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Texas Tech's Kerwin Walton in front of CBS commentator
Mar 22, 2025; Wichita, KS, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Kerwin Walton (24) helps guard Elijah Hawkins (3) after he fell onto a table in front of CBS commentator Tom McCarthy during the second half at Intrust Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

How you can watch CBS without cable for March Madness and more in 2025

By Megan Vick  |  Last updated Mar 27, 2025 1:37 PM ET
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This year, March Madness, along with plenty other of your favorite shows and sporting events are hosted on CBS. With local channels becoming more available on streaming services, now is a great time to test out free trials and find the perfect service for your streaming needs.

With entertainment and sports at the forefront of CBS offerings, it's no surprise that this channel has become a staple among channel lists. Paramount Plus has exclusive rights to CBS broadcasting, including CBS Sports Network, which makes this an easy choice if you are solely focused on watching CBS without cable.

Tune in to watch future NBA stars on CBS during the Sweet 16 matchups this March Madness. Streaming live on CBS on March 27th and 28th.

What shows and events to watch on CBS 

CBS has become the home to some of the biggest crime dramas, family comedies, reality competition shows, and major live sporting events. Some of the most sought after shows on CBS include:

  • NCAA March Madness Tournament
    • BYU vs Alabama (Sweet 16 matchup)
    • Arizona vs Duke (Sweet 16 matchup)
    • Ole Miss vs Michigan St. (Sweet 16 matchup)
    • Michigan vs Auburn (Sweet 16 matchup)
  • PGA Tour
  • Series A Soccer
  • UEFA Champions League
  • Survivor
  • Amazing Race
  • Raid the Cage
  • NCIS
  • Blue Blood
  • Ghosts
  • The Equalizer
  • 60 Minutes
  •  Young Sheldon
  • The Price Is Right

How to watch CBS without cable for free

There are a few options to watch CBS for free at home this year. With Paramount Plus as the home property for the CBS channel, you can stream everything on CBS as well as other channels on Paramount Plus including Comedy Central, MTV, BET, Nickelodeon and a few others you'll have lots to watch. 

With a 7-day free trial currently on Paramount Plus it's a great time to test out the service for March Madness. Once the free trial is over you will be charged for the monthly price of the plan you selected.

Get Paramount Plus Free Trial

How can I stream CBS live for free?

Like we mentioned above, even more streaming services are offering free trials which makes it easy to find the one that works best for you. No need for a cable subscription or a contract. Sign up for one of the below free trials and get 3-7 days of free streaming before having to commit and pay your first monthly payment.

CBS on DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM has launched their new smaller, more tailored channel packs that make it easy to pay just for what you need. When you sign up for the DIRECTV STREAM free trial, you are able to get the Sports Pack for free for 1 month. Get unlimited DVR, RSNs, 3 simultaneous streams, and more when you sign up for DIRECTV STREAM.

  • Entertainment - $86.99 per month
  • Choice - $114.99 per month ($25 off first 3 months)
  • Ultimate - $129.99 per month ($25 off first 3 months)
Get DIRECTV STREAM Free Trial

CBS on Fubo

Fubo is a great option for those streamers who are looking for more than just CBS on their channel list. With hundreds of channels and a solid free trial offering, you can select one of the available Fubo plans and get a $30 discount on your first month after your trial period. Sports fans, be aware that Fubo is missing TBS, TNT, and truTV which broadcast upcoming major sporting events like the NBA and NHL Playoffs.

Get Fubo Free Trial Here

CBS on Hulu + Live TV

The Hulu + Live TV free trial gives you 3 days free acess to CBS and the 95+ live channels on Hulu's channel list. You'll also get acess to Disney Plus and ESPN Plus with the Disney Plus Bundle giving you 3 services for the price of one. Once your free trial is over you'll be charged the price of your selected plan.

Get Hulu + Live TV Free Trial

CBS on YouTube TV

YouTube TV keeps it simple but solid with their 1 base plan option. You'll get CBS as well as 100+ other live channels with a YouTube TV subscription. With quad box capabilities this makes YouTube TV a great place to keep up with every game during this years NCAA March Madness tournament. Get 10 days free to test the in's and out's of the service.

Get YouTube TV Free Trial

FAQ

How can I watch CBS for free?

Free Trials from Paramount Plus, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV make it easy to watch CBS for free for a limited time. You can also watch select CBS content on the CBS App for free.

Is CBS free with Amazon Prime?

When you add Paramount Plus as a selected premium channel on Amazon Prime you'll have access to live CBS content including March Madness games on the network.

Can I watch CBS without a TV provider?

The CBS app provides downloaders access to select CBS content within the app. You will need a valid streaming/cable subscription to access everything CBS.

Is CBS part of Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus is the parent streaming service for everything CBS! Sign up to get full access to CBS content within the app.

Megan is a freelance reporter with 15 years of experience. Her bylines have appeared in TV Guide, The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, and more.