CBC Gem Guide: Free Shows, Live CBC and Premium Explained

CBC Gem is CBC’s free streaming service, and this CBC Gem guide covers everything you need to start watching. In short: you can stream CBC live and watch a large library of Canadian series, documentaries, kids’ shows and news for free with ads. A paid Premium tier removes most ads. You only need a free account, and it works on phones, computers, smart TVs and streaming devices across Canada.

What CBC Gem offers

CBC Gem launched in 2018 as the home for CBC’s on-demand and live streaming. It is funded like the rest of CBC, so the free tier is generous compared with most commercial services.

You can expect:

• Live CBC: the CBC television signal for your region, including local news.
• CBC originals and Canadian series: drama, comedy and reality titles produced for CBC.
• Documentaries: a deep catalogue, including long-running CBC documentary strands.
• Kids’ programming: a dedicated kids’ section with profile controls.
• Events: major national events and some sports coverage when CBC holds the rights.

Free vs Premium

The free tier is supported by ads. CBC Gem Premium is an ad-free upgrade that costs a few dollars a month (around $5.99 a month or $59.99 a year has been listed; check gem.cbc.ca for the current price in CAD).

Some content, such as live events, may still include ads on Premium because of how the broadcast is produced. If you watch a lot of on-demand series, Premium is a small cost that makes binge sessions more pleasant. If you mostly watch live news, the free tier is enough.

How to sign up and start watching

1. Go to gem.cbc.ca or install the CBC Gem app on your device.
2. Create a free CBC account with your email address.
3. Confirm your region so the live stream shows your local CBC station.
4. Set up profiles, including kids’ profiles if you have children.
5. Optional: upgrade to Premium from your account settings.

CBC Gem is designed for viewers in Canada. Content rights are licensed for Canadian audiences, so availability outside Canada is limited.

Devices that support CBC Gem

CBC Gem runs on web browsers, iOS and Android phones and tablets, Apple TV, Android TV and Google TV devices, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and most recent smart TVs. You can also cast from your phone to a Chromecast or AirPlay-compatible TV.

If your TV does not have the app, a low-cost streaming stick fixes that. See our best streaming devices for 2026 for options.

CBC Gem vs other free Canadian streaming options

CBC Gem is not the only free way to watch in Canada, but it is the most complete free service from a national broadcaster. Here is how it compares with the other free routes.

The private networks’ own apps often ask you to sign in with a TV provider for live streams, so CBC Gem and an antenna remain the easiest free combination. FAST services fill quiet evenings with classic series and films, though their channel lists change often.

CBC Gem as part of a cord-cutting setup

CBC Gem is a natural first step when you drop cable. It covers CBC news and Canadian programming at no cost, and it pairs well with an antenna for the other local networks. In most Canadian cities, an antenna picks up CTV, Global and Citytv for free as well. Our guide to antennas for local channels explains how to pick one.

From there, you add paid layers only where you have gaps: Crave for HBO, a sports service for your teams, and perhaps a general streamer. Some people prefer a single app with a wide channel list instead; our own plan is 12 months for $89 (US dollars), and you can see what it includes on the IPTV Journal pricing section.

Tips to get more out of CBC Gem

• Use the Continue Watching row to resume series across devices.
• Download on mobile where available for flights and commutes.
• Follow seasonal events: CBC often streams major national events live, so check the Live section during big occasions.
• Try the documentary section if you have not; it is one of the strongest free documentary libraries in Canada.
• Switch on captions in the player settings; most programs include closed captioning.

Fixing common problems

If the live stream shows the wrong region, check the location setting in your account and allow location access on mobile. If video stutters, restart the app, lower other household streaming, and test your internet speed; HD streaming generally needs a steady connection rather than a very fast one. If the app will not open on an older smart TV, update the TV firmware or move to a streaming stick, which usually gets app updates for longer.

Is CBC Gem worth it?

The free tier is worth it for almost every Canadian household, because it costs nothing and covers a full national network live plus a big library. Premium is worth it if ads bother you and you watch several hours a week. For French-language programming from Radio-Canada, look at ICI TOU.TV instead, which is the French-language counterpart.

FAQ

Is CBC Gem really free?

Yes. The standard tier is free with ads and only requires a free CBC account. Premium is an optional paid upgrade that removes most ads.

Can I watch CBC live on CBC Gem?

Yes. CBC Gem streams the live CBC signal, including local news for your region. Set your region in the app so you see the right local station.

Does CBC Gem work outside Canada?

CBC Gem is licensed for viewers in Canada, so most content is not available abroad. Canadians travelling may find some content unavailable until they return.

How much is CBC Gem Premium?

Premium has been listed at around $5.99 a month or $59.99 a year in Canada. Prices can change, so check gem.cbc.ca before upgrading.

Is CBC Gem the same as ICI TOU.TV?

No. CBC Gem is CBC’s English-language service, while ICI TOU.TV is Radio-Canada’s French-language platform. Both are run by CBC/Radio-Canada but have separate apps and catalogues.