In 2021, ViacomCBS did a revamp of its popular CBS All Access streaming service. What was once CBS All Access is now Paramount+. That change came with more than just a new title and a new logo. ViacomCBS also added a ton of new Paramount Pictures content, content from other brands that it owns, and even better, expanded into more live TV. Now, Paramount+ live TV options include local CBS channels, news, entertainment, and sports.
The Paramount+ live TV catalog is likely going to continue growing, but for now, let's explore all of your live TV streaming options currently available through Paramount+.
What is Paramount+?
CBS launched its own streaming service called CBS All Access in 2014. In 2019, CBS merged with Viacom, which owned the historic Paramount Pictures brand and all of its content. As a result of that merger, the newly-formed ViacomCBS decided to give its CBS All Access streaming service a facelift that included a name change to Paramount+, a new logo, thousands of more on-demand videos, and importantly, an expanded selection of live TV channels.
Now, Paramount+ is a low-cost live TV/on-demand streaming service that's still mostly unique in the cord-cutting environment. But its success has other broadcasters on notice, with NBC launching a live TV/on-demand hybrid in 2020 (Peacock), and Fox Entertainment purchasing and repurposing Tubi TV into a live TV/on-demand hybrid starting in 2021 with live NFL broadcasts.
Paramount+ live TV channels
Source: Paramount+
Under CBS All Access, ViacomCBS offered local CBS broadcast channels to most cities in the US. The service was fairly simple. Once you signed up, CBS All Access would use your location data to give you a live feed of the CBS channel in your region. So if you live in Houston, Texas, you'd get live online streaming access to the popular KHOU CBS 11 network.
With Paramount+, however, you get even more. Thanks to the expansion of the service, your Paramount+ Live TV options include:
- Local CBS broadcast networks
- CBSN (CBS News)
- CBS Sports HQ
- ET Live
- Select sporting events
Let's dig a bit more into each of these live TV options.
Local CBS broadcast networks
Paramount+ offers your local broadcast network based on your current location. As such, the account is not tied to one location. So you can travel anywhere in the US and still get access to your local CBS broadcast network. The only limitation is that some cities may not have a local CBS broadcast network for you to watch that's affiliated with Paramount+ or ViacomCBS. In those cases, you may not have a CBS channel available through Paramount+.
The only other methods to get local CBS broadcasts are to use an over-the-air digital antenna, pay for a basic or expanded cable TV service, or sign up for a live internet TV streaming service that offers CBS, such as Hulu + Live TV. Paramount+ is unequivocally the cheapest way to get live CBS broadcasts with an affordable entry point.
Not sure what your local CBS network is, or if your city has one over the air? Check the local TV guides section in the Flixed TV Guide.
CBSN on Paramount+
The CBSN network is the shorthand for CBS News. This network has traditionally been available only as a cable TV network. This is a 24/7 news channel that covers both national and international news. CBSN is available free through other services, as well, including Pluto TV.
CBS Sports HQ on Paramount+
CBS Sports HQ is similar to ESPNews. It's a 24/7 sports news channel with sports-industry journalists, sports figures, and other talking heads doing what sports news people do: talk sports all day, every day. As with CBSN, this channel is not region-specific, so you'll get the same coverage everywhere.
ET Live on Paramount+
Variations on a theme here: ET Live is a 24/7 news channel that focuses on pop culture and entertainment. You can get your daily fix on everything from the latest happenings in Hollywood to the latest fashion faux pas in New York City and more. As with CBSN and CBS Sports HQ, this channel is not regionally specific.
Live sporting events on Paramount+
Among the most exciting upgrades to Paramount+ over CBS All Access is expanded live sporting events. CBS owns broadcast rights to many different league games, such as the National Women's Soccer League. These events will broadcast as separate live feeds not tied to any other channel. When you go to the "Live TV" section in Paramount+, if any live sports are coming up, you'll see them listed in the drop-down menu.
How do I get Paramount+ live TV channels?
Paramount+ has two subscription tiers:
The Essential plan does not come with your local live CBS station, so if you want the full live TV package from Paramount+, you'll need to opt for the Premium plan.
Does Paramount+ have a DVR for live TV?
Although it offers live TV to subscribers, the biggest flaw with Paramount+ is a lack of a DVR option. If you were hoping to DVR your favorite CBS shows, you have two options:
- Watch the live TV episodes on-demand through Paramount+
- Sign up for a multi-channel service that has DVR and carries CBS
Positively, most new episodes of popular CBS shows are made available fairly quickly after they air through Paramount+. You can find them easily by searching or browsing the Paramount+ library. However, if you wanted to record something like your local TV news broadcasts, you'll be a bit out of luck.
Alternatively, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and YouTube TV all provide CBS live without cable. And each of these services provides DVR options included with each package they offer.
Can I watch Paramount+ live TV anywhere?
Yes, you can! The only restriction with watching Paramount+ live TV channels is that the local CBS broadcast will change depending on your location data. When you sign into your Paramount+ account and go to "Live TV", you won't be able to watch anything until the website knows your location.
Source: Paramount+
Part of this check is just to make sure that there's a local CBS broadcast available in your area. If there isn't, you can still watch the other local channels that are available through Paramount+ (CBSN, CBS Sports HQ, ET Live, and select live sports streams).
Can I watch Paramount+ live TV on any device?
There are no device-specific restrictions for watching Paramount+ live TV channels beyond the pre-existing operating system restrictions that already exist for general app usage. Any device that you can use to load Paramount+ or download and run the Paramount+ app will allow you to watch live TV.
Here, you can read about the full Paramount+ device support.
Can I watch Paramount+ Live TV content on multiple devices?
Yes, but with limits. Paramount+ offers simultaneous streaming on 3 devices for all types of streaming, including live TV and on-demand. That device limit applies to both the Limited Ads and Commercial Free subscription tiers.
Read this article about the Paramount+ simultaneous streams if you're curious.
How much content is available on-demand from Paramount+?
Source: Paramount+
According to ViacomCBS, the newest iteration of its on-demand/live TV streaming hybrid offers over 30,000 TV episodes and over 2,500 movies. For comparison's sake, before the revamp, the CBS All Access version of this streaming service had 10,000 TV episodes. That's a 200% increase between 2020 and 2021. As a result of the upgrade, it now exceeds the Disney+ content library (which has fewer than 8,000 TV show episodes and 500 movies). Its library size is now equivalent to Hulu on-demand, one of its primary competitors for subscribers.
What kind of content can I expect from the Paramount+ library?
The Paramount+ content library can be split into two big categories:
- Original content
- Channel-branded content
The service is rapidly expanding its original content. As for channel-branded content, the Paramount+ revamp in 2021 added new channels' shows to the library, expanding it beyond just shows produced for the CBS brand.
Paramount+ original content
As of this time of writing, Paramount+ has over 30 original programs, many of which were produced under the CBS All Access brand. The service has a long list of upcoming programs in the works, as well. Its current list of planned exclusive original content will bring this category to nearly over 100 programs. And that's not including any programs that ViacomCBS has yet to announce, which is likely long. Simply put, the company is attempting to give its competitors a run for their money with its original content production.
We won't give you the entire original content list, but some of the most exclusive original content you can watch on Paramount+ right now includes:
- Star Trek: Discovery
- Star Trek: Picard
- Star Trek: Lower Decks
- The Stand
- Why Women Kill
- The Good Fight
- Paranormal Activity 7
- The Twilight Zone
You can find its exclusive originals in the app by going to Search > Originals.
Paramount+ channel-branded content
The biggest difference between the former CBS All Access and the new Paramount+ version of the streaming service is the addition of channel-branded content. After the Viacom/CBS merger, the streaming service now offers TV shows and moves from the following channels:
- CBS
- BET
- Comedy Central
- MTV
- Nickelodeon
- Smithsonian Channel
Note that you won't get all of the content that would normally be available through these channels. Newly-released TV episodes may have a delay before that make it to Paramount+ due to broadcast rights that ViacomCBS has with live TV providers. Still, if you're a fan of these channels, you now have a cheap way to access their content without having to pay for cable TV.
Does Paramount+ on-demand content have commercials?
This depends on the package you choose. If you purchase the cheaper, Essential plan, you’ll have several commercial breaks during each show you watch.
However, if you pay a little more for the Paramount with Showtime plan, you won’t have to watch commercials when you watch most on-demand content. There are some exceptions, though. Occasionally, there is a show that will still require you to watch an ad or two.
It’s also important to note that, no matter which Paramount+ package you choose, you’ll still have to watch commercials when you’re watching live channels on Paramount+, even if you choose the Commercial Free plan.
What apps can I use to watch Paramount+ on-demand?
All devices that support Paramount+ also support on-demand viewing. That means you can watch Paramount+ on your web browser, on iOS and Android devices, on Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and on the Xbox One and Xbox 360 gaming consoles.
Can I watch Paramount+ on-demand content offline?
Yes, you can! However, there are some limitations you should be aware of before hitting the download button.
First of all, you can watch Paramount+ on-demand content with offline viewing using any Paramount+ subscription tier. Even if you have the Limited Commercials subscription, you can still download and view content offline.
That said, you can only watch Paramount+ on-demand content offline using iPhones, iPads, Android phones, or Android tablets. Additionally, the company limits you to 25 video downloads. Video downloads also expire automatically after 30 days.
Enjoy streaming your favorite content on Paramount+
If you're having 2nd thoughts about a cable subscription in the current year, well, streaming is a viable alternative. And with Paramount+, you'll get all the movies, series, and cartoons you'll ever need. With Paramount+, you'll never have 2nd thoughts about becoming a cable-cutter.
Sam Cook • Author
Sam Cook is a full-time content strategist by day, a part-time freelance content writer since 2015. In another life, he was a high school English teacher for nearly a decade. Based in sunny New Orleans, he writes long-form educational content on technology, including Insurtech, Fintech, HRtech, and content streaming.
Lisa Holden • Editor
Lisa Holden is an editor and creative based in Houston, TX. Lisa holds a BA in African-American Studies from Temple University and has spent her career working in news publications and magazines, even founding a magazine herself. She began working as an editor for Flixed in 2023. When she’s not editing or working on one of her many creative endeavors (whenever that is), she enjoys traveling to new places and biking on sunny days.
How To Watch
Flixed.io's contributors and editorial team will often recommend products we believe to be useful for our readers. We may receive an affiliate commission from product sales generated through these affiliate links.