The logo shown is the visual identity for CBS All Access, the streaming video‑on‑demand service created by the American television network CBS. The mark combines the heritage of CBS’s long‑standing broadcast brand with a clean, contemporary expression suited to digital platforms and subscription streaming. At its core, the logo is built from the bold letters “CBS” followed by the famous CBS eye symbol and the words “ALL ACCESS” rendered in a light, modern sans‑serif typeface. The entire composition appears in a bright, electric blue that communicates clarity, technology, and accessibility. This simple but distinctive arrangement works effectively across screens, apps, and marketing materials, reinforcing CBS’s identity while signaling a shift from traditional linear television to an on‑demand digital ecosystem.
The CBS letters on the left are heavy and compact, emphasizing the strength and familiarity of the broadcast network. For decades, CBS has been recognized by audiences for its news, sports, drama, comedy, and late‑night programming. The bold typography anchors the logo and reminds viewers that the streaming service is rooted in a trusted media institution. Immediately next to the CBS wordmark sits the circular CBS eye icon. This emblem, a stylized eye enclosed within a circle, is one of the most recognized symbols in television history. In the context of CBS All Access, the eye serves as a bridge between the legacy of linear television and the evolving world of digital streaming, suggesting that CBS will continue to watch over and curate quality content for its viewers.
To the right of the CBS name and eye, the phrase “ALL ACCESS” appears in a lighter, more open font. This contrast between the bold CBS letters and the slimmer wordmark helps create a visual hierarchy: the network identity is prominent, but the service descriptor still reads clearly at a distance and on small screens. The phrase “ALL ACCESS” communicates a key promise of the service—unrestricted, comprehensive entry to CBS programming beyond what viewers receive through traditional broadcast. It implies access to live channels, a back catalog of current and past series, original productions, and exclusive content available only to subscribers. The spacing and alignment of the letters present a clean, streamlined appearance that reflects a modern user experience.
Color choice plays a central role in the logo’s impact. The bright blue tone conveys a sense of innovation, reliability, and digital fluency. Blue is widely associated with technology companies and online services, and CBS All Access adopts this association to signal that it is part of the emerging streaming landscape. The monochromatic approach—using a single, powerful hue—keeps the mark visually cohesive and adaptable. It can easily sit on white backgrounds, appear reversed out on dark interfaces, or be integrated into application icons, promotional banners, and smart TV menus without losing clarity.
The minimalistic design of the logo reflects how media brands have adapted their visual language for mobile and connected devices. Traditional television network logos often emphasized intricate shapes or dimensional effects suitable for large broadcast idents. In the case of CBS All Access, the design has been flattened and simplified so it renders crisply at very small sizes, such as in app stores, streaming menus, or on smartphone home screens. The elongated horizontal layout works naturally at the top of a video interface, while the distinct CBS eye allows for a recognizable shorthand version of the logo when only an icon is needed.
Beyond the graphic elements, the logo encapsulates the broader strategy behind CBS All Access. As audiences increasingly cut the cord and move from cable and antenna viewing to internet‑based platforms, major networks have created their own direct‑to‑consumer services. CBS All Access was conceived as CBS’s answer to this shift, providing subscribers with live streams of local CBS stations in many markets, next‑day access to current shows, and a deep library of older series. The brand identity therefore has to communicate both continuity and change: continuity with the enduring CBS brand and change in the form of new distribution methods, new original shows, and personalized, on‑demand experiences.
The words “ALL ACCESS” also evoke exclusivity and membership. Subscribers are invited into a space where they receive more than the casual viewer—bonus content, special features, and original series produced specifically for the platform. The straightforward typography, however, tempers this exclusivity with a sense of openness and simplicity. There is no ornate script or complex emblem; instead, the logo suggests that joining and using the service is easy and welcoming. This balance is crucial in a highly competitive streaming landscape where consumers weigh price, convenience, and the perceived value of each platform’s catalog.
Over time, this visual identity served as a foundation for CBS’s evolution into a unified streaming brand. Although industry dynamics and corporate mergers have continued to reshape how the service is marketed and what it is called, the CBS All Access logo remains an important representation of a transitional moment in entertainment. It captured CBS’s first full step from being purely a broadcast network to becoming a digital streaming competitor, while honoring the history of one of television’s best‑known brands. The design shows how a classic symbol like the CBS eye can be refreshed with new typography, color, and language to meet the demands of modern viewing habits.
From a design perspective, the logo can be appreciated for its restraint and clarity. There are no unnecessary flourishes: each element—the CBS letters, the eye icon, the ALL ACCESS wordmark, and the single color choice—serves a clear purpose. Together, they deliver instant recognition, project trust, and communicate the service’s core value proposition. In essence, the CBS All Access logo is both a continuation of a legacy and a signpost pointing toward the future of how audiences discover and enjoy CBS content online.
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
