CBS is one of the most watched broadcast television networks in the United States, featuring shows like NCIS, FBI, Young Sheldon, and Ghosts, among others. For any Dish Network viewer who wants information about getting CBS programming, here is all the info you could need.
Order a Subscription Package with Local Stations
The first requirement is to ensure that you subscribe to a Dish Network package that allows you to watch local channels. Almost all Dish packages beyond the basic America’s Top packages include local channel options.
Specifically, you'll want to opt for one of these Dish packages if you want CBS:
- America's Top 120
- America's Top 120+
- America's Top 200
- America's Top 250
- America’s Everything Pack
Any Dish Network package beyond America’s Top 120 will include local channels from CBS, ABC, NBC, and FOX, among others, without incurring an additional cost. The only thing that you need to ensure is that CBS is among the channels offered in your location when subscribing.
Most Important Channel Listing: Use Your Antenna for CBS
If you wish to watch CBS for free over the air, bring an HDTV antenna to your television and look for channels. If you put up a big enough antenna in the right spot, you ought to be able to get your local CBS station and thus, watch shows over the air with no monthly subscription. This is a nice add-on if you already have a Dish package like America’s Top 120 package.
Select CBS Local Channel Pack
If there is no Dish package with CBS in your area, then the CBS Local Channel Pack is available at $7 per month. This will allow you to be able to access the live as well as Demand CBS content with no need to change the core package.
It means that if you already have America’s Top 120 and you want to also gain CBS, the most cost-effective method would be to simply get the CBS Local Channel Pack.
There are sometimes certain restrictions on the number of streams at the same time, depending on the customer’s core package.
Upgrade to America’s Top 200 or Higher
Unfortunately, with America’s Top 120 and below, you cannot add Local Channel Packs. If you are with Dish and on one of the lower packages, you will have to switch up to get CBS.
The cheapest tier that enables you to get Local Channel Packs is Dish TV’s America’s Top 200. America’s Top 200 costs $84. 99 per month, and it comes with more channels than America’s Top 120 and offers the option of purchasing additional local channels.
If you only need CBS and no other channels in America’s Top 200 package, then you can switch to Dish’s Flex Pack. The Flex Pack is available for $59. 99 per month for a basic package of the channels of your choice. Yes, you can include the CBS Local Channel Pack. The flip side to this is the absence of a Digital Video Recorder in Flex Pack.
Locator Signal Loss
In extreme weather, such as when it is raining heavily or snowing, your satellite dish may lose the locator signals, which enable you to view local stations. Ensure that your dish has a straight, unobstructed view of the southern sky, not to be obscured by trees or buildings, among other items.
Occasionally, the direct sun radiation due to sunspots and other activity results in sun outages that may interfere with the signal transmission from the satellites to your dish, in the case of a Dish. These disruptions are normally short-term in nature, although in some extreme cases, they may last for several years.
If your signal loss problems continue, consult Dish Network customer support for assistance.
Stream CBS with Paramount+
If you want more options on how you can access CBS SPORTS programming, go for their streaming service, Paramount+. Subscription packages are from $4. 99 per month and allow users to watch thousands of episodes, movies, and CBS originals, and stream current aired episodes the next day.
If you are looking for the best live TV service in general, then a Dish Network package is what you want, but if you want to be able to watch CBS anytime on your devices, then an additional subscription to Paramount+ could come in handy. This app also provides additional on-demand content apart from what is broadcast on the CBS TV channel that is affiliated with Paramount+.
Consider Locast
Locast is an internet-based streaming service that is a non-profit organization providing access to local stations broadcasting over the air. If available in your market, Locast can offer you another choice to watch local CBS shows for free of charge. It is a free service, nd as such, you will be required to make donations for its continued operation.
There are limitations as to the accessibility of channels, and some sports programs may not be allowed. However, in general, Locast is a reliable and inexpensive tool to complement your Dish subscription with local broadcasts.
In Summary
What has been established is that CBS is fairly easy to get on Dish Network – most of the time, it can be done by simply selecting the right package, such as America’s Top 200 or higher. Another way to get the CBS Local Channel pack is if you want CBS only, without the necessity to upgrade your basic plan. Other alternatives include using an antenna or streaming services such as Paramount+ and Locast to watch CBS shows, so you have more freedom concerning when to watch the show.
Ready to upgrade your TV experience? Call us now at (877) 471-4808 to find the perfect Dish Network plan for you! Don’t miss out on great entertainment—our team is here to help you choose the best package and get you started today.
Conclusion:
Yes, you can watch CBS on DISH Network, provided no local blackout or contractual dispute is affecting your region. CBS is a local network affiliate, which means it’s available on most DISH packages and is typically found on channel 2 or another low-numbered channel, depending on your ZIP code. CBS is included in nearly all DISH TV packages, starting with America’s Top 120.
To ensure availability, check your local DISH channel guide or use the DISH Channel Lookup Tool. If CBS is currently unavailable in your area, you may still access CBS content through streaming services like Paramount+ or by using an over-the-air antenna connected to your TV.
FAQs:
1. Is CBS available on all DISH packages?
Yes, CBS is generally included in all base DISH TV packages, including America’s Top 120, 120+, 200, and 250.
2. What channel number is CBS on DISH?
The CBS channel number varies by location, typically appearing on channel 2, 4, or another low number depending on your local affiliate.
3. What if CBS isn’t working on my DISH service?
Outages can happen due to contract disputes between CBS and DISH. In such cases, DISH may offer free antennas or alternate solutions to maintain CBS access.
4. Can I stream CBS shows if I don't have the channel?
Yes. You can stream CBS content through Paramount+ (subscription required), the CBS website/app, or by using live TV streaming services like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.
5. Will a digital antenna let me watch CBS?
Yes, using a digital over-the-air antenna is a reliable and free way to access CBS if it’s not available through your DISH subscription.
6. Does DISH offer on-demand CBS shows?
If CBS is available in your market, DISH usually offers CBS On Demand content, allowing you to catch up on popular series and shows anytime.
7. Can I record CBS programs on my DISH DVR?
Absolutely. You can record CBS shows using DISH’s Hopper DVR to watch them later at your convenience.
8. Is CBS available in HD on DISH Network?
Yes, in most markets, CBS is broadcast in high definition (HD) on DISH, ensuring a clear and crisp viewing experience.
9. How do I confirm CBS availability in my area?
Visit DISH’s official Local Channel Lookup tool and enter your ZIP code to see if CBS is available on your local lineup.
10. What alternatives do I have if CBS is blacked out?
You can use streaming platforms, a TV antenna, or switch to a provider that currently carries CBS in your region.
