How to watch CBS live online
In the US, CBS is free with an antenna. Online, Paramount+ Premium streams your live local CBS station; the cheaper Essential plan does not. Abroad, Paramount+ is a different service without live CBS.
Paramount+ says the live local CBS station is part of the Premium plan, not the Essential plan. Live TV services carry CBS too.
CBS News 24/7, the network's news stream, is free on CBSNews.com and in the CBS News app.
- Country
- United States
- Run by
- Skydance (formerly Paramount)
- Type
- General
- Language
- English
- Watch live
- Paramount+
- Cost at home
- Free over the air; Paramount+ Premium for the live station
- Abroad
- No: live CBS is US only
- Checked
- 2 November 2026
Can you watch CBS abroad?
Paramount+ says that when you travel abroad you get the Paramount+ service of the country you are visiting, with its own content and features. The live CBS station is part of the US service.
Paramount+ in other countries
Many CBS series on demand in countries where Paramount+ is sold, but not the live CBS channel.
Watch CBS in Canada, the UK, Australia and more
CBS in Canada, the UK, Australia, Mexico, Italy and Spain
Paramount+ in other countries (selected countries, price varies by country). Many CBS series on demand in countries where Paramount+ is sold, but not the live CBS channel. Check if your country is one of them.US TV abroad: the full guide, channel by channel
American TV in the UK: what works, channel by channel
American TV in Italy: what works, channel by channel
Apps for CBS: TV, phone and laptop
What is CBS?
CBS is one of the four big US broadcast networks. It is known for 60 Minutes, the CBS Evening News, NCIS, Survivor and NFL games on Sundays.
Its streaming home is Paramount+, from the same company.
CBS: common questions
Is CBS free to watch?
Over the air with an antenna, yes. Online, the live station needs Paramount+ Premium, a TV provider or a live TV service.
Does Paramount+ Essential include live CBS?
No. Paramount+ says the live local CBS station is in the Premium plan.
Can I watch CBS live abroad?
No. Abroad you get the local Paramount+ service, which does not stream live CBS.
Which app do I need to watch CBS live?
Paramount+ (US, other countries: local version): web, phones, smart TVs, streaming sticks, consoles. CBS News (CBS News 24/7: 91 countries, says CBS): phones, smart TVs.
Can I watch CBS on a smart TV?
Yes. Paramount+ has an app for smart TVs and streaming sticks (US, other countries: local version).
Can I watch CBS on a Firestick?
Yes, with Paramount+. Its help centre lists Fire TV among the supported devices, in select countries. The live CBS station is only in Paramount+ Premium in the US.
Can I watch CBS in the UK?
Paramount+ in other countries (selected countries, price varies by country). Many CBS series on demand in countries where Paramount+ is sold, but not the live CBS channel. Check if your country is one of them.
Where the facts come from
We check every fact on the broadcaster's own pages, or on two independent sources that agree.
- Paramount+ help: what is live TV and how does it work?
- Paramount+ help: watching while travelling abroad
- CBS News: live
- CBS News: about CBS News 24/7, the free streaming news network
- Cord Cutters News: Paramount completes Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition, launches Skydance (6 Oct 2026)
- Paramount+ help: on which devices can I watch Paramount+?
Last checked: 2 November 2026. Prices and rules change: the official pages always win.
