CBS is on channel 390 (CBS East) or channel 391 (CBS West) on DirecTV nationwide. Your local CBS affiliate will also appear in your guide with its own lower channel number — that number depends entirely on your city. CBS Sports Network is always on channel 221. CBS News is on channel 247.
Here’s the full breakdown.
Why CBS Has More Than One Channel Number on DirecTV
CBS is a broadcast network, not a cable channel. That distinction matters. Instead of one feed pushed to every subscriber, CBS broadcasts through roughly 200 local affiliate stations across the country. DirecTV carries those local stations — and each one has its own channel number assigned by market.
So a viewer in New York finds CBS on channel 2 (WCBS). A viewer in Dallas finds it on channel 11 (KTVT). Both are watching CBS. Both are on different channels.
That said, DirecTV also carries two national CBS feeds that work everywhere:
- Channel 390 — CBS East (WCBS New York feed)
- Channel 391 — CBS West (KCBS Los Angeles feed)
If you can’t find your local affiliate, try 390 or 391. You’ll get the full CBS primetime lineup from either one. Not sure if CBS is available through other providers in your area? Use our local channels availability checker to see what’s accessible by ZIP code.
CBS Channel Numbers on DirecTV by City (2026)
Your local channel number varies by market. Here are confirmed numbers for major U.S. cities:
| City | Local Channel | Call Sign |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 2 | WCBS |
| Los Angeles, CA | 2 | KCBS |
| Chicago, IL | 2 | WBBM |
| Philadelphia, PA | 3 | KYW |
| Dallas/Fort Worth, TX | 11 | KTVT |
| Houston, TX | 11 | KHOU |
| San Francisco, CA | 5 | KPIX |
| Miami, FL | 4 | WFOR |
| Atlanta, GA | 46 | WGCL |
| Boston, MA | 4 | WBZ |
| Seattle, WA | 7 | KIRO |
| Denver, CO | 4 | KCNC |
| Phoenix, AZ | 5 | KPHO |
| Minneapolis, MN | 4 | WCCO |
| Detroit, MI | 62 | WWJ |
| Tampa, FL | 10 | WTSP |
| Orlando, FL | 6 | WKMG |
| Portland, OR | 6 | KOIN |
| Charlotte, NC | 3 | WBTV |
| Sacramento, CA | 13 | KOVR |
| Baltimore, MD | 13 | WJZ |
| San Diego, CA | 8 | KFMB |
| Indianapolis, IN | 4 | WISH |
| St. Louis, MO | 4 | KMOV |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 2 | KDKA |
| Las Vegas, NV | 8 | KLAS |
| Columbus, OH | 10 | WBNS |
| Cleveland, OH | 19 | WOIO |
| Kansas City, MO | 5 | KCTV |
| Nashville, TN | 5 | WTVF |
| Austin, TX | 42 | KEYE |
| Washington, DC | 9 | WUSA |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 9 | KWTV |
| San Antonio, TX | 5 | KENS |
| Jacksonville, FL | 47 | WJAX |
| Buffalo, NY | 4 | WIVB |
| Louisville, KY | 32 | WLKY |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 2 | KUTV |
| Memphis, TN | 3 | WMC |
| Milwaukee, WI | 58 | WDJT |
Data verified for 2026. Channel numbers are subject to change. Confirm with your DirecTV on-screen guide if in doubt.
Don’t see your city? Press the Guide button on your DirecTV remote, then type “CBS” in the search bar. Your local affiliate will appear with its exact channel number. You can also visit directv.com and use the channel lookup tool with your ZIP code.
Looking for CBS on a different provider? Check our guides on what channel CBS is on DISH Network or what channel CBS is on Samsung TV.
CBS Sports Network on DirecTV — Channel 221
CBS Sports Network is a separate channel from your local CBS affiliate. It carries college sports, studio shows, and overflow sports content.
CBS Sports Network is on channel 221 on DirecTV, regardless of your location.
That number doesn’t change by city. It’s fixed nationwide. If you watch CBS Sports on Spectrum too, see our CBS Sports on Spectrum channel guide for a direct comparison.
One catch: CBS Sports Network is not included in all DirecTV plans. Here’s where it sits:
| DirecTV Package | CBS Sports Network (Ch. 221) |
|---|---|
| ENTERTAINMENT | ❌ Not included |
| CHOICE | ❌ Not included (add-on via Sports Pack) |
| ULTIMATE | ✅ Included |
| PREMIER | ✅ Included |
If you’re on ENTERTAINMENT or CHOICE and want channel 221, you’ll need to add the Sports Pack. For DirecTV’s full sports channel lineup, our Fox Sports DirecTV channel guide covers all major sports networks in one place.
CBS News on DirecTV — Channel 247
CBS News is its own 24-hour news channel — separate from your local CBS affiliate’s newscasts. It streams CBS News content around the clock, including breaking news coverage and CBS News original reporting.
CBS News is on channel 247 on DirecTV.
This is a fixed national channel, like CBS Sports Network. It doesn’t vary by location. If you follow news across multiple providers, our guide on what channel CNN is on DirecTV covers the full DirecTV news lineup for context.
Is CBS Included in All DirecTV Plans?
Yes. Your local CBS affiliate is included with every DirecTV satellite and DirecTV Stream package. You don’t need to upgrade to a premium plan to get CBS primetime, NFL games, or local news.
DirecTV’s four satellite packages all carry local channels:
- ENTERTAINMENT — $89.99/mo., 165+ channels, local CBS included
- CHOICE — $114.99/mo., 185+ channels, local CBS included
- ULTIMATE — $134.99/mo., 250+ channels, CBS Sports Network (ch. 221) included
- PREMIER — $169.99/mo., 330+ channels, everything included
Pricing as of early 2026. Verify current rates at directv.com.
Thinking about switching or comparing costs across services? Our streaming service comparison tool lets you stack DirecTV against other providers side by side.
Watching CBS on DirecTV Stream (No Satellite Required)
DirecTV Stream is DirecTV’s internet-based option. No dish. No installation. As of 2026, DirecTV’s streaming and satellite channel lineups are nearly identical, so CBS availability carries over to the streaming service.
DirecTV Stream plans that include CBS:
- ENTERTAINMENT — Starting at $79.99/mo.
- CHOICE — Starting at $104.99/mo.
- ULTIMATE — Starting at $124.99/mo.
- PREMIER — Starting at $154.99/mo.
Local CBS availability on DirecTV Stream depends on your ZIP code. Most major markets have live local CBS access. Rural areas may have limited local channel coverage — check directv.com with your ZIP before signing up.
If you want CBS without any live TV subscription, Paramount+ carries CBS live in most markets and includes on-demand access to every CBS show. See our full Paramount+ channels list for everything included. Considering other streaming options with local channels? Our best streaming services for local channels guide ranks every option worth considering in 2026. You can also use our cord-cutting savings calculator to see how much you’d save dropping satellite for a streaming alternative.
CBS Missing from Your DirecTV Guide? Try These Fixes
If CBS isn’t showing up where you expect it, this usually comes down to a ZIP code or receiver issue. Work through these steps:
- Check your ZIP code. From the Home screen, go to Settings → General → System Summary. Confirm the ZIP code is correct. If it’s wrong, go to Location → Location Status, turn it OFF, restart your Genie receiver using the red button on its side, then turn Location Status back ON.
- Restart your receiver. Press the red button on the side of your DirecTV Genie. A full reboot takes about 2 minutes and refreshes the channel guide.
- Search by call letters. Press the Guide button and type your local station’s call sign (WCBS, KCBS, WFOR, etc.) instead of “CBS.” This often surfaces the channel even when a basic search misses it.
- Try channels 390 or 391. If your local affiliate isn’t loading, the national CBS East/West feeds usually work as a fallback.
- Contact DirecTV support. Call 1-800-531-5000 or use the chat option on directv.com. They can confirm whether CBS is in your package and available in your area.
In rare cases, a carriage dispute between DirecTV and a local CBS affiliate can temporarily pull a station from the guide. This has happened in scattered markets in recent years. If that’s the issue, DirecTV will typically post a notice on its website and support lines.
If you’re troubleshooting errors on-screen rather than a missing channel, our TV error code lookup tool can help identify what DirecTV error messages mean.
What’s on CBS in 2026?
CBS remains the most-watched broadcast network in the U.S. in primetime. Here’s what’s airing in 2026:
Drama: NCIS (Season 23), NCIS: Origins (Season 2), NCIS: Sydney (Season 3), Fire Country (Season 4), Sheriff Country, Matlock, Elsbeth, Boston Blue
Comedy: Ghosts (Season 5), Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage
Reality: Survivor (Season 50), The Amazing Race, The Road (country music competition)
Game Shows: Hollywood Squares (revived)
NFL on CBS: Sunday AFC games throughout the season, plus AFC playoff coverage. Also check what channel MLB is on DirecTV for more sports coverage details.
News: CBS Mornings (weekdays), Face the Nation (Sunday), 60 Minutes (Sunday), CBS Evening News (weeknights), CBS News (ch. 247, 24/7)
Late Night: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (ending May 2026)
Not sure what to watch tonight? Try our what to watch tonight tool to browse CBS and other network picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What channel is CBS on DirecTV? Your local CBS affiliate appears on a channel number specific to your city — typically between 2 and 62. Nationally, CBS East is on channel 390 and CBS West is on channel 391. Both work in any location.
What channel is CBS Sports Network on DirecTV? CBS Sports Network is on channel 221, nationwide. It’s included with ULTIMATE and PREMIER plans. ENTERTAINMENT and CHOICE customers need to add the Sports Pack.
What channel is CBS News on DirecTV? CBS News is on channel 247. It’s a 24-hour national news channel separate from your local CBS affiliate.
Does DirecTV Stream include CBS? Yes. All four DirecTV Stream plans include local CBS access. Availability in your specific market depends on your ZIP code.
Why is CBS on a different channel than my friend’s DirecTV? DirecTV assigns local CBS affiliate channel numbers by market. Your ZIP code determines which affiliate you receive and what number it sits on in your guide.
Who owns CBS now? CBS is currently owned by Paramount Skydance Corp, following a major merger completed in August 2025. The company is led by David Ellison as CEO and Jeff Shell as President.
What channel is ABC on DirecTV? If you’re looking for other major networks, our guide on what channel ABC is on DirecTV has the full city-by-city breakdown.
What channel is PBS on DirecTV? See our dedicated guide on what channel PBS is on DirecTV for local PBS affiliate numbers by market.