CBS live stream is one of America’s original “Big Three” broadcast networks, CBS delivers NFL football, top-rated scripted dramas, March Madness, and the CBS Evening News to millions of viewers. From NCIS to 60 Minutes, streaming CBS live connects you to some of television’s most-watched programming.
This guide breaks down every way to watch CBS online, from free options to streaming service bundles that include your local CBS station.
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The History of CBS?
The Columbia Broadcasting System, known as CBS, ranks among America’s oldest and most-watched broadcast networks. Founded in 1927 as a radio network and launching television operations in 1941, CBS earned the nickname “The Tiffany Network” for its reputation for quality programming. The network’s iconic “eye” logo, introduced in 1951, has become one of the most recognized symbols in broadcasting.
Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS) owns CBS, placing it alongside Paramount Pictures, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and the Paramount+ streaming service. This corporate structure gives CBS significant content advantages, with shows flowing between broadcast and streaming platforms.
CBS operates through a network of approximately 240 local affiliate stations across the country. Paramount Global directly owns stations in major markets including New York (WCBS), Los Angeles (KCBS), Chicago (WBBM), and Philadelphia (KYW). Smaller markets rely on independently owned affiliates that carry CBS programming.
CBS Programming Highlights
CBS consistently ranks as the most-watched broadcast network, powered by a programming strategy that emphasizes mass-appeal content.
Prime Time Entertainment
CBS dominates prime time ratings with procedural dramas and sitcoms that attract broad audiences. The network’s lineup includes the NCIS franchise (NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: Hawai’i, NCIS: Origins), the FBI franchise (FBI, FBI: International, FBI: Most Wanted), the One Chicago-style Fire Country franchise, and long-running hits like Blue Bloods, Tracker, and Ghosts.
Reality programming plays a significant role, with Survivor (now in its 47th season), The Amazing Race, and Big Brother delivering reliable ratings throughout the year. Game shows including The Price Is Right and Let’s Make a Deal continue their decades-long runs.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert anchors CBS’s late-night presence, providing politically-charged comedy and celebrity interviews five nights a week.
Sports Coverage
CBS Sports delivers premium sporting events throughout the year. The NFL on CBS has been a Sunday staple since the 1960s, typically broadcasting AFC games and culminating in Super Bowl coverage (in rotation with other networks). CBS holds rights to the AFC Championship Game, giving viewers access to one of football’s most important matchups.
College basketball reaches its peak on CBS with March Madness coverage, including Selection Sunday, the NCAA Tournament, and the Final Four. The Masters golf tournament and SEC football also call CBS home, along with UEFA Champions League coverage.
News Programming
CBS News maintains a strong presence with CBS Mornings (weekday mornings), the CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell (evenings), Face the Nation (Sunday political analysis), 60 Minutes (America’s most-watched newsmagazine), and 48 Hours (true crime investigations). CBS News 24/7 provides round-the-clock streaming news coverage free on multiple platforms.
How To Watch CBS Live Stream Free
Several options exist for watching CBS without paying for a subscription.
CBS.com and CBS App
Visit CBS.com/live-tv or download the CBS app to access your local CBS station. Live streaming typically requires a Paramount+ subscription or TV provider login, though some content and clips are available free.
The CBS app is available on iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and most smart TV platforms.
Over-the-Air Antenna
CBS broadcasts free over the airwaves in every U.S. market. A digital antenna picks up your local CBS affiliate in full HD without any subscription. Modern indoor antennas work well within 30-50 miles of broadcast towers, making this the most reliable completely free option for CBS access. For NFL games, March Madness, and prime time shows, an antenna delivers perfect quality at zero ongoing cost.
CBS News 24/7 (Free Streaming News)
CBS News 24/7 streams free around the clock through the CBS News app, Paramount+ (free tier), Pluto TV, and other FAST platforms. While not the full CBS channel, this provides breaking news coverage and select CBS News programming without any subscription.
CBS on Paramount+
Paramount+, the streaming platform from Paramount Global, offers the most direct route to CBS content online.
Paramount+ Essential ($7.99/month)
The Essential tier includes live sports that air on CBS (NFL, March Madness, UEFA Champions League), next-day access to current CBS shows, and the full Paramount+ library. However, Essential does not include your local CBS station’s live 24/7 feed beyond sports.
Paramount+ with Showtime ($12.99/month)
This tier adds your local CBS station’s live feed in many markets, enabling you to watch everything from CBS Mornings to prime time programming. You also get the complete Showtime library and Showtime live channels. For cord-cutters who want full CBS access, this tier offers excellent value.
CBS on Live TV Streaming Services
For CBS bundled with dozens of other channels, these streaming services include your local CBS station.
YouTube TV ($82.99/month)
YouTube TV includes CBS in virtually every market alongside 100+ other channels. The service provides unlimited DVR storage, three simultaneous streams, and a clean interface. YouTube TV ranks as the most recommended cable replacement for its comprehensive channel lineup and consistent performance.
Hulu + Live TV ($89.99/month)
Hulu’s live TV tier carries CBS with 90+ channels, plus full Hulu on-demand library access and bundled Disney+ and ESPN+. The unlimited DVR stores recordings for nine months. Integration with Hulu’s on-demand content makes catching up on missed CBS shows seamless.
DirecTV Stream ($84.99/month)
DirecTV Stream’s Entertainment tier includes CBS with 75+ channels and offers the most reliable local channel coverage of any streaming platform. The service now bundles Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ with subscriptions, adding value for sports viewers.
Fubo ($74/month)
Fubo includes CBS in most markets with its sports-focused package. Note that Fubo has lost NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery channels, reducing its overall lineup, but CBS remains available. The $74/month price reflects these channel losses.
Streaming Service Comparison for CBS
| Service | Monthly Price | CBS Included | DVR | Streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antenna | Free (one-time cost) | Yes | No | N/A |
| Paramount+ Essential | $7.99 | Sports only | No | 3 |
| Paramount+ with Showtime | $12.99 | Most markets | No | 3 |
| Fubo | $74 | Most markets | 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 |
How To Watch NFL on CBS
NFL on CBS represents one of the network’s biggest draws. Here’s how to stream CBS’s football coverage:
- Paramount+: All NFL on CBS games stream live (Essential or higher required)
- Live TV Services: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo all carry CBS
- Antenna: Free over-the-air broadcast in all markets
- CBS Sports App: Stream with TV provider login
CBS typically broadcasts early and late afternoon NFL games on Sundays, featuring AFC matchups and cross-conference games.
How To Watch March Madness
March Madness coverage splits across CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. CBS broadcasts the Final Four and Championship Game. Options for streaming CBS’s portion include:
- Paramount+: CBS tournament games stream live
- March Madness Live App: Free streaming with limited viewing (full access requires TV provider login)
- Live TV Services: YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV carry CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV for complete coverage
- Antenna: Free CBS games over-the-air
CBS On-Demand Streaming
If you don’t need live CBS but want to watch CBS shows:
Paramount+
Paramount+ offers next-day access to current CBS shows with any subscription tier. The platform also hosts complete series libraries of CBS classics and Paramount+ Original content including Star Trek series, Yellowstone prequels like 1883 and 1923, and exclusive movies.
Hulu
Standard Hulu no longer carries CBS content following its migration to Paramount+.
Device Compatibility
Watch CBS across all major platforms and devices:
- 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 Owned Stations by Market
Paramount Global directly owns CBS stations in these major markets:
- New York: WCBS (Channel 2)
- Los Angeles: KCBS (Channel 2)
- Chicago: WBBM (Channel 2)
- Philadelphia: KYW (Channel 3)
- Dallas-Fort Worth: KTVT (Channel 11)
- San Francisco: KPIX (Channel 5)
- Boston: WBZ (Channel 4)
- Atlanta: WANF (Channel 46)
- Tampa: WTSP (Channel 10)
- Denver: KCNC (Channel 4)
- Detroit: WWJ (Channel 62)
- Miami: WFOR (Channel 4)
- Pittsburgh: KDKA (Channel 2)
- Sacramento: KOVR (Channel 13)
- Baltimore: WJZ (Channel 13)
CBS Live Stream FAQ
Is CBS free to stream?
CBS broadcasts free over-the-air via antenna in all markets. Online, CBS News 24/7 streams free on multiple platforms. The full live CBS channel requires Paramount+ with Showtime ($12.99/month) or a live TV streaming service subscription.
Can I watch CBS without cable?
Yes. Options include an antenna (free), Paramount+ with Showtime ($12.99/month for local CBS in most markets), or live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo.
Does Paramount+ have live CBS?
Paramount+ Essential ($7.99/month) includes live CBS sports. Paramount+ with Showtime ($12.99/month) includes your local CBS station’s live feed in most markets.
How do I watch NFL on CBS without cable?
NFL on CBS games stream on Paramount+ (Essential or higher), YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo. An antenna also receives CBS NFL games free in all markets.
What is the cheapest way to watch CBS?
An antenna provides free CBS access. For streaming, Paramount+ Essential at $7.99/month offers live CBS sports and next-day show access. For the full live CBS experience online, Paramount+ with Showtime at $12.99/month delivers the best value.
Can I watch 60 Minutes online?
Yes. 60 Minutes airs live on CBS Sunday evenings and streams on any platform with live CBS. Episodes are available next-day on Paramount+ and through the CBS app.
Related Live Streams
Looking for more broadcast network options? Check out these related streams:
- CBS News Live Stream – 24/7 free news coverage
- ABC Live Stream – Another Big Three broadcast network
- NBC Live Stream – Sunday Night Football and more