Hey guys! Ever wondered how to catch your favorite CBS shows without shelling out a ton of cash? You're in luck! There are several legit ways to watch CBS for free. Let's dive into some easy methods you can use right now.

Using the CBS Website and App

One of the simplest ways to watch CBS for free is by using the official CBS website or app. CBS offers a selection of content that you can stream without needing a subscription. This includes a mix of primetime shows, news clips, and special events. To get started, just head over to CBS.com or download the CBS app on your smartphone or tablet. The beauty of this method is that it’s completely legal and you’re getting content directly from the source. However, keep in mind that the selection might be limited compared to what you’d get with a paid subscription. Also, be prepared for some ads – after all, that’s how they keep the free content coming! Make sure your device is compatible with the CBS app or website. Most modern smartphones, tablets, and computers should work just fine. If you’re using an older device, it might be time for an upgrade to ensure smooth streaming. Another thing to consider is your internet connection. Streaming video can eat up a lot of data, so you’ll want to be on a Wi-Fi network to avoid using up your mobile data plan. A stable and fast internet connection will also prevent buffering and ensure a better viewing experience. So, before you settle in for a binge-watching session, double-check your Wi-Fi and make sure everything is running smoothly. This approach also gives you a chance to explore other free content that CBS offers. They often have behind-the-scenes clips, interviews with actors, and other bonus material that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a great way to get more out of your favorite shows and stay up-to-date with the latest CBS news and events.

Leveraging Free Streaming Trials

Free streaming trials are your best friend when you want to binge-watch CBS content without paying. Many streaming services that carry CBS, such as Paramount+ (which is CBS’s own streaming platform), offer free trial periods. These trials usually last for a week or even a month, giving you ample time to catch up on your favorite shows. The key here is to sign up for the trial, enjoy all the CBS content you can, and then cancel before the trial period ends. Mark your calendar so you don’t forget! Paramount+ is a great option because it gives you access to a wide range of CBS shows, including classics and new releases. Plus, you can also watch live sports events and other exclusive content. Other streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV also offer free trials and carry CBS. These services are a bit more comprehensive, as they include a variety of other channels in addition to CBS. This can be a good option if you want to explore other content during your trial period. Before signing up, make sure to check the terms and conditions of the free trial. Some services might require you to enter your credit card information upfront, while others might have restrictions on what content you can watch during the trial. Also, be aware of the auto-renewal policies. Most streaming services will automatically charge you for a subscription once the trial period ends, so it’s important to cancel before that happens. To avoid any surprises, set a reminder for yourself a day or two before the trial ends. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to cancel and avoid getting charged. Free trials are a fantastic way to get your CBS fix without spending any money. Just be smart about it, keep track of your trial periods, and cancel before you get billed. Happy watching!

Using an Over-the-Air (OTA) Antenna

Did you know that you can watch CBS for free with an old-school OTA antenna? This might sound like a blast from the past, but it’s still a super effective way to get local channels like CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox without paying a monthly fee. Here’s the deal: you buy an antenna, connect it to your TV, and scan for available channels. The quality can be surprisingly good – often better than cable! OTA antennas pick up signals broadcasted by local television stations. These signals are free to air, meaning you don’t need to pay anyone to access them. All you need is the antenna itself. There are two main types of antennas: indoor and outdoor. Indoor antennas are generally easier to set up, but they might not pick up as many channels as outdoor antennas. Outdoor antennas require a bit more installation work, but they can pull in signals from further away, giving you access to more channels. To find out which channels are available in your area, you can use online tools like the FCC’s DTV Reception Map. Just enter your address, and it will show you a list of channels that you can receive with an antenna. When choosing an antenna, consider the distance to the broadcast towers in your area. If you live close to the towers, an indoor antenna might be sufficient. If you’re further away, you’ll probably need an outdoor antenna. Installation is usually straightforward. For indoor antennas, just plug it into your TV and scan for channels. For outdoor antennas, you might need to mount it on your roof or in your attic. Once you’ve installed the antenna, run a channel scan on your TV. This will tell your TV to search for available channels and add them to your channel list. The number of channels you receive will depend on your location and the strength of the signals in your area. With an OTA antenna, you can enjoy CBS and other local channels in high definition without paying a dime. It’s a great way to cut the cord and save money on your TV bill. Plus, you’ll have access to live news, sports, and other local programming.

Sharing Accounts with Family or Friends

Okay, this one is a bit of a gray area, but let's be real – sharing accounts with family or close friends is a common way to watch CBS for free. If someone you know already has a subscription to Paramount+ or another streaming service that carries CBS, ask if you can use their account. Many streaming services allow multiple users to watch at the same time, so you might be able to piggyback without causing any issues. Before you jump in, make sure to check the terms of service of the streaming platform. Some services have strict rules about account sharing and might limit the number of devices that can stream simultaneously. You don’t want to get your friend or family member in trouble! Also, be respectful of the account owner’s preferences. Don’t change their settings or mess with their watch history. If you’re using their account, it’s a good idea to ask them if there are any shows they’re currently watching so you don’t spoil anything for them. Sharing accounts can be a convenient way to access CBS content, but it’s important to do it responsibly and ethically. Make sure you have permission from the account owner and that you’re not violating any terms of service. If you’re sharing an account, consider offering to contribute to the cost of the subscription. This is a nice gesture that shows you appreciate their generosity. You could split the monthly fee or offer to pay for a portion of it. Sharing an account is a great way to save money and enjoy CBS content, but it’s essential to be mindful of the rules and the person who’s sharing their account with you. By being respectful and considerate, you can keep the arrangement working for everyone involved. This approach can be especially useful if you only want to watch a few specific shows on CBS. Instead of paying for a full subscription yourself, you can simply borrow access from someone who already has it. It’s a win-win situation!

Free Episodes and Specials on YouTube

Don't forget about YouTube! Sometimes, CBS uploads free episodes or specials on their official YouTube channel. It's worth checking out to see if they have anything you want to watch. While you might not find full seasons of shows, you can often find clips, trailers, and even entire episodes of certain programs. To find CBS content on YouTube, simply search for "CBS" or the name of a specific CBS show. You can also subscribe to the official CBS YouTube channel to stay updated on their latest uploads. YouTube is a great resource for catching up on highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with actors. It’s also a good way to discover new shows that you might be interested in. Keep in mind that the availability of CBS content on YouTube can vary. Some videos might be region-locked, meaning you can only watch them in certain countries. Others might be removed after a certain period of time due to copyright restrictions. Despite these limitations, YouTube is still a valuable tool for finding free CBS content. It’s especially useful for watching short clips and trailers to get a taste of what a show is like before committing to a subscription. Plus, you can watch YouTube videos on almost any device, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. This makes it a convenient option for watching CBS content on the go. So, next time you’re looking for something to watch, give YouTube a try. You might be surprised at what you find. It’s a treasure trove of free content, and you never know when you might stumble upon a hidden gem. Just remember to be patient and keep searching – you’re sure to find something that catches your eye. YouTube can also be a great way to introduce friends and family to CBS shows. If you find a clip or trailer that you think they’ll enjoy, share it with them and see if they’re interested in watching the full episode. It’s a fun way to spread the word about your favorite shows and get others hooked.

So there you have it! Several easy and legit ways to watch CBS for free. Whether you're using the CBS website, snagging a free trial, dusting off an OTA antenna, or mooching off a friend (with permission, of course!), you can get your CBS fix without breaking the bank. Happy watching, everyone!