CBS All Access: What It Is & How to Watch

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

CBS All Access is a streaming service that lets you watch current CBS shows, classic CBS series, and live TV from your local CBS station. You can use it on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices, and it costs either $5.99 or $9.99 per month depending on whether you want ads. This article explains exactly what CBS All Access offers, how it works, what it costs, and how it compares to other streaming services so you can decide if it’s worth subscribing.

What Is CBS All Access?

CBS All Access is the streaming service owned by CBS (now part of Paramount Global). It launched in 2014 as one of the first major network-owned streaming platforms. The service gives you two main things:

On-demand library: Full seasons of current CBS shows (like NCIS, Survivor, and The Good Fight) plus older classics such as Star Trek, Cheers, and Frasier.
Live TV: A live stream of your local CBS affiliate, so you can watch CBS programming in real time, including sports and news.

In 2021, CBS All Access was rebranded as Paramount+ after CBS merged with Viacom. The name change brought in more content from MTV, Nickelodeon, and other Viacom networks, but the core CBS features remained the same.

How CBS All Access Works

To watch CBS All Access, you sign up on the website or app, choose a plan, and then start streaming. The service works on most devices, including:

Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio, etc.)
Streaming sticks and boxes (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast)
Game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
Mobile devices (iOS and Android)
Web browsers on computers

You can watch on up to three devices at the same time, depending on your plan. The service also allows downloads for offline viewing on mobile devices, but only on the ad-free plan.

Live TV is available in most U.S. markets, but not all. If you live outside the U.S., the service is not available (except for a few international versions). The live stream shows your local CBS station’s programming, including local news and sports, but it does not include other local channels.

What Shows Can You Watch?

The library includes a wide range of CBS programming:

Current hits: New episodes of shows like Blue Bloods, S.W.A.T., and The Equalizer appear on the service after they air.
Classic series: Full runs of Star Trek (all series), Twilight Zone, I Love Lucy, and many others.
Originals: Shows made exclusively for the service, such as Star Trek: Discovery, The Good Fight, and Strange Angel.
Sports: Live NFL games (on CBS), NCAA basketball, and golf tournaments, depending on your local market.
News: CBSN, the 24/7 news channel, is included in all plans.

After the rebrand to Paramount+, the library expanded to include movies and shows from Paramount Pictures, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central. However, some CBS shows are still exclusive to the service.

Cost and Plans

As of 2025, CBS All Access (now Paramount+) offers two main plans:

Essential (with ads): $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year. Includes the full library and live TV, but with commercials.
Premium (ad-free): $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year. No ads on on-demand content, plus downloads for offline viewing and 4K streaming where available.

There is also a Premium+ plan that includes Showtime for $14.99 per month, but that is more about the broader Paramount+ service. All plans come with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.

Compared to other services, CBS All Access is mid-priced. Netflix starts at $6.99 (with ads), Hulu at $7.99, and Disney+ at $7.99. The ad-free tier is more expensive than most, but it includes live TV, which many competitors do not offer at that price.

How to Choose a Plan

Choosing between the ad-supported and ad-free plans depends on your habits:

If you watch mostly live sports or news, the ads are not a big deal because those have commercials anyway.
If you binge-watch dramas, ads can be annoying. The ad-free plan is worth the extra $6 per month.
If you travel or commute, the ad-free plan’s download feature is useful.
If you have a 4K TV, only the ad-free plan supports 4K streaming.

Also consider whether you already get CBS through cable or an antenna. If you do, you might only want the service for the on-demand library and originals, in which case the ad-supported plan is fine. If you cut the cord entirely, the live TV feature replaces your antenna.

Common Problems and Solutions

Users often encounter a few issues with CBS All Access:

Live TV not available in your area: If you live in a rural area or a market without a CBS affiliate, you may not get live TV. You can check your ZIP code on the website before subscribing.
Streaming quality issues: If the video buffers or lags, check your internet speed (at least 5 Mbps for HD). Also try restarting the app or your device.
Cancellation issues: To cancel, go to your account settings on the website (not the app) and click “Cancel Subscription.” You can still watch until the end of your billing period.
Ads on the ad-free plan: Some live TV and certain shows may still have ads even on the ad-free plan due to licensing agreements. This is not a bug.

If you have technical problems, the support page has troubleshooting guides and a live chat option.

Comparison with Other Streaming Services

CBS All Access (Paramount+) competes with other network-owned services:

Peacock (NBC): Similar price and structure, but Peacock has more classic sitcoms and Universal movies.
Hulu: More expensive (especially with live TV), but has a larger on-demand library from many networks.
Netflix and Disney+: No live TV, but huge libraries of original and licensed content.

The main advantage of CBS All Access is live CBS programming, especially sports. If you are a NFL fan or watch the Masters, this is the only streaming service with those broadcasts. The main disadvantage is that the library is smaller than Netflix or Hulu, and the interface has been criticized as dated.

Is It Worth It?

Whether CBS All Access is worth it depends on your viewing habits:

If you watch CBS shows regularly (like NCIS or Survivor), it is cheaper than cable and gives you on-demand access.
If you want live sports without cable, it is a good option.
If you only watch a few CBS shows, you might be better off buying individual episodes on Amazon or iTunes.
If you already have cable with CBS, you might not need it unless you want the originals.

A common misconception is that CBS All Access is just a way to watch CBS shows you can get with an antenna. While that is partly true, the on-demand library and originals add significant value. For example, Star Trek: Discovery is not available anywhere else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch CBS All Access on multiple devices at once?

Yes, the Essential plan allows streaming on two devices simultaneously, and the Premium plan allows three. You can also create up to six profiles per account, so family members can have their own watch lists.

Does CBS All Access include live sports?

Yes, the live stream of your local CBS station includes NFL games (AFC games on Sunday afternoons), SEC college football, NCAA basketball (including March Madness), and PGA golf tournaments. However, some games may be blacked out in certain markets due to local broadcasting rules.

Is CBS All Access available outside the United States?

No, the U.S. version is only available in the United States and its territories. There are separate versions in Canada, Australia, and some European countries, but they have different content and pricing. If you are outside the U.S., you would need a VPN, but that may violate the terms of service.

Can I watch CBS All Access on my smart TV?

Yes, the app is available on most smart TV platforms, including Samsung, LG, Vizio, and Android TV. You can also use AirPlay or Chromecast to stream from your phone to a TV.

How do I cancel CBS All Access?

Log in to your account on the CBS All Access website (not the app), go to Account Settings, and click “Cancel Subscription.” You will continue to have access until the end of your billing period. There are no cancellation fees.

Does CBS All Access have a free trial?

Yes, new subscribers get a 7-day free trial. You must enter a payment method, but you will not be charged if you cancel before the trial ends. Some promotions offer longer trials, but those are not always available.

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