Published: February 7, 2024
Figuring out where to watch Nickelodeon shows can seem confusing with the decline of cable TV. You can now stream Nickelodeon as a live TV channel or get a wallet-friendly on-demand streaming plan to watch Nickelodeon shows.
This guide breaks down all your choices, prices, and free trials.
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.”
How to Watch Nickelodeon Live on TV
All the services listed below offer Nickelodeon. Here is a comparison of their other key channels, free trials, and monthly prices:
| Service | Free Trial | Monthly Price | Key Channels |
| Paramount Plus | Yes | $5.99 | CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Smithsonian Channel |
| Fubo | Yes | $79.99 | Nick Jr., ESPN, TLC, Bravo, Disney Channel, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX |
| Philo | Yes | $28 | Nick Jr., Nicktoons, TeenNick, Discovery Family |
| YouTube TV | Yes | $72.99 | Nick Jr., Nicktoons, CNN, ESPN, local broadcast networks |
| Hulu with Live TV | Yes | $76.99 | Nick Jr., Boomerang, Cartoon Network, Universal Kids, Disney+, ESPN+ |
| DIRECTV STREAM | Yes | $79.99 | PBS Kids, Baby First HD, Boomerang, Cartoon Network, regional sports channels |
Cord-cutters have many options for streaming Nickelodeon as a live TV channel, including popular services like Fubo, Philo, YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and DIRECTV STREAM.
People often turn to Sling TV first when they want live cable TV channels on the cheap. But unfortunately, Sling only carries Nick Jr. in its channel lineups.
Paramount Plus is the best budget option to consider for accessing the library of Nickelodeon shows; however, it doesn’t carry Nickelodeon as a live TV channel. A subscription costs only $5.99 per month after a free trial.
Many of these streaming services not only offer the main Nickelodeon channel but also provide access to specialized channels like Nick Jr. and TeenNick, broadening the options for different age groups and interests.
Paramount Plus
Wondering where to watch Nickelodeon shows without cable? Paramount Plus offers a budget-friendly solution for streaming Nickelodeon on your smart TV or device.
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 large library of Nickelodeon’s on-demand content. However, the latest episodes of popular TV shows like “SpongeBob SquarePants” premiere on live TV.
Paramount Plus has complete seasons of TV shows from CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and the Smithsonian Channel. Subscribers also get a large 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.” Paramount Plus offers live sports from CBS, blockbuster movies, and a variety of CBS shows and Originals.
For parents seeking quality Nickelodeon content, Paramount Plus makes streaming full seasons of “Paw Patrol” and “Peppa Pig” 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 watch 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.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | $5.99/mo. | Shows from: CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Smithsonian Channel |
| With Showtime | $11.99/mo | Essential plan + CBS Live & Showtime |
Cloud DVR Storage: No
Exclusive Content: Paramount Plus Originals & Showtime
Local Channels: CBS
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
Philo is as the most budget-friendly option to stream Nickelodeon live without the need for cable TV.
At an affordable rate of $28 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 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. Subscribers get AMC+, which includes shows and movies from Shudder and Sundance Now.
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.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Philo | $28/month | 72 |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: Yes (via AMC+, Sundance Now & Shudder)
Local Channels: No
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 188 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.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | $79.99/month | 188 |
| Elite | $89.99/month | 255 |
| Premier | $99.99/month | 264 w/ Paramount+ with Showtime |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes
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
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.
Hulu + Live TV currently offers a free 3-day trial.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads) | $76.99/month | 90+ |
| Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads) | $89.99/month | 90+ |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: Yes (Originals from Hulu, Disney+ & ESPN+)
Local Channels: Yes
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
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.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $79.99/month | 75+ |
| Choice | $108.99/month | 105+ |
| Ultimate | $119.99/month | 140+ |
| Premier | $164.99/month | 150+ |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, Sony Bravia
YouTube TV
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.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $72.99/month | 128 |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes
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.
Where can I watch Nickelodeon shows?
You can watch Nickelodeon shows on various streaming services like Paramount Plus, Fubo, Philo, YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and DIRECTV STREAM.
Does Sling TV have Nickelodeon?
No, Sling TV does not carry Nickelodeon, but it does offer Nick Jr. in its Blue channel lineup.
What is the cheapest way to stream Nickelodeon live without cable?
Philo is the most budget-friendly option to stream Nickelodeon live, costing $28 per month.
Can I watch Nickelodeon on Paramount Plus?
Yes, most of Nickelodeon’s shows are available on Paramount Plus, which costs $5.99 per month after a free trial. However, the latest episodes of popular TV shows like “SpongeBob SquarePants” premiere on live TV.
Which streaming services offer Nickelodeon as a live TV channel?
Streaming services like Fubo, Philo, YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and DIRECTV STREAM offer Nickelodeon as a live TV channel.
What devices can I use to stream Nickelodeon on these services?
You can use various devices such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Smart TVs, Google Chromecast with Google TV, PCs, Apple devices, and Android smartphones to stream Nickelodeon on these services.
Methodology
I spend hundreds of hours throughout the year conducting hands-on testing of streaming services, including Peacock, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV. I do the same rigorous testing for TV antennas and TV-related hardware. Check out the review policy to see how I compare products and services. The Cord Cutting Report is a reader-supported publication, and may earn affiliate commissions when you pick a streaming service through a recommendation. Read our affiliate policy for more information.
