ABC is a broadcast TV channel that you can watch using a TV antenna, or across five live TV streaming services.
There are plenty of reasons why you would want to maintain ABC in your channel lineup even if you are getting rid of cable TV or a satellite plan.
ABC (American Broadcasting Company) presents a wide variety of live programming. It is the go-to network for live NBA basketball, The Oscars, college football, and popular TV series. You can find new primetime dramas, reality shows, and ABC World News Tonight with David Muir.
Here are the latest ways you can start streaming ABC:
How to Watch ABC Live
There are many ways to watch ABC live without cable thanks to a shift towards cord-cutting and the resurgence of TV antennas. For free access to a local ABC channel, consider a TV antenna.
Hulu Live TV is one of the standout options for streaming ABC live. The live TV service has over 90 channels, including local stations and sports networks like ESPN and FS1 (FOX Sports 1).
Hulu Live TV subscribers also get ad-supported subscriptions to Disney+ and ESPN+ for a monthly fee of $76.99.
Those seeking more affordable options might use a TV antenna for free local channels or Hulu’s on-demand service. Priced at $7.99 per month, Hulu on-demand carries ABC’s prime-time shows such as ‘The Golden Bachelor’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, and ‘Shark Tank’.
Live TV streaming services offer packages catering to NBA, MLB, NHL, and NFL fans. The following table compares the costs of accessing ABC through streaming services to the one-time expense of a TV antenna.
Streaming ABC Live: Choosing from 5 Services
| Service | Free Trial | Monthly Price | Key Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV STREAM | 5 days | Starts at $79.99 | ABC, ESPN, FS1 |
| Hulu Live TV | 3 days | $76.99 | ABC, ESPN, Disney+ |
| Sling TV | None | Starts at $40.00 | ABC (in select areas), ESPN, NFL Network |
| YouTube TV | 7 days | $72.99 | ABC, ESPN, NBC |
| Fubo | 7 days | Starts at $79.99 | ABC, ESPN, FOX Sports |
Hulu Live TV
Hulu Live TV has more than 90 channels, covering local ABC stations, Great American Family, the History Channel, HGTV, ESPN, and ESPN2.
You can watch major broadcast networks like NBC, ABC, and FOX. Hulu also covers national sports networks such as ESPN and regional sports through channels like NBC Sports. Subscribers can watch live TV on up to two screens at once.
The service’s variety spans entertainment channels such as Bravo, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and SyFy, to news and documentary offerings from CNN, Fox News, and the Smithsonian Channel.
At $76.99 per month, Hulu Live TV subscribers get unlimited Cloud DVR, which means you can record your favorite movies, TV shows, and news programs. This subscription includes ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu’s on-demand library, presenting a comprehensive package for viewers.
For fans of ABC’s timeless series and new shows, Hulu’s on-demand service is an alternative at $7.99 per month, featuring a 30-day free trial for newcomers.
| 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+ |
Simultaneous Streams: 2
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: Yes
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 includes local ABC channels in its entry-level lineup. There are four plans that let you access ABC without a cable subscription
All plans offer a no-commitment, 5-day free trial across all packages.
The Entertainment option, costing $79.99 per month, has over 75 live channels. Users enjoy the freedom to watch on numerous screens and benefit from unlimited Cloud DVR. Key channels include ESPN, Discovery, and Paramount Network, along with access to 40,000 on-demand titles.
At $108.99 per month, the Choice package adds 40 national and regional sports channels across the U.S., like Bally Sports. The Choice plan includes over 105 TV channels, including NFL Network and Travel Channel.
The Ultimate package, priced at $119.99 monthly, offers over 140 channels with more niche sports and entertainment networks. The Premier package, at $164.99 per month, includes over 150 channels, featuring premium outlets like Showtime and STARZ.
DIRECTV STREAM’s compatibility with devices such as Roku and Android TV adds to its versatility, supported by flexible, month-to-month plans.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $79.99/month | 75+ |
| Choice | $108.99/month | 105+ |
| Ultimate | $119.99/month | 140+ |
| Premier | $164.99/month | 150+ |
Simultaneous Streams: Unlimited
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.
Fubo
FuboTV, now known simply as Fubo, provides ABC across all its plans. The Pro plan, at $79.99 monthly, includes 189 channels covering essential sports networks like the ACC Network and entertainment channels such as AMC and HGTV.
Fubo offers three tiers: Pro, Elite, and Ultimate, each with a 7-day trial. Subscribers get 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR and can stream on 10 devices at once.
The Elite plan, for $89.99 per month, introduces an additional 65 channels, including NBA TV and exclusive networks like the Cooking Channel.
At $99.99 monthly, the Ultimate plan boasts 231 channels, featuring Showtime and NFL RedZone, offering a comprehensive selection for varied interests.
Fubo’s app, compatible with most devices, has an on-demand library of TV shows and movies along with a detailed menu of for live streaming TV channels. The service is also accessible through web browsers, tablets and smartphones.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | $79.99/month | 189 |
| Elite | $89.99/month | 255 |
| Premier | $99.99/month | 264 & Showtime |
Simultaneous Streams: 10
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.
Sling TV
Sling TV’s Blue bundle features 8 local ABC channels in major cities, including Chicago, Fresno, Houston, and New York. If you live in or around one of those cities, then you should be able to stream ABC through Sling Blue.
Sling Blue costs $40 per month. It also includes NBC and FOX local stations in select cities.
The Blue package offers a variety of channels such as FS1, NFL Network, and A&E, plus entertainment and news networks like CNN and the History Channel.
Bundling Sling Orange and Blue is another option at $55 per month, giving you about 88 channels.
Sling TV includes 50 hours of free Cloud DVR and the ability to stream on three devices simultaneously. It works with Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and other popular devices, ensuring flexibility without the need for a contract or hidden fees.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | $40/month | 32 |
| Blue | $40/month | 41 (Locals included) |
| Orange + Blue | $55/month | 88 |
Simultaneous Streams: 1 (Orange plan); 3 (Blue plan)
Cloud DVR Storage: 50 hours
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes (limited markets, Blue plan)
Device support: AirTV Mini, Amazon Echo Show, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast along with Smart TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony Bravia and VIZIO SmartCast.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers ABC live streaming within its broad 128-channel lineup for $72.99 per month. This service includes major networks like CBS, NBC, and FOX, alongside a variety of sports, entertainment, and news channels. Spanish-language channels like Telemundo are also in the lineup.
Subscribers can stream a number of entertainment channels seen on cable, from AMC and Animal Planet to Lifetime and Nickelodeon. YouTube TV allows streaming on three screens at once and provides unlimited Cloud DVR. Premium channels such as Max can be added for an additional fee.
YouTube TV supports streaming on multiple devices, including Roku and Apple TV, and offers a 7-day trial for newcomers to explore its extensive features and channel selection.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $72.99/month | 128 |
ABC on OTA TV
Using a TV antenna is a better, long-term way to watch ABC for free. It’s a one-time investment that allows you to access local ABC broadcasts along with other over-the-air channels in high definition. This option requires no monthly fees and is ideal for viewers within range of local broadcast towers.
Some ABC content, including news and select episodes of shows, can be streamed for free through the ABC app or on the ABC website. However, for full access to live ABC content and full seasons of shows, a subscription through a participating TV provider or streaming service will be necessary after the free trials.
Can I stream shows on the ABC app?
Yes, the ABC app and its website provide select episodes for free. However, for full seasons, a subscription through a TV provider or streaming service is required. The ABC app also has a number of free, ad-supported channels you can watch through the ABC app without a sign-in.
Where can I watch ABC shows?
Hulu on-demand is a budget-friendly choice for streaming full episodes from ABC. The service costs $7.99 per month and works with devices like Roku and Apple TV. While live ABC stations are not available, you can watch ABC News Live and World News Tonight. Hulu also has a 30-day trial and bundle options, including Hulu with Disney+ for $9.99 per month and the Disney Trio bundle for $14.99 monthly.
How to Watch ABC Sports Live on ESPN3/ESPN App
If you don’t have ABC in your channel lineup, you can still watch ABC sports live on ESPN3 or the ESPN app. ESPN and ABC are part of The Walt Disney Company.
Subscribers to Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV can activate the ESPN app and watch live sports airing on ABC.
If you don’t already have the ESPN app, you can download it from wherever you get apps for your device (e.g. The Roku Channel Store has the ESPN app for free for all Roku devices.)
Can I watch live ABC sports events if I don’t have cable?
Yes, you can watch live ABC sports events without a cable subscription through streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV, all of which include ABC in their channel lineups. Remember, the availability of specific sports events on these platforms may vary due to local blackout restrictions.
What are my options for streaming ABC live without a subscription?
For streaming ABC live without a traditional subscription, you have a few options.
One avenue is to explore free trials offered by live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo. These services typically offer a week-long trial period where you can access ABC live along with extensive channel lineups. While this is a temporary solution, it can be a convenient way to watch specific events or shows live without committing to a subscription. You need to cancel online before a trial ends if you do not want to be billed for service.
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.
