CBS is on DISH Network channel 2 through 70, depending on where you live. CBS Sports Network is on channel 158 nationwide. Your local CBS affiliate number is tied to your region — it’s not a single fixed number for every subscriber.
Here’s what you need to know to find CBS fast, understand why the number varies, and know exactly which DISH package covers what.
CBS Channel Numbers on DISH — Quick Answer
| Channel | Number |
|---|---|
| CBS (local affiliate) | 2–70 (varies by market) |
| CBS Sports Network | 158 (nationwide, fixed) |
Most DISH subscribers find their local CBS somewhere between channel 2 and channel 9. Channel 158 is the dedicated 24/7 sports channel — a completely separate network from local CBS. Not sure what else is in your DISH lineup? The full DISH Network channels list covers every package tier in detail.
Why Your CBS Channel Number Is Different From Your Neighbor’s
CBS is a broadcast network, not a cable channel. It airs through local affiliate stations licensed to specific cities and metro areas — called Designated Market Areas, or DMAs. There are over 200 CBS affiliates operating across the U.S., and each one has its own channel assignment.
DISH mirrors those local over-the-air channel numbers inside its guide. Denver gets a different number than Dallas. Atlanta gets a different number than Phoenix. Same national network, different number in every market. This is the same reason CBS appears on a different channel on Samsung TV depending on your location — the affiliate structure, not the provider, determines the number.
How to Find Your Exact CBS Channel Number
Three fast ways to find it:
1. Press the Guide button on your DISH remote. Scroll to the low channel numbers — CBS is almost always in the single digits or low double digits in most markets. You can also press the Search button and type “CBS.”
2. Use our local channels availability checker. Enter your zip code and it will confirm which local channels — including CBS — are available through DISH in your market.
3. Call DISH directly. If you’re setting up a new box or your guide isn’t loading correctly, call 1-877-621-0194 and a rep can confirm your local CBS number in under a minute.
CBS vs. CBS Sports Network — Know the Difference
These are two different channels. A lot of DISH subscribers confuse them.
Local CBS (channel 2–70) is your standard broadcast affiliate. It carries primetime dramas, comedies, reality shows, local news, NFL games on CBS, and March Madness. It’s included in every DISH English-language package.
CBS Sports Network (channel 158) is a separate 24/7 cable sports channel. It runs college football, college basketball, minor league baseball, women’s hockey, and studio analysis shows around the clock. It’s not available on the base package — you need America’s Top 200 or higher. For comparison, CBS Sports on Spectrum follows a similar tiered structure where the sports network sits above the base plan.
If you’re looking for a prime-time show or the Super Bowl, that’s local CBS. If you want mid-week college sports or studio football coverage, that’s CBS Sports Network at 158.
Which DISH Package Includes CBS?
Local CBS (channels 2–70)
Local CBS is included in all four main DISH English-language packages: America’s Top 120, America’s Top 120+, America’s Top 200, and America’s Top 250. Pricing in 2026 starts at $89.99/month for the base America’s Top 120 package with a 2-year contract.
You don’t need to upgrade to get local CBS. Every tier includes it — as long as DISH carries your local affiliate in your market. Use the streaming service comparison tool if you want to weigh DISH packages against streaming alternatives that also carry CBS.
CBS Sports Network (channel 158)
CBS Sports Network requires America’s Top 200 or America’s Top 250. Those packages run $109.99/month and $119.99/month respectively as of 2026, both with a 2-year price guarantee. The base AT120 and AT120+ plans don’t include it.
What’s on CBS in 2026?
Top Shows Right Now
CBS has renewed several of its most popular dramas for the 2025–26 season, including long-running hits and new additions. Active series this season include:
- NCIS — now in its 24th season, still one of the most-watched dramas on American television
- NCIS: Origins — the prequel series following a young Leroy Gibbs, renewed for season 3
- Tracker — renewed for a 4th season, starring Justin Hartley
- Ghosts — renewed for a 6th season, one of CBS’s most consistent comedies
- Fire Country — season 5 confirmed, the California wildfire drama keeps growing its audience
- FBI — renewed through season 9
- Elsbeth — renewed for a 4th season
- Survivor — season 50 was a milestone event with special programming and a returning cast
New 2026 additions include CIA from executive producer Dick Wolf, and Y: Marshals, a Yellowstone spinoff starring Luke Grimes reprising his role as Kayce Dutton. Not sure what to watch tonight across all your channels? The what to watch tonight tool pulls current listings so you don’t have to hunt through the guide manually.
Sports on CBS in 2026
Local CBS carries major live sports throughout the year. In 2026 that includes NFL regular season and playoff games, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament (March Madness), The Masters golf coverage, and the UEFA Champions League. CBS is also scheduled to air the 79th Tony Awards on June 7, 2026, and the 2026 American Music Awards on May 25. For NFL-specific channel coverage across providers, the NFL Network on Spectrum guide is a useful comparison if you’re evaluating your options.
How to Watch CBS Away From Home with DISH Anywhere
DISH Anywhere lets you stream live TV and recorded shows on your phone, tablet, or laptop. It’s included with your subscription — no extra charge.
To use it, download the DISH Anywhere app from the App Store or Google Play, then log in with your DISH account credentials. From there you can watch live CBS programming, access your DVR recordings, and stream on-demand content.
One requirement: you need an internet-connected Hopper 3 or Hopper w/Sling receiver to stream live TV outside your home. If you have an older receiver, you may only be able to access recorded content. If you’re also considering streaming services that include CBS, the Paramount+ channels list shows exactly what’s available on-demand and live through that platform.
CBS Not Showing Up on DISH? Try This
If CBS is missing from your guide or showing a black screen, here are the most common causes and fixes:
Refresh your receiver. Press and hold the power button on the front of your Hopper for 5 seconds, or go to Menu > Settings > Diagnostics > Reboot. This clears most signal and guide errors.
Check for a local blackout. Occasionally CBS and DISH enter contract disputes that temporarily pull local channels from the guide. In March 2026, DISH removed 226 local channels across 113 markets due to a carriage dispute with Gray Media, affecting CBS affiliates in several regions. If your CBS disappears suddenly and comes back with a message about a contract dispute, DISH and the broadcaster are negotiating — it’s not a technical problem on your end.
Check signal strength. Go to Menu > Settings > Diagnostics > Signal Meters. A reading below 40 usually means a dish alignment or weather issue. Above 50 is normal for most conditions. If you’re unsure about signal reception in your area, the TV antenna signal estimator can show you what over-the-air reception looks like at your address — useful as a backup reference.
If your market is in a blackout, Paramount+ Premium at $14/month includes live access to your local CBS affiliate and is a reliable backup. A basic indoor antenna is also free over-the-air access to your local CBS signal in most markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What channel is CBS on DISH Network? CBS local affiliates are on channels 2 through 70 on DISH, depending on your location. Most subscribers find it between channels 2 and 9. CBS Sports Network is on the fixed channel 158.
What channel is CBS Sports Network on DISH? Channel 158. It’s available on America’s Top 200 and America’s Top 250 packages only.
Is CBS included in the base DISH package? Yes. Local CBS is included in America’s Top 120, the lowest-tier English package starting at $89.99/month in 2026.
Can I stream CBS with DISH Anywhere? Yes. Download the DISH Anywhere app and log in with your DISH credentials. Live streaming requires a Hopper 3 or Hopper w/Sling receiver connected to the internet.
Why does my CBS channel number differ from a friend’s? CBS operates through local affiliate stations tied to specific cities and DMAs. DISH assigns channel numbers based on your local affiliate, so the number varies by market.
What do I do if CBS disappeared from my guide? First, reboot your receiver. If CBS is gone across all inputs and a message references a carriage dispute, it’s a contract issue between DISH and the local broadcaster. Use Paramount+ Premium or a TV antenna as a temporary backup. You can also check what other local channels are available in your area using the local channels availability checker.
What other local channels are on DISH? DISH carries all major broadcast networks as local affiliates. Related guides: what channel is ABC on DISH, what channel is PBS on DISH, what channel is The CW on DISH, what channel is ESPN on DISH, and what channel is Nickelodeon on DISH.
