CBS is one of the most viewed TV networks in the US, and for good reason. The network offers news, drama and comedy shows, talk shows, and more. Unfortunately, there is no channel for CBS on DirecTV, since the two companies haven’t been able to reach an agreement on payment. However, there are still ways to watch the channel even as a DirecTV customer. Here’s what you need to know.
CBS Channel Guide
| Network | Channel Number on DirecTV |
|---|---|
| CBS | Not Available |
But don’t despair! You can still watch CBS on one of these streaming options.
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From $4.99.mo. | From $64.99/mo. | $25/month |
Description: Pick your choice of ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney Plus. Plans start as low as $4.99/month for ESPN+ only. | Description: Free trial available. Watch 75+ channels, including local channels and special premium channel offers. | Description: Take a 7-day free trial and stream more than 70 channels live. Record your favorites with unlimited DVR. |
Pick your choice of ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney Plus. Plans start as low as $4.99/month for ESPN+ only.
Free trial available. Watch 75+ channels, including local channels and special premium channel offers.
Take a 7-day free trial and stream more than 70 channels live. Record your favorites with unlimited DVR.
The History of CBS
CBS started as a radio station all the way back in 1927 under the name Columbia Phonographic Broadcasting System (CPBS). In 1928, the network rebranded to Columbia Broadcasting System. It became one of the largest radio networks in the U.S. in the 1930s and 1940s and has since become a huge network on television. In 1974, CBS changed from Columbia Broadcasting System to be known just as CBS, Inc.
In 1999, CBS was purchased by Viacom. Since December 4, 2019, the network has been owned by ViacomCBS (which is now known as Paramount Global). CBS and many of the company’s other assets are under the division of CBS Entertainment Group.
While CBS no longer owns any radio stations, the company still has radio affiliates. The network also has 240 affiliated television stations throughout the United States and Canada.
CBS Programming
While CBS isn’t available on DirecTV right now, there are still ways to watch the network. Here’s what you can expect to see.
Scripted Shows
First, CBS has many different drama and comedy shows. Just a few include The Neighborhood, Young Sheldon, S.W.A.T., and FBI: Most Wanted. These shows are available to watch during evenings and nights, and can also be found online from time to time.
Unscripted Shows
©Paramount – License
Along with scripted shows, CBS also offers different reality TV options. These include The Amazing Race, Big Brother, and Love Island. If you prefer game shows, you can watch Lingo, The Price Is Right, and Loteria Loca.
News
CBS is well known for its news broadcasting and continues to showcase news shows during weekdays and weekends. 60 Minutes, CBS Mornings, and Face the Nation are just a few options that you can watch throughout the week.
Sports
While CBS has a separate channel for many different sports games (CBS Sports), the regular channel also offers sports options. You can catch MMA fights, MLB games, college football, and more on the network.
CBS Sister Stations
CBS has an exhaustive list of sister stations in the US and Canada. However, we will only cover the most popular channels.
CBS Main Sister Stations Guide
| Network | Channel Number on DirecTV |
|---|---|
| CBS Sports | 221 |
| The CW Network | Not Available |
| Comedy Central | 249 |
| BET | 329 |
| VH1 | 242 |
| MTV | 331 |
| Nickelodeon | 299 |
| Smithsonian Channel | 548 |
| TV Land | 464 |
CBS Sports Programming
DirecTV subscribers can enjoy 24 hours of sports coverage and sports news on the CBS Sports Network. Watch over 4,500 hours of your favorite sports, including MLB, NFL football, and NCAA basketball and football games. Motorsports and PGA golf are also covered by the network.
The CW Network Programming
Unfortunately, The CW is another channel that’s not currently available on DirecTV. This is due to the negotiations and agreement that the provider and the network haven’t reached.
However, once the two companies come to an agreement, you’d be able to watch shows like The Flash, Nancy Drew, and Riverdale. Most of these options are drama shows that were created with teens and young adults in mind.
Comedy Central Programming
Comedy Central is renowned for its comedic programming. Just a few shows that you can catch on the channel are The Office, Futurama, and South Park. Luckily, unlike CBS and The CW Network, Comedy Central is available on DirecTV.
BET Programming
BET was well known as one of the best channels to find new music but has slowly moved towards traditional programming in the last decade. The channel provides drama, comedy, and reality TV shows for viewing throughout the week. Just a few options to watch include Family Matters, Sistas, and The Oval.
VH1 Programming
VH1 is another former music channel that has rebranded to include more TV shows, like Mob Wives, Basketball Wives, and Dating Naked. While most of these programs are based on reality TV, there are a few docuseries as well, like My True Crime Story.
MTV Programming
MTV is one of the few channels that still showcases music videos from time to time. However, the network mostly airs reality TV shows like 16 and Pregnant, Buckhead Shore, and Catfish: The TV Show. If you prefer to laugh or find the latest cute and viral videos, give Ridiculousness or Adorableness a try.
Nickelodeon Programming
©Paramount – License
Nickelodeon is a popular network for toddlers and kids and has many different animated shows. These include SpongeBob SquarePants, The Loud House, Dora the Explorer, and Bubble Guppies, just to name a few. The channel also has quite a few shows for tweens and teens that are aired later in the evenings, including Side Hustle, That Girl Lay Lay, and Erin & Aaron.
Smithsonian Channel Programming
For documentary lovers, the Smithsonian Channel provides many different shows and docuseries involving wild animals, nature, and history, plus much more. Some of the shows you can watch include Air Disasters, Big Cat Country, How Did They Build That?, and Warrior Women.
TV Land Programming
TV Land is one of the best channels for finding classic TV shows. These include Gunsmoke, the Andy Griffith Show, King of Queens, and MASH. There are also newer shows available, like Lopez, Younger, and The Soul Man.
How Can I Watch CBS on My TV?
If you have DirecTV but you want to watch CBS while waiting to see if an agreement can be reached, there are several ways to do that. You can watch your local CBS station live by signing up for the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan. You can also watch on Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or you can subscribe to the channel directly via their website or app. Roku does have some CBS shows and programs, but it doesn’t carry everything that CBS has to offer.
CBS on DirecTV Wrap-Up
If you want to watch reality TV, drama or comedy series, or docuseries, CBS and its sister stations have you covered. While CBS isn’t currently available on DirecTV, there are different ways to watch via streaming services. Plus, many of the sister channels we’ve listed are currently still on DirecTV. We hope the CBS network and DirecTV can work through their negotiations, but until then, there are still many different channels you can watch.
