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Why could CBS go dark on YouTube TV? When could it happen? Here's what we know

Jonathan Limehouse   Paste BN

Editor's Note: A short-term deal extension has now been reached. Click here to read the latest update for Feb. 14.

With high-interest events like March Madness and the Masters Tournament on the horizon, CBS could be blacked out for YouTube TV subscribers this week if Paramount Global and the live TV streaming platform can't strike a deal.

In a blog post published Wednesday, YouTube said it has been "working hard to reach a fair agreement with Paramount." If completed, YouTube TV will keep Paramount-owned channels − including CBS and CBS Sports − without any additional costs to its subscribers, the post continued.

"We understand how disappointing and disruptive it is to lose channels you enjoy on YouTube TV," the Google-owned company said.

In a statement obtained by Paste BN, a Paramount spokesperson said the company made a "series of fair offers to continue our long-standing relationship with Google’s YouTube TV."

"Paramount has a long track record of successfully and amicably renewing partnerships with every major distributor, including several in recent months, and we will continue our efforts to reach a new agreement with YouTube TV," the statement continued.

Paramount added that failed negotiations could lead to an "avoidable loss" of its networks on the platform, in addition to the removal of Paramount+ and BET+ from YouTube’s Primetime Channels, according to the statement.

Here is what YouTube TV subscribers need to know about this ongoing dark period.

When would CBS and other Paramount channels go dark?

All Paramount content, including CBS and CBS Sports, will be unavailable on YouTube TV after Feb. 13, 2025 if an agreement is not reached, according to YouTube's blog post. This also means that YouTube TV subscribers will not be able to access previous library recordings from these channels or add-on services, including Paramount+ with Showtime and BET+.

Why is the potential blackout happening?

YouTube emphasized in its blog post that it's attempting to reach an agreement "that avoids passing along additional costs" to its subscribers.

Paramount said in its statement that YouTube TV is trying to "pressure" them to "agree to one-sided terms."

What will YouTube do if an agreement is not reached with Paramount?

YouTube said Wednesday it is "actively negotiating" with Paramount and plans to update its subscribers and the public on the company's progress, according to the blog post.

If the two companies cannot reach an agreement and Paramount's content remains unavailable for an extended period, YouTube will offer its subscribers an $8 credit, the post reads. YouTube also said people can still watch Paramount shows and movies by signing up for their streaming service, Paramount+, for $7.99 a month.

"Paramount is an important partner for us and as you can imagine, this is not the outcome that we want. We’re still in active conversations with Paramount and are hopeful we can come to an agreement to keep their content available on YouTube TV," YouTube said in its blog post.

Paramount said it is encouraging YouTube TV's subscribers to visit KeepParamount.com, a website that gives more information about the negotiations and the channels and shows they will lose or miss if an agreement is not reached.

What will YouTube TV subscribers miss out on if negotiations continue?

If negotiations carry on, here are some upcoming events and shows airing on Paramount-owned channels that YouTube TV subscribers could miss out on:

  • 2025 March Madness: Men's NCAA tournament (From March 16 to April 7). CBS Sports and Turner Sports will show all 67 games of the tournament across TBS, CBS, TNT, truTV and their digital platforms.
  • The 2025 Masters Tournament (April 7-13). The CBS Television Network and Paramount+ will air the tournament live from 2–7 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13.
  • The World Poker Tour is broadcast on CBS Sports Network. The Paramount-owned network became the exclusive television partner of the World Poker Tour in November 2024.
  • Yellowjackets Season 3 premiere on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME (Available to stream on Feb. 14).
  • Tracker (New episodes airing on CBS on Feb. 16)
  • Matlock (New episodes air Thursday on CBS)
  • The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
  • The Daily Show
  • NCIS: Origins (New episode airs Feb. 17 on CBS)
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