The CBS channel is available on most cable and satellite TV providers, but finding it can be tricky since the CBS channel number varies by provider and location.
Whether you want to watch the latest episodes of Ghosts, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, catch NFL games on Sunday, or tune into 60 Minutes, knowing where CBS appears in your lineup is essential.
This guide will help you locate CBS easily in 2026, whether through cable, satellite, or streaming services, so you never miss your favorite shows or live events.
What is CBS?
CBS (originally known as the Columbia Broadcasting System) is one of America’s oldest and most-watched broadcast television networks. Launched in 1927 as a radio network before expanding to television in 1941, CBS has built a reputation for quality programming across news, sports, and entertainment.
The network is recognizable by its iconic eye logo and is currently owned by Paramount Skydance Corp following a major merger. The company is led by David Ellison (CEO) and Jeff Shell (President). The deal is officially expected to close in Q3 2026. Shareholders are voting on the final transaction details later this month (April 23, 2026).
CBS reaches millions of viewers through its network of roughly 200 local affiliate stations nationwide. Several “Owned-and-Operated” (O&O) stations were transferred to Paramount Skydance this year, and some major markets, such as Atlanta, saw changes in how CBS programming is carried.
CBS Channel Numbers on Various Cable TV Providers
Finding your local CBS channel depends on your location and TV service provider. Below is a comprehensive table showing CBS channel numbers in major U.S. cities across popular providers:
| City | Local affiliate | Cox | DIRECTV | DISH | Optimum | Spectrum | Xfinity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 13 | — | 13 | 13 | — | — | 13 |
| Atlanta, GA | 69 | — | 46 | 46 | — | 46 | 46 |
| Austin, TX | 42 | — | 42 | 42 | — | 42 | — |
| Baltimore, MD | 13 | — | 13 | 13 | — | — | 13 |
| Boston, MA | 4 | — | 4 | 4 | — | — | 4 |
| Chicago, IL | 2 | — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Cincinnati, OH | 12 | — | 12 | 12 | — | 12 | — |
| Cleveland, OH | 19 | 4 | 19 | 19 | — | 19 | — |
| Dallas, TX | 11 | — | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | — |
| Denver, CO | 4 | — | 4 | 4 | — | — | 4 |
| Detroit, MI | 62 | — | 62 | 62 | — | — | 62 |
| Houston, TX | 11 | — | 11 | 11 | — | 11 | 11 |
| Indianapolis, IN | 4 | — | 4 | 4 | — | 4 | 4 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 47 | — | 47 | 47 | — | — | 47 |
| Kansas City, MO | 5 | — | 5 | 5 | — | — | 5 |
| Las Vegas, NV | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | — | — | — |
| Los Angeles, CA | 2 | — | 2 | 2 | — | 2 | — |
| Miami, FL | 4 | — | 4 | 4 | — | — | 4 |
| Milwaukee, WI | 58 | — | 58 | 58 | — | 58 | — |
| Minneapolis, MN | 4 | — | 4 | 4 | — | — | 4 |
| Nashville, TN | 5 | — | 5 | 5 | — | 5 | — |
| New Orleans, LA | 4 | — | 4 | 4 | — | — | — |
| New York, NY | 2 | — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | — | — | — |
| Orlando, FL | 6 | — | 6 | 6 | — | 6 | 6 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 3 | — | 3 | 3 | — | — | 3 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | — | — | — |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 2 | — | 2 | 2 | — | — | 2 |
| Portland, OR | 6 | — | 6 | 6 | — | — | 6 |
| Sacramento, CA | 13 | — | 13 | 13 | — | — | 13 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 2 | — | 2 | 2 | — | — | 2 |
| San Antonio, TX | 5 | — | 5 | 5 | — | 5 | — |
| San Diego, CA | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | — | 8 | — |
| San Francisco, CA | 5 | — | 5 | 5 | — | — | 5 |
| Seattle, WA | 7 | — | 7 | 7 | — | — | 7 |
| St. Louis, MO | 4 | — | 4 | 4 | — | 4 | — |
| Tampa, FL | 10 | — | 10 | 10 | — | 10 | 10 |
| Tucson, AZ | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | — | — | 13 |
| Washington, DC | 9 | — | 9 | 9 | — | — | — |
If your city isn’t listed above, you can find your local CBS station by:
- Checking the channel guide on your TV
- Visiting your TV provider’s website
- Using CBS’s official stations and affiliates directory
- Entering your zip code on websites like CableTV.com to see local channel lineups
What Types of Shows Are Available on CBS?
CBS has refreshed its lineup significantly for late 2025. While staples like NCIS and Survivor remain, several high-profile spin-offs and new dramas have launched, while long-running series such as Blue Bloods and S.W.A.T. have concluded.
Drama Series
- The NCIS Block: Tuesday nights feature NCIS (S23), NCIS: Origins (S2), and NCIS: Sydney (S3).
- Fire Country Universe: Friday nights now include Sheriff Country (starring Morena Baccarin), leading into Fire Country (S4).
- Boston Blue: Spin-off from Blue Bloods, following Danny Reagan in Boston.
- Matlock & Elsbeth: Returning hits anchoring Thursday nights.
- Watson: Medical procedural starring Morris Chestnut (S2).
- Tracker: CBS’s #1 drama on Sunday nights.
Comedy Shows
- Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage: Young Sheldon spin-off, flagship comedy.
- Ghosts: Remains a top-rated sitcom (S5).
- DMV: New workplace comedy premiered.
Reality & Unscripted
- The Road: Country music competition produced by Taylor Sheridan, featuring Keith Urban & Blake Shelton.
- Survivor 50: Landmark 50th season.
- Hollywood Squares: Revived classic game show, holiday specials currently airing.
- The Amazing Race: Continues its long-standing Wednesday slot.
News & Late Night
- 60 Minutes: #1 news program, Sunday nights.
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: Late-night anchor; ending May 2026.
- After Midnight: Follows Colbert, also ending in 2026.
CBS continues to provide a wide range of programming while navigating leadership changes, station ownership shifts, and a refreshed lineup of dramas, comedies, and reality shows.
How to Watch CBS Online?
CBS remains one of America’s most-watched networks, offering dramas, comedies, reality shows, news, and sports. If you’re wondering “what channel is CBS?” or “what is CBS channel?”, here’s everything you need to know.
1. CBS App/Website
The CBS app allows you to watch the latest episodes for free without signing in with a TV provider.
You can also visit CBS.com and sign in using your TV provider’s credentials to access your local CBS station and on-demand content, including the latest episodes and full current seasons.
2. Paramount+
Paramount Plus service (formerly CBS All Access) features nearly all of CBS’s current content, exclusive originals like “Star Trek: Discovery,” and shows from networks including Nickelodeon and MTV. The Paramount+ With SHOWTIME plan also carries your live local CBS station.
3. Live TV Streaming Services
Several streaming platforms include CBS in their channel packages:
- YouTube TV ($82.99/mo)
- Hulu + Live TV ($88.99-$89.99/mo)
- FuboTV ($73.99-$83.99/mo)
- CBS on DIRECTV STREAM ($89.99-$169.99/mo)
4. Antenna
With so many affiliate stations across the U.S., receiving a CBS station is easy, nearly anywhere if you have an over-the-air antenna, offering free access to local channels, including CBS.
How to Watch CBS in High Definition and on Streaming Devices?
With modern TVs and streaming platforms, enjoying CBS in crystal-clear HD or 4K is easier than ever. Most cable and satellite providers offer CBS HD as standard, but check your channel guide for the exact number.
If you’re watching high-profile events like recent NFL games in 4K HDR, you’ll need a 4K-compatible streaming device (Roku Ultra, Apple TV 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K) or a NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) tuner for over-the-air broadcasts.
If you use a Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or Smart TV, download the CBS app or Paramount+ app to stream live CBS shows and sports in high definition.
For the best 4K UHD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision experience, Paramount+ Premium ($12.99/mo) is required, while the Essential plan is capped at 1080p.
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Conclusion: CBS Channel Number Varies According to Your Location and Cable TV Provider!
CBS continues to be one of the most-watched networks in the U.S., offering a diverse mix of dramas, comedies, reality shows, news, and sports. Accessing CBS depends on your location and provider, as the channel number varies across cable and satellite services.
Viewers on CBS on DirecTV can check their local listings, while cord-cutters can stream CBS live or on demand via Paramount+, YouTube TV, or FuboTV.
No matter which method you choose, you’ll have access to CBS’s diverse lineup of popular shows, trusted news programs, and exciting sports coverage that millions of Americans enjoy daily.
