Okay, let's talk about something we've all wondered: Can you really watch CBS for free on your Roku? I have opinions. Strong ones.
The Great CBS Freebie Hunt
First, let's address the elephant in the room: free. We all love free. Who doesn't want a mountain of CBS shows without paying a dime?
Officially, "free" on Roku often translates to "with ads" or "after a free trial." Sneaky, right?
The CBS App: A Gateway (Maybe)
The official CBS app on Roku is your first stop. It sounds promising, but hold your horses.
It *does* offer some free content. Think older episodes or previews. But the juicy new stuff? Usually behind a paywall.
This leads us to Paramount+. CBS's streaming big brother. It has all the CBS content you could ever dream of. But... it's not free. You guessed it, there will be ads.
The Local Channel Loophole
Here's where things get interesting. Many local CBS affiliates have their own apps on Roku. These are usually free!
However, they often require you to verify your cable provider. Drat!
So, it's free... if you're already paying for cable. Hmm, seems like a bit of stretch of the word free.
The Antenna Option: Old School Cool
Now, for my unpopular opinion: antennas are underrated. Remember rabbit ears? Well, they've gotten a serious upgrade.
Plug an HD antenna into your TV, and BAM! You might get local CBS channels crystal clear.
This is truly free (minus the cost of the antenna itself, of course). This is free of subscription fees and ads (except during the actual broadcast).
The "Borrow a Login" Strategy
Let's be honest, who hasn't "borrowed" a login from a friend or family member? (I'm not saying I have, but...)
If you know someone with a Paramount+ subscription, their login is your ticket to CBS on Roku.
Of course, this isn't exactly free for *them*, and it comes with a side of potential awkwardness. Tread carefully.
The Free Trial Frenzy
Ah, the free trial. The siren song of streaming services. Paramount+ (and others) often dangle free trials to lure you in.
Use them wisely! Binge everything CBS you can in those precious few days. Just remember to cancel before you get charged.
Set a reminder on your phone. I cannot stress this enough.
The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth
Ultimately, "free" CBS on Roku is a bit of a unicorn. It exists, but it's elusive.
You'll likely have to jump through some hoops, tolerate ads, or embrace the antenna life.
But hey, a little effort for free NCIS? Maybe it's worth it. Just keep your expectations in check. Happy streaming!
