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CBS App Review: Comprehensive Analysis of Free Streaming and Live TV Features

by CBS Interactive

4.8
IOSEntertainment
The CBS mobile app provides free access to current episodes and live television broadcasts without subscription fees. It serves cord-cutters and traditional TV viewers seeking portable access to CBS programming including news, sports, and entertainment.

Detailed Review

The CBS application developed by CBS Interactive represents a strategic mobile extension of the broadcast network's content distribution, offering both on-demand and live streaming capabilities without mandatory subscription requirements. Positioned in the competitive streaming market, the app distinguishes itself through its dual-model approach that accommodates both casual viewers and cable subscribers seeking expanded content access. The application's core functionality centers on providing immediate access to recently aired episodes without authentication requirements, while cable provider authentication unlocks full seasons and live local station feeds. This includes live news broadcasts, sporting events such as NFL games and NCAA tournaments, and special events like awards ceremonies. The technical implementation supports streaming across multiple devices with adaptive bitrate streaming ensuring stable playback under varying network conditions. User experience demonstrates thoughtful design with intuitive navigation separating live, on-demand, and featured content sections. The interface prioritizes discoverability of current programming while maintaining easy access to live broadcasts during events. Performance analysis indicates reliable streaming quality with minimal buffering reported during standard viewing conditions, though peak event streaming may experience variability depending on network infrastructure and server load. User feedback trends consistently highlight the app's value for time-shifted viewing and mobile access. Reviewer hrrs79 (2025-08-28) noted the application's utility for catching up on daytime programming missed during work hours, while Aces625 (2025-07-18) emphasized its functionality during travel scenarios. Multiple reviews reference specific programming including survivor episodes and Big Brother, indicating strong satisfaction with content availability. The application's primary strength lies in its free access model for current content, though limitations include geographic restrictions for live local broadcasts and variable availability of archival content. The absence of subscription requirements makes it particularly valuable for casual viewers, while cable subscribers benefit from enhanced content library access. Optimal use cases include mobile viewing during commuting, travel scenarios, and time-shifted viewing of recently aired programming.

Key Features

  • Free access to recent episodes without login requirements enables immediate viewing of current programming without financial commitment
  • Live TV streaming from local CBS stations provides real-time access to news, sports, and events through cable provider authentication
  • Full season access for authenticated users allows comprehensive catch-up viewing of complete series runs and archived content
  • Multi-device synchronization supports seamless transition between mobile, tablet, and connected TV platforms maintaining viewing progress
  • Event-based content organization prioritizes live sports and awards ceremonies with dedicated viewing interfaces and scheduling
  • Download functionality for offline viewing enables content consumption without continuous internet connectivity during travel

Why Users Love It

No subscription requirements
Live local broadcast access

Perfect for: CBS viewers seeking mobile access to current programming and live events

Screenshots

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Ranking History

Track CBS's performance in Entertainment over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#42

Best Rank

#30

All-time high

Average Rank

#39

30-day average

User Reviews

Dexter0212
Jul 30, 2025

I’ve had the CBS app for awhile. I love being able to go here and be able to stay updated on some of my favorite shows that I miss. Great app to have. CBS App I’ve had the CBS app for awhile. I love being able to go here and be able to stay updated on some of my favorite shows that I miss. Great app to have.

SKMruggie
Sep 30, 2025

This lets you watch all the shows that you’ve missed; now isn’t that terrific…With busy schedules, it’s easy to forget when a show airs, so this is the perfect solution - letting you watch it on your own time! A Terrific App This lets you watch all the shows that you’ve missed; now isn’t that terrific…With busy schedules, it’s easy to forget when a show airs, so this is the perfect solution - letting you watch it on your own time!

tgad4444
Sep 20, 2025

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷 Luv the app…it’s my favorite! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

hvbhjhgdhbdjhv
Aug 31, 2025

The only bad thing is adds but you also get used to it Amazing The only bad thing is adds but you also get used to it

hrrs79
Aug 29, 2025

Since I work everyday I miss my daytime soap. But the CBS app helps me to watch it later. Show availability Since I work everyday I miss my daytime soap. But the CBS app helps me to watch it later.

App Details

Developer

CBS Interactive

Platform

ios

Rating

4.8

Last Updated

10/20/2025