How to easily watch CBS Online Abroad
Chris
Chris, a UK-born media connoisseur, is an expert in watching international TV. Known as "The Global Screen Wanderer", he has travelled extensively across the globe with long stints away from home. With over 10 years of experience he has become the go-to guru for streaming content from home and abroad.
CBS or Columbia Broadcasting System as it was originally called is a US based television network. It’s actually one of the best networks and has tons of shows that are favorites not only in the US but with a worldwide audience.
Due to the quality shows that CBS produce and air many US expats, travelers or even non-US citizens want to watch CBS abroad.
The best way to watch CBS abroad is online because the majority of shows are free to watch without any kind of cable subscription making the service available worldwide.
However, if you’re outside the United States the service is blocked and if you try to watch CBS abroad then you’ll be hit with the following message.
The video you have requested is not available for your geographic region.
I’ve put together this easy guide to show it IS possible to watch CBS abroad with a small workaround. Read on to find out more.
How to watch CBS abroad
If you’re outside the United States and want to watch CBS shows then it’s entirely possible and if you’re a US resident but traveling outside the US then you can also watch CBS Live TV and CBS All Access that allows you to catch up with over 6500 episodes on demand on their website.
If you visit the site directly when outside the US you’ll be faced with the blocked message shown above but a simple app known as a VPN allows you to bypass this block.
A VPN is a way of protecting your privacy online and a by-product of this is it allows you to assume the location identity of another country. CBS block all visits outside the US but if you assume the identity of being in the US then it’ll stream you the shows regardless of where you are in the world.
Where to get a VPN
VPN services are really easy to use and come in the form of a small piece of software you download for your PC or Mac but can also be in the form of an app for Android or iOS devices.
They are provided by hundreds of different companies so there is a lot of choices out there. Certain providers are good, but other providers are too slow to stream video. The biggest rule of thumb is to make sure they have a “US Server”, this is what will allow you to watch CBS abroad.
Most VPN providers do offer a US server and it would be hard to find one that doesn’t.
My three recommended VPN providers for watching CBS outside the US are :
- ExpressVPN – Recommended
- CyberGhost VPN
- NordVPN
All you need to do is click on the name of a provider to visit their website and sign up. VPN providers cost between US$5-10 per month which considering they not only protect your privacy but also allow you to watch all the CBS shows online is quite a good price.
How do I use the VPN to watch CBS
The process is extremely easy and most providers will be the same but in this example I’ll show you how to use ExpressVPN and their Windows software to watch CBS abroad.
After you’ve signed up you’ll receive an email with links to download their software. Follow the links or on the ExpressVPN website click Products and then Windows, then press Download Software.
Install the software by double clicking the icon on your desktop.
Once installed run the software by double clicking the desktop icon. Once the app is open login and then press Selected Location and then United States.
Use the ExpressVPN app to watch anywhere.
The software will now take care of the connection for you and within 5-10 seconds you’ll be connected.
Once connected visit the CBS website.
You’ll now be able to watch any of the shows regardless of where you are in the world. If you have a CBS All Access account then you’ll also be able to login to watch more on demand shows as well as their Live TV option.
There are no further costs involved, the VPN uses your regular internet connection and creates a secure tunnel to the United States. So not only does this fool websites into thinking you’re in the US it also protects what you’re doing online from being snooped on by hackers or your government.
You can use ExpressVPN on up to three devices at the same time allowing you to watch on a combination of computers or also your tablet or phone too.
Enjoy watching CBS abroad.
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If I want to watch this show, it says: You must be a Paramount+ subscriber in the U.S. to stream this video .. so what then?
Hi Taylor,
You’ll need to have a valid subscription to whichever service you’re trying to view.
Hi Chris … I don’t live in the US, I live abroad …. is that then possible?
Hi Taylor,
I think CBS requires you to have a US cable subscription of some sort so I’m not sure you’d be able to access if you don’t, sorry.