How To Watch CBS In Australia: Streaming Options

Hey there, mate! Figuring out how to watch your favorite CBS shows Down Under can be a bit tricky since CBS isn't directly available as a traditional channel in Australia. But don't stress; there are definitely ways to get your fix of NCIS, The Big Bang Theory, and all the other awesome CBS content. Let's dive into the best options for streaming CBS in Australia.

Streaming Services with CBS Content

While you won't find a direct "CBS Australia" channel, several streaming services offer CBS content. These platforms license shows and episodes, bringing them to Aussie screens.

Paramount+ Australia

First off, Paramount+ is your go-to for a lot of CBS content in Australia. Since CBS and Paramount are part of the same media family (ViacomCBS, now Paramount Global), Paramount+ is the natural home for many CBS shows. You'll find a wide range of current and classic CBS series, including new episodes of popular shows shortly after they air in the US. Paramount+ also offers exclusive original series, movies, and live sports, making it a comprehensive entertainment package. For example, Star Trek: Discovery and The Good Fight are just a couple of the gems you can find here. Plus, they often have deals for new subscribers, so keep an eye out for those! To get started, simply sign up for a Paramount+ subscription, and you'll be binge-watching in no time.

10 All Access (Now Paramount+)

Previously known as 10 All Access, Paramount+ has taken its place, expanding the available content. If you were a 10 All Access user, your subscription would have transitioned to Paramount+. It makes getting your CBS dose even easier. This transition ensures you have access to even more content, including a broader range of CBS shows and Paramount+ originals. It’s a one-stop-shop for entertainment! This is awesome for fans who want a seamless experience.

Amazon Prime Video Channels

Another option is to explore Amazon Prime Video Channels. While Amazon Prime Video itself might not have all the CBS content you're looking for, it does offer channel subscriptions that can expand your viewing options. Keep an eye out for channels that license CBS content. Sometimes, specific shows or seasons might be available through these add-on channels. It's worth checking the Amazon Prime Video library and channel offerings regularly to see if your favorite CBS shows pop up. Just remember that these channels often come with an extra subscription fee on top of your Amazon Prime membership. So, do a little digging to see if it’s worth the investment for the CBS shows you want to watch.

Catch-Up TV Services

10play

Network 10, which is owned by Paramount Australia, offers a catch-up service called 10play. While it might not have the full CBS catalog, 10play often streams CBS-produced shows that air on Network 10 in Australia. Keep an eye on the 10play schedule to see when your favorite CBS shows are airing. It's a great way to watch recent episodes for free, as 10play is an ad-supported service. Just be prepared for some commercial breaks! This is especially handy if you want to stay up-to-date with shows that are currently being broadcast. Plus, 10play often has exclusive online content, so it's worth checking out regularly for hidden gems.

Using a VPN

Accessing CBS All Access (Paramount+) with a VPN

Okay, let's talk about VPNs. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is another way to access CBS content. Since CBS All Access (now Paramount+) is geo-restricted, meaning it's only officially available in certain countries, a VPN can help you bypass these restrictions. By connecting to a VPN server in a country where Paramount+ is available (like the US), you can trick the service into thinking you're accessing it from that location. This will give you access to the US version of Paramount+, which may have a broader range of CBS content than the Australian version. However, keep in mind that using a VPN can violate the terms of service of some streaming platforms, so it's essential to be aware of the potential risks involved. Additionally, the performance of a VPN can vary depending on the server location and the VPN provider, so it's a good idea to test a few different options to find one that works reliably for streaming.

Choosing a VPN

If you decide to go the VPN route, it's crucial to choose a reputable provider with fast servers and strong security features. Some popular VPN options include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. These providers offer a wide range of server locations, user-friendly apps, and robust encryption to protect your privacy. Before committing to a subscription, take advantage of free trials or money-back guarantees to ensure the VPN works well with Paramount+ and provides a smooth streaming experience. Also, make sure to read reviews and compare features to find the VPN that best suits your needs.

Purchasing Episodes and Seasons

Digital Retailers

Another option for watching CBS shows in Australia is to purchase episodes or seasons through digital retailers like iTunes, Google Play, or Microsoft Store. These platforms often offer a wide selection of CBS content, allowing you to buy individual episodes or entire seasons to watch at your convenience. While this can be a more expensive option than subscribing to a streaming service, it gives you the flexibility to own the content and watch it whenever you want, without worrying about streaming rights or subscription fees. Plus, you can download the episodes to your device and watch them offline, which is great for long flights or commutes.

Physical Media

Don't forget about physical media! You can still buy DVD or Blu-ray sets of many CBS shows from retailers like JB Hi-Fi or online stores like Amazon Australia. While physical media might seem a bit old-fashioned in the age of streaming, it's still a great way to own your favorite shows and watch them without relying on an internet connection. Plus, physical media often comes with bonus features like behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and director's commentaries, which can enhance your viewing experience. Just make sure your DVD or Blu-ray player is compatible with the region code of the discs you're buying.

Check Local TV Schedules

Free-to-Air Channels

Keep an eye on local free-to-air channels in Australia, as they sometimes air CBS shows as part of their programming lineup. Channels like Network 10 occasionally broadcast CBS-produced content. Check your local TV guide or the channel's website to see if any of your favorite CBS shows are scheduled to air. This can be a great way to watch CBS content for free, although you'll have to stick to the channel's schedule. Plus, free-to-air channels often have catch-up services like 10play, which allow you to stream recent episodes online.

Social Media and YouTube

Official CBS Channels

Follow CBS and your favorite CBS shows on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. CBS often posts clips, trailers, and behind-the-scenes footage on these platforms, giving you a sneak peek at upcoming episodes and exclusive content. While you won't be able to watch full episodes on social media, it's a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments. Plus, you can interact with other fans and share your thoughts on the shows. Just be aware that some content may be geo-restricted, so you might not be able to access everything from Australia.

Staying Updated

Streaming Rights

Streaming rights can change, so it's a good idea to stay updated on where your favorite CBS shows are available in Australia. Check the streaming service websites regularly or use a website like JustWatch to see which platforms are streaming the shows you want to watch. This will help you avoid subscribing to a service only to find out that it doesn't have the content you're looking for. Plus, streaming services often add new content, so it's worth checking back regularly to see if any new CBS shows have been added.

So, there you have it, guys! While there's no single "CBS Australia" channel, you've got plenty of options to catch your favorite CBS shows. Whether it's through streaming services like Paramount+, using a VPN, purchasing episodes, or keeping an eye on local TV schedules, you can definitely find a way to get your CBS fix Down Under. Happy watching!