Paramount+’s live stream of CBS is my favorite feature
Paramount+’s live stream of CBS is my favorite feature
This stream is only available to select Paramount+ subscribers, but it’s the best thing the app does in my opinion.
As will come as no surprise to readers, I have a ton of streaming subscriptions. Obviously, this is in part to keep up with the latest trends that audiences need to know about, but it’s also because I enjoy watching TV, and one of my favorite franchises to return to when I’m out of new titles to stream is Star Trek.
That means I’ve got to have a Paramount+ subscription if I want to keep up, though I’ve been plenty critical of the Paramount+ user interface in the past. There is one feature that makes the streamer stand out in my mind, however: a live stream of CBS that I can watch right from the Paramount+ app.
Here’s why the CBS live stream is my favorite feature on Paramount+
Having access to local broadcast channels is tricky these days. Most people don’t have an over-the-air antenna any longer, and that means the only real way to access CBS and other such channels is with a live TV streaming service or cable plan, which can quickly stretch into the hundreds of dollars per month range.
Paramount+ emphatically solves this problem by including the live stream of CBS in its Premium plan. Viewers can watch their local CBS station with this subscription in every part of the United States, without having to worry if their antenna will pick up a clear signal or not.
For all its drawbacks, the Paramount+ app makes the CBS live stream very easy to find CBS live stream as well. Its Live TV tab makes CBS and other streaming channels that are found with Paramount+ easy to find and sort through, unlocking that live coverage with just a few clicks of the remote.
Live channels on Paramount+ are conveniently sorted into their own menu tab. Click image to expand.
Having CBS available on Paramount+ means that viewers get to watch everything appearing on the channel. For lovers of primetime CBS shows like “Tracker,” it means that there’s no need to wait until the day after those episodes air on CBS to stream them on-demand, so fans don’t have to worry about avoiding spoilers until the next day.
For sports fans, it means more access to top events like games from the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, which aren’t available to stream with a Paramount+ Essential plan. It also means more access to live, local news, giving viewers critical updates on stories that are most likely to affect them.
Is a CBS live stream available to all Paramount+ customers?
Sadly, no. Customers who are signed up for the cheapest Paramount+ plan — its ad-supported Essential tier costing $8 per month — cannot access the live stream of CBS. It’s essentially the only drawback to an otherwise excellent feature that improves Paramount+ without a doubt.
Customers will have to sign up for the ad-free Paramount+ Premium plan to get a live stream of CBS. This plan will cost you $13 per month, or you can pay $130 per year if you are willing to prepay for your annual subscription all at once.
Paramount Plus
Paramount+ is a subscription video streaming service that includes on-demand access to 40,000+ TV show episodes from BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., and more. Get free access with a Walmart+ subscription.
Paramount+ includes “1883,” “Tulsa King,” “Star Trek: Discovery,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” and “PAW Patrol.” Subscribers can watch the NFL, college football, The Masters, college basketball, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Serie A, and NWSL. The service also offers the option to watch your live CBS affiliate. The upgraded ad-free package includes premium movies and shows from Showtime.