You can watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert through live TV on CBS, live-TV streaming services that carry CBS, on-demand via Paramount+, and through free clips and segments on YouTube and social platforms.

Live on CBS (Traditional TV)

You can watch the show weeknights on the CBS network if you have access to your local CBS station via cable, satellite, or an over‑the‑air antenna.

With an antenna, you can receive CBS for free if you are within range of a local broadcaster, making it a cable‑free way to catch the nightly broadcast.

  • Check a TV guide or CBS schedule in your area for the latest airtime.
  • Use an over‑the‑air antenna if you want a no‑subscription option.

Live Streaming Services

Several live‑TV streaming platforms carry CBS, letting you watch The Late Show live without traditional cable as long as CBS is included in your local channel lineup.

These services typically require a paid monthly subscription but often provide free trials for new users.

Popular options that (in many regions) include CBS:

  • YouTube TV.
  • Hulu + Live TV and other similar live‑TV bundles that carry local CBS.
  • Fubo and DIRECTV streaming plans with CBS in the channel list.

Paramount+ (Next‑Day Streaming)

Full episodes are available to stream on Paramount+ after they air, which is helpful if you miss the live broadcast.

Paramount+ offers monthly plans with ads or ad‑free tiers, and sometimes includes a trial period for new subscribers.

  • Episodes typically appear the day after the live CBS airing.
  • Paramount+ can be subscribed to directly or via add‑on channels in other apps (like Amazon, Apple TV, or Roku).[]

YouTube and Clips Online

If you mainly want monologues, interviews, or standout comedy bits, you can watch segmented clips on the show’s official YouTube channel.

Many fans report watching almost exclusively through these uploaded segments, sometimes using playlists to approximate a full episode flow.

  • Segments are posted regularly after broadcasts.
  • Playlists on the channel can help you watch the night’s content in order.

Where to Watch: Quick View

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Way to watch Live or on‑demand Cost level Notes
CBS (antenna/cable) Live broadcast Free with antenna; paid with cable Local CBS station at scheduled airtime.
Live‑TV streaming (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DIRECTV) Live, plus DVR Paid monthly, often with trial Must include CBS in your region’s lineup.
Paramount+ Next‑day on‑demand Paid subscription Streams recent episodes after airing.
YouTube channel Clips on‑demand Free (with ads) Individual segments; playlists approximate full shows.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.