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What Channel Is CBS On (2025)?

CBS ranks among the most watched television networks in the United States, offering a lineup that blends headline national news, high-stakes live sports, and award-winning prime-time entertainment. With legacy titles like NCIS, Survivor, and 60 Minutes alongside live broadcasts of the NFL and NCAA March Madness, CBS plays a central role in American TV culture.

Where CBS sits in your channel guide can differ drastically based on who provides your TV service. Whether you rely on traditional cable, satellite, or have shifted to digital streaming, finding CBS varies from one system to another. This guide highlights exactly where you can locate CBS—on every major provider—and pinpoints your best options for streaming live CBS content without a cable box.

Find Your Local CBS Station: Channel Listings by City and State

Understanding CBS Affiliate Stations by Region

CBS operates through a network of local affiliate stations across the United States. Each affiliate delivers regionally tailored content, including local news, weather updates, and community programming. These affiliates also determine the channel number on which CBS is broadcast over the air in a specific market.

Because CBS programming includes live events, national news, and primetime shows tied to the Eastern and Pacific time zones, the schedule adjusts based on your location. For instance, a show airing at 8:00 p.m. ET will typically be delayed by one to three hours in Central, Mountain, and Pacific time zones, depending on affiliate scheduling.

Major City CBS Affiliate Listings

Here are CBS affiliates and their over-the-air (antenna) channel numbers in five major U.S. metropolitan areas:

Looking beyond these cities? Most U.S. cities have a CBS channel numbered between 2 and 69, depending on market size and broadcast history. To locate your local CBS affiliate, use a zip code search or antenna scan feature on your TV or digital tuner.

Find CBS on Your Cable Provider: Channel Numbers Explained

Why CBS Channel Numbers Vary

CBS doesn't have a fixed channel number across the country. Each cable provider negotiates carriage with CBS affiliate stations in local markets. As a result, the CBS channel number is determined by both the provider and geographic location. What shows up as Channel 2 in New York City might be Channel 10 in San Diego.

Major Cable Providers Carrying CBS

Most cable providers include CBS in their basic lineup of broadcast networks. Here's a breakdown of where to find CBS on popular systems across the U.S.

Quickest Way to Confirm Your CBS Channel

For the most accurate information, subscribers should use the program guide directly from their set-top box or access the provider’s website. Most cable providers also offer address-based lookup tools that show local lineups instantly.

CBS Channel Numbers by Provider and Metro Area

The table below samples CBS channel positions across major cable companies and top U.S. cities. Channel positions listed are based on standard-definition channel guides as of 2024, and high-definition counterparts are frequently located nearby.

Channel numbers often align with the over-the-air CBS station in the area. For instance, CBS is broadcast as Channel 2 in New York City (WCBS-TV), and this usually matches the cable slot from most providers in that region. Still, cable remapping or digital packages can shift channels, especially in HD tiers.

Not sure where to look? Ask yourself: Have you checked your on-screen guide lately?

Stream CBS Without Cable: Options for Cord-Cutters

The Rise of Cord-Cutting and CBS Streaming Access

Cable subscriptions continue to drop, with Leichtman Research Group reporting that pay-TV providers lost about 5,900,000 subscribers in 2023. Viewers are prioritizing flexibility, lower costs, and on-demand convenience—values that traditional providers can’t always match. In response, CBS has expanded its digital footprint, ensuring its content remains accessible for those opting out of cable.

Watch Directly via CBS.com and the CBS App

The official CBS.com website and CBS mobile app offer both live and on-demand content, although live streaming typically requires authentication through a participating TV provider. Without a login, you’ll only get access to select full episodes and clips on demand.

For example, access to the live stream from your local CBS station—available in most major markets—is locked behind a TV provider login. Without it, you can browse shows like NCIS, Blue Bloods, and 60 Minutes, but only watch a limited subset.

Paramount+: Live and On-Demand CBS Content

Paramount+, the rebranded and expanded version of CBS All Access, gives subscribers full access to their local CBS station’s live feed along with a vast on-demand library. This includes current CBS shows, full seasons of select older series, news coverage from CBS News, and sports including SEC Football and NFL on CBS.

As of Q1 2024, Paramount+ has over 67 million subscribers globally, according to Paramount Global's earnings report.

Compatible Devices for CBS Streaming

CBS streaming platforms support a wide array of devices—no need for a cable box or satellite dish. Stream live events, prime-time dramas, and breaking news on:

Still holding onto your cable login? Use it to unlock the full experience in the CBS app. Otherwise, Paramount+ delivers a fully standalone solution for streaming CBS content without any ties to a traditional provider.

Accessing CBS with DirecTV: What You Need to Know

Local CBS Channel Assigned by Market

DirecTV carries CBS through its local affiliate network, offering access in virtually every U.S. television market. Unlike cable networks that use standard channel numbers nationwide, DirecTV assigns CBS a channel number based on your ZIP code and local broadcaster. In many regions, CBS appears between channels 2 and 12. For example, subscribers in New York City receive WCBS on channel 2, while those in Los Angeles find KCBS on channel 2 as well. In Chicago, WBBM broadcasts via channel 2. However, in Denver, the CBS affiliate KCNC typically appears on channel 4.

To confirm your local channel number, use DirecTV’s Local Channel Lookup Tool.

CBS Is Included in All DirecTV Packages

No matter which programming package you choose—Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, or Premier—DirecTV includes CBS if you're in an area where local channels are provided. This inclusion guarantees seamless access to hit series like NCIS, Blue Bloods, and S.W.A.T, along with national news coverage and syndicated content.

Access to CBS Sports Network and Regional Sports

Beyond the standard CBS local channel, DirecTV also offers the CBS Sports Network (CBSSN), a 24-hour channel featuring college sports, analysis programs, and select live events. You'll find CBS Sports Network on channel 221, accessible with the Choice package and higher.

For fans of regional action—think NCAA basketball from your alma mater or NFL broadcasts specific to your market—DirecTV aligns CBS feeds to regional coverage rights. This approach ensures you never miss key local matchups aired by CBS affiliates on game days.

Need to Find CBS Right Now on DirecTV?

Subscribing to DirecTV ensures uninterrupted CBS access with your local news, live primetime shows, and nationally televised sports—all integrated into a single platform.

How to Watch CBS on Dish Network

Accessing CBS with Dish Network

CBS is part of Dish Network’s local channel lineup, provided in most U.S. markets. Its channel number isn’t consistent nationwide but generally falls between channels 2 and 13 depending on the Designated Market Area (DMA). For example, CBS typically appears as channel 2 in Los Angeles, channel 4 in New York City, and channel 5 in Chicago.

Dish categorizes CBS under its local broadcasting group, which means subscribers in eligible areas receive it as part of their regional channel package. Activating local channels doesn’t require any special add-on; CBS comes included when customers enter their ZIP code and view the available networks for their location during setup.

CBS in America’s Top Packages

Dish Network includes CBS in all America’s Top packages starting from America’s Top 120. That applies all the way up through Top 120+, 200, and 250 tiers. This means subscribers don’t need to purchase premium bundles or add-on sports or movie packs to access CBS live programming.

All packages that support local channels allow full access to CBS News, primetime dramas, reality shows, NFL broadcasts via the AFC contract, and special events like the GRAMMYs and the Tony Awards.

Retransmission Disputes: A Brief History

There have been past disputes between Dish Network and CBS regarding retransmission rights. One notable incident took place in November 2017, when CBS programming went dark temporarily for Dish subscribers. The blackout lasted for three days and impacted over 3 million customers across 18 markets. These disputes stem from disagreements over carriage fees, which affect how networks are distributed and compensated on satellite platforms.

While such blackouts are not frequent, they have occurred periodically and can affect live NFL games and primetime programming. After negotiations, both parties usually reach a multiyear agreement that restores and secures CBS access across affected regions.

To verify the current CBS channel number in your area using Dish, visit the Dish Network Local Channels Lookup Tool on their website. Enter your ZIP code and immediately see your regional CBS channel assignment.

Planning on watching a major game or live news event? Double-check your local listing and ensure you're in a CBS-supported market with your Dish package.

Finding CBS on Comcast/Xfinity: Channel Numbers and Navigation Tips

Check Your Local CBS Channel on Xfinity

Comcast's Xfinity TV platform doesn't offer a one-size-fits-all channel number for CBS. Each regional lineup assigns CBS a different position on the dial. For example, viewers in San Francisco find CBS on channel 5, while Philadelphia residents tune into channel 3. To find the precise channel number in your area, use Xfinity's channel lookup tool. Enter your address or ZIP code on xfinity.com/local/channel-lineup to access your local lineup instantly.

Skip the Scroll with the X1 Voice Remote

Subscribers with the X1 Voice Remote don’t need to navigate menus. Just say “Tune to CBS”, and the system will switch directly to your local CBS affiliate. The voice command interface recognizes both channel names and numbers, adapting to regional variations behind the scenes.

Included in All Base TV Packages

CBS is part of the standard broadcast network suite included in all Xfinity base plans, starting with the Digital Starter package. Whether you subscribe to the entry-level package or a premium tier, full access to CBS’s national programming and local news comes included. This includes everything from 60 Minutes and The Late Show to Sunday NFL broadcasts.

Still unsure which channel plays CBS in your area? Try tuning to channels in the low single digits (2-13), as CBS traditionally occupies those slots in major markets. Better yet, use the voice command to skip straight there.

Can You Watch CBS on Hulu + Live TV?

Hulu + Live TV carries CBS in most U.S. television markets through live local broadcasts. That includes real-time programming from CBS affiliates, giving subscribers immediate access to live news, sports, and primetime series as they air.

Live CBS Streaming Included

Subscribers located in supported regions can stream their local CBS station live alongside Hulu’s full lineup of 90+ channels. Coverage includes major broadcast markets like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia, among others. To verify local availability, Hulu directs users to input their zip code when subscribing, instantly confirming if CBS is available in their area.

On-Demand CBS Episodes

In addition to live broadcasting, Hulu + Live TV provides on-demand access to episodes of current CBS shows. Recent episodes from popular series like NCIS, FBI, Blue Bloods, and Survivor are typically added within a day of airing. This feature allows viewers to catch up at any time without needing to set a DVR recording.

Expanded Features with Add-Ons

Already using Hulu for its library of originals and classics? Adding Hulu + Live TV delivers both on-demand content and live channels like CBS in one integrated platform. It's a seamless way to access local broadcasts and national coverage under a single subscription.

Streaming CBS on YouTube TV

YouTube TV includes CBS as part of its standard package across a wide majority of U.S. markets. Subscribers gain access not only to the national CBS feed but also to their local CBS broadcast station, depending on the ZIP code entered at signup. No add-ons or upgrades are required—CBS comes built into the base subscription tier.

Through YouTube TV, viewers can watch CBS live, catch up on-demand, or set recordings using the platform’s unlimited DVR storage. Broadcasts from major CBS shows, prime-time content, and live news coverage stream seamlessly across devices, from phones and tablets to smart TVs and laptops.

Included CBS Features on YouTube TV

Whether it’s “60 Minutes,” NFL on CBS, or local evening news, YouTube TV offers a streamlined way to keep up with CBS programming without needing a traditional cable box. Curious if your ZIP code qualifies for local CBS streaming via YouTube TV? Head to their signup page and enter your area to verify coverage.

Find CBS Availability by Zip Code in Seconds

Not all viewers receive CBS on the same channel or even from the same affiliate station. Channel numbers vary by region, provider, and transmission method. To pinpoint your CBS channel quickly and accurately, use your zip code as the key locator.

Why Zip Code Determines CBS Access

CBS is distributed through a network of local affiliates, each serving a specific designated market area (DMA). Your physical location defines which affiliate you receive and on what channel. From large cities with multiple feed sources to rural towns relying on regional transmitters, geographic placement governs everything.

This variation affects both over-the-air (OTA) and cable/satellite delivery. Even households a few miles apart can receive CBS from entirely different stations or on distinct channel numbers.

Use These Tools to Check CBS Coverage by Zip Code

Try It Now

Want to find your CBS channel right now? Visit your provider’s website, or use the FCC DTV Map with your home zip code. If you're using a digital antenna, that map also provides directional guidance to aim your antenna for optimal reception.

Find the Easiest Way to Watch CBS — Tailored to How You Watch TV

The CBS channel is available across cable, satellite, and streaming platforms—but accessing it efficiently depends on location, service provider, and personal viewing habits. Sorting through the options begins with pinpointing the right CBS channel number in your area and ends with choosing a platform that fits your lifestyle.

Know Your Options: Cable, Satellite, or Streaming

ZIP Code and Provider Matter

Here's why ZIP code and provider selection impact how CBS reaches your screen: local affiliates control broadcast feeds, and not all providers carry the same markets uniformly. A user in Los Angeles might access CBS on Channel 2 through DirecTV, while someone in Chicago might find it on Channel 5 through Comcast. Even two neighboring ZIP codes can have different channel mappings, depending entirely on provider infrastructure and regional licensing.

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