS 2 New York free to stream?
CBS News New York streams for free on the CBS News app, though this is limited to news content. For full CBS 2 programming including primetime and sports, you need Paramount+ with Showtime ($12.99/month) or a live TV streaming service. You can also watch CBS 2 for free with a digital antenna.
What channel is CBS 2 in New York?
CBS 2 broadcasts on VHF channel 2 in the New York metropolitan area. The station’s call letters are WCBS-TV.
Who owns CBS 2 New York?
CBS 2 New York (WCBS-TV) is owned and operated by CBS, which is now part of Paramount Skydance Corporation following the 2025 merger. It is the flagship station of the CBS broadcast network.
Can I watch CBS 2 on YouTube TV?
Yes. YouTube TV includes WCBS (CBS 2) for viewers in the New York market as part of its $82.99/month base package.
Does Paramount+ include live CBS?
Yes, but only with the Paramount+ with Showtime tier ($12.99/month). The Essential tier ($7.99/month) does not include live local CBS stations. Live CBS availability depends on your location.
Is CBS 2 on Sling TV?
No. Sling TV does not include local CBS affiliates like WCBS in its streaming packages. You would need YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, or Paramount+ with Showtime for live CBS 2 access.
Related Live Streams
Looking for more New York local news streams? Check out these related options:
- Fox 5 New York Live Stream – WNYW local news and Good Day New York
- ABC 7 New York Live Stream – WABC local news and Eyewitness News
- NBC Live Stream – NBC network programming and news