Pluto TV and CBS launch free full-season binges of six CBS Originals ahead of the primetime return
Pluto TV, the widely used free streaming service, is partnering with CBS for a major, limited-time promotional blitz this September. Viewers will be able to stream the just-concluded full seasons of six CBS Original series for free on Pluto TV, ahead of the new primetime episodes. The initiative marks Pluto TV’s largest-ever full-season preview and showcases Paramount’s unified ecosystem in action, delivering premium programming at no cost.
The six titles available for the promo are Elsbeth Season 2, Fire Country Season 3, Ghosts Season 4, Matlock Season 1, NCIS: Origins Season 1, and Watson Season 1. “This is the most ambitious primetime synergy between CBS and Pluto TV yet,” said Amy Kuessner, EVP of Programming at Pluto TV. “Free, full-season access to CBS’s biggest television series is something only Pluto TV can offer in this way. We’re proud to give audiences the chance to catch up on these beloved series before the new episodes return at no cost, and to demonstrate how Pluto TV continues to deliver premium content through the power of Paramount’s unified ecosystem.”
CBS also highlighted the opportunity for fans to binge or sample a full past season of six standout CBS Originals just as their new episodes approach during CBS Premiere Week. “It’s a win all around — CBS builds excitement, Pluto TV keeps fans engaged and viewers get to relive cliffhangers or discover new favorites,” said Mike Benson, President and Chief Marketing Officer, CBS, BET and VH1.
This marks the first time Pluto TV has offered full seasons of multiple CBS series simultaneously, underscoring a new phase in the ongoing collaboration between the CBS brand and Pluto TV. The stunt builds on previous cross-promotions, such as the MATLOCK sampling earlier this year, which featured the first eight episodes across the Pluto TV Matlock channel and on-demand, helping to drive engagement ahead of new episodes on CBS.
CBS content has consistently performed well on Pluto TV, and the new initiative is aimed at deepening audience engagement while fans await fresh CBS premieres. The official CBS Premiere Week kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 12, with sneak peeks of MATLOCK and ELSBETH, followed by seven consecutive nights of original episodes from new and returning series. Pluto TV’s robust catalog features more than 100 iconic titles spanning dramas, news, classics, sports and beyond, including Star Trek, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Blue Bloods, NCIS, Cheers, I Love Lucy, The Twilight Zone and many others. In addition, Pluto TV offers “CBS Latest Episodes” — free, on-demand access to the latest four in-season episodes a week after broadcast.
Why this matters for viewers: This move broadens the accessibility of beloved CBS franchises without a subscription, giving audiences a no-cost way to catch up before fall premieres. It also illustrates how FAST platforms like Pluto TV are increasingly becoming essential hubs for discovery, catch-up viewing, and franchise-based sampling within Paramount’s broader media ecosystem.
Optional added context for readers: If you’re planning to dive in, you’ll be able to watch on Pluto TV across supported devices, with the platform continuing to emphasize free access to a broad library of classic and contemporary favorites as part of its ongoing strategy to reach broader audiences.
Summary: Pluto TV and CBS are teaming up for a September promo that will stream six complete CBS Original seasons for free on Pluto TV, marking a first-of-its-kind simultaneous full-season exposure and a precursor to CBS Premiere Week starting mid-October. The collaboration highlights Pluto TV’s role in expanding access to CBS’s catalog while underscoring the strength of Paramount’s unified ecosystem.
Editorial note: This initiative reflects a positive trend toward free, ad-supported streaming as a viable gateway to premium content, potentially expanding reach for CBS series and driving engagement ahead of new episodes.