5 Cable-Free Ways to Watch Nickelodeon in 2024

Most of Nickelodeon’s shows are now on Paramount Plus. Cord-cutters have numerous options for streaming Nickelodeon as a live TV channel, including popular services like Fubo, Philo, YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and DIRECTV STREAM.

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The landscape of television is changing, and so are the ways to watch Nickelodeon without cable TV. This guide will introduce you to a variety of methods to stay connected with Nickelodeon’s content, without the need for a traditional cable service. 

Nickelodeon launched nationally on April 1, 1979, as the first cable channel for children. Its programming is aimed at kids ages two to 17 with shows like “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Paw Patrol,” and “Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan.”  

Where to Watch Nickelodeon Shows

Most of Nickelodeon’s shows are now streaming on Paramount Plus, a prime platform for accessing Nickelodeon on demand. But the latest seasons premiere on live TV.  

If you want to see Season 14 of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” choose a live TV streaming service with Nickelodeon in its channel lineup, so you have access to the latest episodes. (Paramount Plus currently has up to Season 12.)

Paramount Plus, priced at $5.99 per month after a free trial, offers a cost-effective way to enjoy not just Nickelodeon but also a robust library of live sports, blockbuster movies, and a diverse range of TV shows. 

Cord-cutters have numerous options for streaming Nickelodeon as a live TV channel, including popular services like Fubo, Philo, YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and DIRECTV STREAM.

Many of these streaming services not only offer the main Nickelodeon channel, but provide access to specialized channels like Nick Jr. and TeenNick, broadening the options for different age groups and interests.

Watch Nickelodeon on Paramount Plus: Budget-Friendly Streaming

In search of the most convenient way to get Nickelodeon shows on your smart TV or device? Paramount Plus stands out as a top choice for families and fans of child-friendly programming.

The Essential plan of Paramount Plus is an economical option at $5.99 per month, and serves as a hub for Nickelodeon streaming. It’s especially valuable for those who want a vast library of Nickelodeon’s on-demand content.

Paramount Plus has complete seasons of TV shows from CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and the Smithsonian Channel. Subscribers also get a vast library of hit movies and live news.

It’s also a gateway to exclusive Paramount Plus Originals, such as “Special Ops: Lioness,” “Tulsa King,” and “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.”

For parents seeking quality Nickelodeon content, Paramount Plus makes streaming full seasons of “Paw Patrol” and “Peppa Pig” really simple, keeping youngsters engaged with their beloved characters.

The Paramount Plus with Showtime plan, at $11.99 per month, broadens your on-demand library to include the entire Showtime library and 4K HDR streaming.

Paramount Plus is designed with family viewing in mind, allowing the streaming of up to three shows simultaneously on separate devices. This feature ensures that every family member can enjoy their preferred Nickelodeon series or movie at any time.

Depending on your subscription plan, you can dive into on-demand movies and shows in HD or up to 4K resolution.  

Paramount Plus

(Photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
PLANPRICECHANNELS
Essential$5.99/mo.On-demand
With Showtime$11.99/moCBS Live & Showtime
Device support: Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, Android TV, Android phone, Android tablet, Chromecast, Fire TV, Portal TV, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PCs, Samsung TV, Vizio TV, LG TV, Roku, Xbox, Xfinity, Xumo, Cox Contour box, VIDAA TV, Google TV.

Philo: Cost-Effective Way for Watching Nickelodeon Live

Philo is as the most budget-friendly option to stream Nickelodeon live without the need for cable TV.

At an affordable rate of $25 per month, subscribers gain access to over 72 live TV channels, including the entire suite of Nickelodeon channels: Nick Jr., Nicktoons, and TeenNick, along with Discovery Family, 

Philo delivers a comprehensive viewing experience for all ages. The service also offers cable TV channels in the entertainment niche with unlimited Cloud DVR for hassle-free recordings of your favorite shows.

Alongside the live TV channels, Philo provides an expansive on-demand library of movies and TV shows. With the capability to watch live TV on up to three screens simultaneously, Philo ensures that every family member can enjoy their chosen entertainment without interruptions.

Compatibility is key with Philo, offering dedicated apps for Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV Stick. You can stream from your web browser on Mac computers, PCs, iOS devices, and Android devices. Plus, with the convenient Philo iPhone app, your favorite shows are always at your fingertips.

You can get a free trial in about a minute, using just your mobile number.

Philo

Nickelodeon
(Photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
PLANPRICECHANNELS
Philo$25/month72
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, and Sony Bravia.

Stream Nickelodeon Live with Fubo

Fubo (previously known as fuboTV) provides a Pro bundle that includes 189 channels, featuring Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., ESPN, TLC, and Bravo among others.

The service offers a broad range of channels catering to family viewing such as Disney Channel, Baby TV, Disney XD, and Disney Jr. Local regional sports channels and network affiliates like NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX are part of the channel lineup.

For $79.99 per month, subscribers get 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR for recordings and an on-demand library of TV shows and movies. Subscribers get 10 simultaneous streams.

Fubo’s app works across Smart TVs and streaming devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Smart TVs, Google Chromecast with Google TV, and web browsers.

Fubo offers a 7-day free trial, allowing users to evaluate the service and its content offering, which ranges from the latest episodes on Nickelodeon to live sports events.

Fubo

nickelodeon
(Photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
PLANPRICECHANNELS
Pro$79.99/month189
Elite $89.99/month255
Premier$99.99/month264 & Showtime
Device support: Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast with Google TV, Xbox One, along with Smart TVs by Hisense, Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia and VIZIO SmartCast TV. Android, iPhones and iPads with current iOS.

Hulu + Live TV: Watch Nickelodeon Without Cable

Hulu + Live TV includes a way to watch Nickelodeon live, and access an on-demand library of favorite shows.

This service offers subscribers over 90 live TV channels, including Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., and other family-oriented channels like Boomerang, Cartoon Network, and Universal Kids.

A subscription is $76.99 per month. 

In addition to live TV channels, Hulu Live TV subscribers get unlimited access to Disney+ and ESPN+, enhancing the value of the subscription. 

If you are following new seasons of Nickelodeon shows, you can use Hulu’s unlimited Cloud DVR feature to record episodes and watch them later.

Hulu’s live TV bundle not only includes a robust selection of children and family channels but also local channels. The service allows streaming on two screens simultaneously, accommodating different viewing preferences within a household.

Hulu’s on-demand library includes a selection of Nickelodeon shows such as full seasons of “Drake & Josh,” “The Thundermans,” “Rugrats,” and “Hey Arnold!” 

However, the collection is relatively limited. Paramount Plus is now the home of most Nickelodeon shows once they shift from cable TV to streaming. 

The Hulu app is available on a number of Smart TVs and most streaming devices, including Roku, Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, as well as on iPhones and tablets.

While Hulu Live TV does not offer a free trial, potential subscribers can review Hulu’s channel lineup in their area to make an informed decision.

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu Live TV channels 2024
(Photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
PLANPRICECHANNELS
Hulu + Live TV$76.99/month90+
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, VIZIO SmartCast, Sony Bravia, PlayStation, XBox, Xfinity Flex and Xumo TV.

DIRECTV STREAM: Stream Nickelodeon Live

DIRECTV STREAM (previously known as AT&T TV) includes Nickelodeon in its Entertainment bundle, offering a diverse array of programming suitable for all age groups.

The Entertainment plan is comprehensive, featuring 75 live TV channels and unlimited Cloud DVR. This package not only includes Nickelodeon but also other child and family-centric channels such as PBS Kids, Baby First HD, Boomerang, and Cartoon Network.

Subscribers have access to a vast on-demand library with 40,000 movies and shows, providing ample choice for every viewer’s taste. 

DIRECTV STREAM has a no-obligation, free 5-day trial for all of its plans.

Priced at $79.99 per month, the subscription offers subscribers to stream on an unlimited number of streams within a household. This feature is particularly beneficial for families.  

DIRECTV STREAM emphasizes flexibility and user convenience, with no contracts or long term commitments. Subscribers have the freedom to opt for a month-to-month subscription so you can cancel at any time.

The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Smart TVs equipped with Android TV and Google TV.

Before making a decision, potential subscribers should review the various channel packages offered by DIRECTV STREAM. The Choice package, for instance, not only features Nickelodeon but also includes regional sports channels, catering to NBA fans and a broader audience.

DIRECTV STREAM

directv stream local channels
(Photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
PLANPRICECHANNELS
Entertainment$79.99/month75+
Choice$108.99/month105+
Ultimate$119.99/month140+
Premier$164.99/month150+
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, Sony Bravia.

YouTube TV: Streaming Nickelodeon

YouTube TV has over 128 live TV channels, featuring Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., and Nicktoons. 

These family-friendly channels are included in the base plan, which also has CNN, ESPN and local broadcast networks. A subscription is $72.99 per month. 

Subscribers can watch live TV on up to three screens simultaneously.

One of the key features of YouTube TV is its unlimited Cloud DVR, so it’s easy to catch up on missed episodes or curate a personalized watchlist.

Device compatibility is a strong suit of YouTube TV, with dedicated apps available for a wide range of devices including Amazon Fire TV devices, Smart TVs, Google Chromecast with Google TV, Apple TV, PCs, Apple devices, and Android smartphones. The service also supports streaming directly from a web browser, offering versatility in how and where users can enjoy their content.

For those considering YouTube TV, a free 7-day trial is available, providing an opportunity to explore the service’s extensive channel lineup and features before committing to a subscription.

YouTube TV

(Photo credit: Jim Kimble / The Cord Cutting Report)
PLANPRICECHANNELS
YouTube TV$72.99/month128
Device support: Android TV, Google TV, Smart TVs by Samsung, LG, VIZIO, Hisense, Sharp and Sony; Chromecast, Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox, PlayStation and Google Nest Hub; Android and iOS devices.

Is Nickelodeon on Sling TV?

While Sling TV may not offer Nickelodeon, it does feature Nick Jr. as a part of its comprehensive channel lineup. Nick Jr. is accessible through both of Sling TV’s main channel bundles, Orange and Blue.

For a monthly fee of $40, Sling TV subscribers can enjoy a wide range of channels. In addition to Nick Jr., this service provides 50 hours of Cloud DVR, allowing families to record their favorite shows and watch them according to their schedule. 

Sling Blue subscribers can watch live TV on three screens simultaneously. Sling Orange subscribers can watch live TV on one screen at a time. Sling TV has apps for Smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and a number of other devices.  

Where can I find the Nickelodeon TV schedule?

Looking for a daily Nickelodeon TV schedule to find out when “SpongeBob SquarePants” or “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” is on TV? Your best option is the Nick.com TV schedule.

Where can I watch Nickelodeon shows?

Paramount Plus is the cost-effective solution for watching Nickelodeon shows without the need for cable TV or satellite service. With a monthly subscription fee of $5.99 after a free trial, Paramount Plus not only offers access to Nickelodeon but also a variety of popular programs from networks like CBS, Comedy Central, BET, MTV, and the Smithsonian Channel.

In addition to a rich selection of TV shows, Paramount Plus subscribers can enjoy NFL games on CBS every Sunday, hit movies and Paramount Originals. 

For those seeking live TV channels and the latest episodes of iconic series like “SpongeBob SquarePants,” Philo is the cheapest option.

With Philo, you have access to more than 70 live TV channels, and provides a budget-friendly way to watch Nickelodeon live without cable. You can sign up for Philo’s free trial, which lasts for a week, before you move forward with dumping your cable subscription for good. 

Jim Kimble is a seasoned industry expert with over two decades of journalism experience. He has been at the forefront of the cord-cutting movement since 2016, testing and writing about TV-related products and services. He founded The Cord Cutting Report in 2016, and serves as the editor.

Major publications, including MarketWatch, Forbes, and South Florida Sun Sentinel, have interviewed Kimble for his years of expertise. He gives advice on the complexities consumers are navigating with streaming options, and over-the-air TV. Kimble has been a staff writer or correspondent for several award-winning, daily newspapers, including The Boston Globe.