Best CBS Shows on Netflix in 2018

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Netflix and CBS Logo also featuring Madam Secretary, How I Met Your Mother, NCIS and Criminals Minds

CBS has brought us many brilliant shows over the years – they’ve been ones that have warmed and captured our hearts for many seasons. Some of these shows are available to stream on Netflix, so we thought we’d give you the low-down on some of our favourites. In fact, we’ll update you on our top nine CBS shows that you can watch right now.

9. Zoo

Available on Netflix in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada.

Based on the 2012 novel by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge, this series has a total of three seasons. It first aired on CBS in 2015 and the first two seasons are available to watch on Netflix. The series focuses on violent animals that are attacking humans all over the world and the people who seek to investigate the happenings. These aren’t just your average attacks, they become incredibly coordinated and untamed. Follow the Zoologist Jackson Oz and others on their adventure to get to the root of the problem.


8. Madam Secretary

Available on Netflix in the United States

In a battle between politics and personal life, Dr. Elizabeth McCord must try to fulfil her role as Secretary of State. This political drama currently has two out of three series available on Netflix US, but is unlikely to be added to Netflix UK any time soon. There’s a total of three series, with CBS renewing a fourth earlier this year. One woman in power negotiates worldwide issues after her career as a teacher and CIA analyst. Take a peek at this series if you’re a fan of House of Cards.


7. Hawaii Five-O

Available on Netflix in the United States

This series is a reboot of the original show which had a total of 12 seasons in the 1960s and 1970s. The reboot of the show was first available in 2010 and has continued to be a big hit on CBS since. The series holds the same ideals as the original but with a modern take. Hawaii Five-O is essentially about a police unit that operates in Hawaii which, if you’ve seen the BBC show Death in Paradise, you might appreciate the difference in location. It shows the truth that crime is everywhere, despite how nice the weather is or how sandy the beaches are. This year, CBS renewed the series for a ninth season so we’re bound to see even more action and drama in the near future.


6. Blue Bloods

Available on Netflix in the United States

There are a total of eight seasons available to stream on Netflix currently as Netflix US is constantly expanding its pool of entertainment. This police procedural drama series focuses on Frank Reagan, who is the New York Police Commissioner, and the Reagan family of police officers. The series has kept going since its debut in 2010 and so there’s plenty for you to take a look at. Not only that but CBS has renewed this series for a ninth season, so there’s no need to worry that there’s not more to look forward to.


5. Star Trek: Discovery

Available on Netflix in all regions excluding the United States

This series is set 10 years before Star Trek: The Original Series and is a welcomed addition to what many know and love. We get to follow those who are part of the USS Discovery crew and the worlds they see and civilisations they meet. The USS Discovery has been mentioned previously and now we get to know more about it. This collaboration between Netflix and CBS meant that Netflix UK received exclusive access to the show and now there’s a total of 15 episodes available to watch! The show was created by Bryan Fuller and Alex Kurtzman and has a focus on the character Michael Burnham, who is played by Sonequa Martin-Green.


4. Criminal Minds

Available on Netflix in the United States

We’re big fans of the shows that hold plenty of mystery and intrigue and Criminal Minds is no exception. It is one of the longest-running shows on CBS as it has 13 seasons. The show has been praised for the engaging storylines that leave you in suspense. This isn’t the kind of show that simply solves cases as the team looks into the psychology behind the crimes with the FBI Behaviour Analysis Unit, meaning it goes way deeper than you first imagined. You’re in luck as there’s plenty of episodes to get stuck into on Netflix, so whether you’re anticipating the next series or haven’t seen any of this fantastic show before, you’ve got lots to keep you entertained. This crime drama was created by Jeff Davis.


3. NCIS

Available on Netflix in the United States

NCIS may have taken third place this time but it’s still one of the best long-running shows about. If you’re into crime dramas then this is one you need to watch. There are 15 seasons available to watch on Netflix US, so you’re able to enjoy a healthy heap of episodes. The series follows a team of Major Case Response Team (MCRT) who are the first on a crime scene. They track down terrorists and other high-profile criminals using their expert minds and talents.


2. The Big Bang Theory

Available on Netflix in the United Kingdom

This show is one that has been going for quite some time. In fact, it’s currently on its 11th season and has even sparked another series called Young Sheldon. The Big Bang Theory is all about a group of friends who are truly unique in their own way.  You’ve got the childlike brainiac Sheldon Cooper, the loveable nerd Leonard, the slightly-creepy astronaut Howard, the feminine guy, Raj, and the pretty blonde girl, Penny, from across the hall. Those along with a few other key characters shape the show to be something easy to watch, funny and Scientific. Netflix is home to 10 seasons of the show and it takes us on a journey of character development. Will Penny always go for the bad guys? Can Sheldon ever love someone more than he loves his ‘spot’? Does Howard grow out of his absurdly long teenage-phase?


1. How I Met Your Mother

Available on Netflix in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom

Still at the top of our list is the quirky show How I Met Your Mother. It’s all about one man who is on a mission to find love and ends up in many whirlwind romances that just don’t work out. This is the story of Ted, who tells his kids of all the stories of how he met their mother and the events that lead him back to the beginning. It’s full of laughter, love and ludicrous moments. Robin is Ted’s main love interest – he never seems to get over her. However, it soon becomes apparent that they’re only meant to be friends. Or are they?

The friendship group consists of Ted, Robin, Lily, Marshall and the almighty Barney. Together they make quite the group and it serves for a great laugh when you’re feeling blue. There’s a total of 9 seasons, which are all available to stream on Netflix. The show originally aired on CBS between 2005 and 2014.

Those of you who have seen A Series of Unfortunate Events might want to consider watching this show. Neil Patrick Harris plays a completely different style of character, so you’ll enjoy seeing him play the chick-magnet and ultimate wingman in How I Met Your Mother. The show is easy to watch and has a similar vibe to The Big Bang Theory and Friends.


Those are just a few of our favourite CBS shows available on Netflix! Let us know if there’s any that you’re particularly fond of that we haven’t mentioned.

Written by

Alice Willis gained her degree in creative writing with journalism at Kingston University Alice and is our United Kingdom Netflix expert. Alice covers the weekly new additions for the UK region while also contributing to our top lists section. Alice loves new shows and movies, particularly rom-coms and teen dramas. Alice resides in Maidstone, UK.