CBS is one of the oldest and most recognizable icons of American media. As a provider of quality news, sitcoms, and dramatic programming for countless decades CBS is one network most TV viewers tune into each day to catch their favorite shows. For cord-cutters, losing CBS might leave them with some heartburn. But, do you really need cable to watch CBS?
The simple answer is: you don't. We'll show you how to watch CBS without cable using both free and paid options in this guide.
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How to Watch CBS Online and Over the Air Without Cable
When it comes to live TV streaming services, you can watch CBS with a variety of “skinny bundle” services. Essentially, these packages are named such because the fewer channels you select, the cheaper the service is.
There's just one more thing to say about live TV streaming services, and it's our only bit of bad news: in the case of each of the live TV streaming services we list, CBS coverage will vary by region. Unfortunately, not every local CBS affiliate is on board with every streaming service.
You can stream CBS through six different streaming services, including DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu, fuboTV, Sling TV, Paramount Plus, and YouTube TV. Which service is right for you will depend on what you need and how much you stream. Let’s take a deeper dive into each of these services for a better look.
DIRECTV STREAM is strikingly similar to traditional DIRECTV satellite service, but it comes with a smaller price tag and virtually no equipment involved. All you need is an internet connection and a smart device or streaming platform. You’ll have a few different packages from which to choose according to your preferences and budget. For a better look at the service, check out our hands-on review of DIRECTV STREAM for all the details.
If you're interested in CBS because of its sports broadcasts, you may want to pay extra attention to the fuboTV streaming service. We found that fuboTV has plenty of sports channels, as well as plenty of networks that will appeal to the non-sports fans among us. One of them, of course, is CBS. You can test things out risk-free when you take advantage of fuboTV's free trial offer.
Sling TV is one of the more robust cable-replacement streaming services. While “extras” are their main thing for getting extra channels, you can add CBS to your Sling TV subscription for free in coordination with an HD antenna. We love Sling TV for its simplicity and channel selection. Check out Sling TV’s channel listings if you don’t believe us.
Paramount Plus used to be known as CBS All Access, but now it’s rebranded as Paramount Plus. Why Paramount Plus? Maybe the people in charge liked both mountain peaks and math. We’re not sure, but the rationale behind the name change isn’t as important as the fact that you can get CBS this way. Give Paramount Plus a try to get some of the best movies and television shows at your fingertips.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is Google's streaming service, and it's a great way to watch CBS online. YouTube TV offers live local streaming of CBS in select markets. You can test out YouTube TV risk-free by taking advantage of the service's trial offer.
Free Over-the-Air TV
Over-the-air TV is “broadcast television,” and it's the perfect way to watch CBS without cable for free. CBS, like the rest of the major networks, boasts a huge network of affiliates all across the country. These affiliates often have their own broadcast towers, which send a live feed of CBS all over your region. It's all around you, so grab an antenna and take advantage! You'll find your reception is in crisp HD. Antennas have changed quite a bit since your grandpa's day.
Can I Watch CBS on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or Chromecast?
CBS is a major broadcast network, so it makes sense that it would also have major platform support. You can watch it on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, and more! There’s no need to limit yourself to watching CBS on one device when you can watch it on, well, pretty much all of the devices. Check out the chart below to find out more:
DIRECTV STREAM | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Hulu + Live TV | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
fuboTV | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Sling TV | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Paramount Plus | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
YouTube TV | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Most Popular Shows to Watch on CBS
You may have your favorites, but do you know all that CBS has to offer when you tune in? CBS has been around for ages, and like a fine aged wine or cheese, it keeps getting better. Check out this list to see some of the most popular shows on CBS right now:
- “Bob Hearts Abishola”
- “Blue Bloods”
- “NCIS”
- “60 Minutes”
- “CBS Evening News”
More to Watch for Fans of CBS
What should CBS fans watch when they’re not watching CBS? Well, there are a few different channels that we would recommend. If you love a channel with news and amazing originals, then you should check out our guides on how to watch ABC without cable and how to watch NBC without cable. With either one of these channels, you’ll have plenty of content to stream.
If those two channels aren’t exactly your flavor, then stroll over to our guide on how to watch FOX without cable. Between “MasterChef,” “The Masked Singer,” and “Domino Masters” FOX is a premier streaming destination.