Roku provides several apps to watch CBS Sports Network with a cable subscription – the CBS app for on-demand shows, CBS Sports Stream for live sports, CBS News for 24/7 news, and the ability to log into your TV provider on these apps to unlock live local CBS channel and more content. Paramount+ is another option to stream current CBS originals like Star Trek: Discovery.
To watch CBS without cable on Roku, subscribe to a live TV streaming service like Hulu + Live TV ($7.99-$82.99/month), DirecTV Stream ($69.99-$159.99), FuboTV ($74.99-$94.99), or YouTube TV ($64.99). Install the service’s Roku channel, login, and access the CBS live stream. Alternatively, get Paramount+ ($4.99-$9.99/month) to stream the CBS on-demand library.
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Steps to Watch CBS on Roku TV or Player
Here are the steps to watch Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) on Roku devices:
- First, you’ll need to subscribe to the Paramount+ streaming service. You can do this by visiting paramountplus.com or downloading the Paramount+ app on your mobile device. There are two plans – the Limited Commercials plan for $4.99/month or the ad-free Premium plan for $9.99/month.
- Once subscribed, you can add the Paramount+ channel to your Roku device. From the Roku home screen, navigate to “Streaming Channels” and search for “Paramount+” in the Channel Store. Select the Paramount+ channel and click “Add Channel”.
- After installing, the Paramount+ channel will appear on your Roku home screen. Use the Roku remote to open the channel. You’ll be prompted to log in with the username/email and password you created when subscribing to the service.
- Once logged in, you’ll have full access to the Paramount+ library of on-demand shows, movies, live news and sports programming from CBS and its networks. Use the intuitive Paramount+ Roku app interface to browse content and start streaming what you want to watch.
A few key things to note:
- You can stream on up to 3 devices simultaneously with your Paramount+ subscription
- The premium ad-free plan allows downloads for offline viewing (on mobile devices only)
- Older Roku models before 2014 may not be compatible with the current Paramount+ app
How to Watch CBS on Roku with Cable?
Roku offers several options to watch programming from the popular CBS network. The key apps and services to look for are the following:
CBS App
One of the core CBS apps on Roku is simply called “CBS.” This free app provides on-demand access to a rotating selection of CBS shows and episodes. While the content library changes frequently, it’s a good option to catch up on recent CBS programming at no cost. Cable/satellite subscribers can also log in with their TV provider credentials to unlock a live stream of their local CBS station.
To add the CBS app:
- From the Roku home screen, go to “Streaming Channels”
- Search for “CBS”
- Select the CBS app and click “Add Channel”
CBS Sports Stream
As the name implies, this app focuses on CBS Sports content. It allows free streaming of some live sporting events aired on CBS, CBS Sports Network, and Paramount+. This includes NFL games, NCAA basketball, PGA golf, and more. However, some sports programs require a cable/satellite TV login.
To add the CBS Sports app:
- Go to “Streaming Channels” on Roku home screen
- Search for “CBS Sports Stream & Watch Live”
- Select the app and click “Add Channel”
CBS News
For accessing the latest news from CBS, there is the CBS News app. It streams the CBS News channel 24/7 with coverage of breaking news, entertainment, sports, and your local updates. No login or pay TV subscription is needed.
Adding the CBS News app:
- Navigate to “Streaming Channels”
- Search “CBS News”
- Select the app and add the channel
Paramount+
Paramount+ is the streaming service that hosts CBS’s current original series like Star Trek: Discovery. While not free, Paramount+ is a relatively inexpensive way to watch the newest CBS shows on-demand. The service’s Roku app can be added to your home screen.
To get Paramount+ on Roku:
- Go to “Streaming Channels” and search for “Paramount+”
- Add the Paramount+ channel
- Open the app and subscribe (plans start at $4.99/month)
Live TV Streaming Services
Popular live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV all carry CBS in their core channel lineups. These allow you to stream CBS live, just as you would with a traditional cable/satellite package. Each has their own Roku app that can be installed from the channel store.
To add a live TV service:
- Go to “Streaming Channels”
- Search for the service name (ex: “YouTube TV”)
- Add the channel
- Open the app and subscribe to start watching CBS live
So in summary, whether you want CBS’s latest shows, live news, sports programming, or your local network affiliate’s live broadcast, Roku provides multiple pathways to access it all conveniently on your TV by adding the relevant apps and channels.
How to Watch CBS on Roku without Cable?
Here are the steps to watch CBS on your Roku without a cable TV subscription by using streaming services:
- Subscribe to Live TV Streaming Service
The easiest way to watch CBS without cable is to subscribe to a live TV streaming service that includes CBS in its channel lineup. Popular options are:
- Hulu + Live TV ($7.99 – $82.99/month, 85+ channels, 30-day free trial)
- DirecTV Stream ($69.99 – $159.99/month, 140+ channels, 5-day free trial)
- FuboTV ($74.99 – $94.99/month, 220+ channels, 7-day free trial)
- YouTube TV ($64.99/month)
All of these services provide a live stream of your local CBS affiliate channel in most markets across the U.S.
- Download the Streaming Service’s Roku Channel
Once you’ve subscribed, you’ll need to add that service’s channel to your Roku device:
- From the Roku home screen, go to “Streaming Channels”
- Search for the channel name (ex: “YouTube TV”)
- Select the channel and click “Add Channel”
- Open the Channel and Log In
After installing, the channel will show up on your Roku home screen. Open it and log in with the credentials for your streaming service account. - Watch CBS Live or On-Demand
With the channel open and your account active, simply navigate to the CBS channel listing and you can start watching whatever CBS programming is airing live. Most services also provide on-demand libraries of recently aired CBS shows.
The advantage of these streaming services is that in addition to CBS, you’ll get 60+ other live cable channels to watch without a traditional cable subscription.