How to watch CBC live online
In Canada, CBC streams live for free on CBC Gem, from up to 14 regions, with a free account. Outside Canada, Gem is blocked, but most CBC news programmes can be watched.
CBC Gem has live TV streams from up to 14 regions across Canada and shows on demand, free with adverts. Premium removes adverts on demand and adds CBC News Network.
Gem works on the web, phones, tablets, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, LG and Samsung TVs, Roku and Xbox.
- Country
- Canada
- Run by
- CBC/Radio-Canada, Canada's public broadcaster
- Type
- General
- Language
- English
- Watch live
- CBC Gem
- Cost at home
- Free with a free account; Premium paid
- Abroad
- Partly: Gem works only in Canada
- Checked
- 2 November 2026
Can you watch CBC abroad?
CBC says much of its content on Gem is geofenced to Canada because of rights and licensing, and an account needs a Canadian address.
CBC also says you can watch most of its news and current affairs programmes abroad, such as The National, Marketplace and The Fifth Estate.
CBC News programmes
Most CBC news and current affairs programmes, such as The National. Not the live CBC channel.
Watch CBC in the USA, the UK, Australia and more
CBC in the USA, the UK, Australia, Mexico, France and Ireland
CBC itself: Gem works only in Canada. Official alternative: CBC News programmes (worldwide, free). Most CBC news and current affairs programmes, such as The National. Not the live CBC channel.
Apps for CBC: TV, phone and laptop
What is CBC?
CBC is the English-language TV service of CBC/Radio-Canada, Canada's public broadcaster, with news, drama and entertainment.
CBC: common questions
Is CBC Gem free?
Yes, with a free account and adverts. Premium is paid and removes adverts on demand.
Can I watch CBC Gem outside Canada?
No. CBC says Gem's content is geofenced to Canada, and an account needs a Canadian address.
Can I watch The National abroad?
Yes. CBC says most of its news and current affairs, including The National, can be watched abroad.
Which app do I need to watch CBC live?
CBC Gem (Canada): web, phones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming sticks, consoles.
Can I watch CBC on a smart TV?
Yes. CBC Gem has an app for smart TVs and streaming sticks (Canada).
Can I watch CBC on a Firestick?
Yes. CBC's help centre lists Fire TV among the devices for the free CBC Gem app. On Fire TV you first create a CBC Gem account on the website or in the phone app. Gem works only in Canada.
Can I watch CBC in the USA?
CBC itself: Gem works only in Canada. Official alternative: CBC News programmes (worldwide, free). Most CBC news and current affairs programmes, such as The National. Not the live CBC channel.
Where the facts come from
We check every fact on the broadcaster's own pages, or on two independent sources that agree.
- CBC Help: what is CBC Gem?
- CBC Help: can I watch CBC content on Gem if I'm outside Canada?
- CBC/Radio-Canada: can our content be accessed online from outside Canada?
Last checked: 2 November 2026. Prices and rules change: the official pages always win.
