Streaming TBS in 2024 Without Cable: 5 Services for Cord-Cutters

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Watching TBS without a cable subscription is easy. Fans looking to stream TBS live can choose from Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and DIRECTV STREAM.

TBS is your go-to for MLB, NBA, and 2024 March Madness games, plus hit comedy shows like American Dad, Wipeout, and Miracle Workers. 

Soon, TBS and TNT will join a new ESPN, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery sports streaming service, launching this fall. For now, Max offers TBS sports streaming at the best price of $9.99 per month.

Sling TV stands out as one of the most affordable options for cord-cutters to stream TBS live, priced at $40 per month. 

It’s worth exploring all available options, including current promotions from Sling TV and free trials from DIRECTV STREAM and YouTube TV. These services allow for flexible, obligation-free monthly payments.

How to Stream TBS on Roku, Fire TV, and Smart TVs

TBS, once known as Turner Broadcasting System, has been around since December 1976,  transforming from a broadcast station to a cable network. These days, you don’t need a cable plan to get TBS thanks to online live TV plans such as DIRECTV STREAM and YouTube.

These providers often feature free trials, allowing you to experience live TV streaming firsthand.

Comparable to cable packages, these streaming services offer popular channels such as CNN, ESPN, AMC, CBS and FOX. All you need is a reliable internet connection to begin streaming on your Smart TV or streaming device.

TBS Streaming Options: Free trials, Pricing & Plans

ServiceMonthly CostFree Trial
DIRECTV STREAM$79.99 – $164.99Yes
YouTube TV$72.99Yes
Max$9.99 – $15.99No
Sling TV$40 – $55No
Hulu with Live TV$76.99No

Sling TV: Affordable TBS Streaming

Sling TV offers an economical route to stream TBS live. Choose between the Sling Orange (31 channels) or Sling Blue (41 channels) bundle for $40 per month. 

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(photo credit: The Cord Cutting Report)

Sling Orange features ESPN, TNT, CNN, and Discovery ID, supporting live viewing on one screen. Meanwhile, Sling Blue adds NFL Network, FS1, and TLC, allowing for simultaneous streaming on three screens. Combining both plans provides over 80 channels for $55 per month.

All Sling TV subscribers receive 50 hours of Cloud DVR and an on-demand library. The service supports various devices including Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and more. Explore the channel lineup to make an informed decision about subscribing.

PLANPRICECHANNELS
Orange$40/month32
Blue$40/month41 (Locals included)
Orange + Blue$55/month88
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.

Max: Get TBS Sports Live

Max (previously HBO Max) transforms TBS streaming with the Bleacher Report Sports add-on. This option bypasses traditional cable, offering live NBA, MLB, and NHL games.

Max’s three-tiered plans include an ad-supported option at $9.99 per month, making it a budget-friendly choice for sports on TNT. The Ad-Free plan is $15.99 per month, with the Bleacher Report add-on currently included at no extra charge. The add-on will eventually cost $9.99 per month.

PLANPRICECHANNELS
With Ads$9..99/monthSports from TBS, TNT and TruTV (with B/R Add-on)
Ad-Free$15.99/monthSports from TBS, TNT and TruTV (with B/R Add-on)
Ultimate Ad-Free$19.99/monthSports from TBS, TNT and TruTV (with B/R Add-on)
Device support: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Cox device, LG Smart TV, PlayStation, Roku, Samsung TV, VIZIO Smart TV, Xbox, XClass TV/Xumo TV, Xfinity X1 and Flex

Hulu + Live TV: Comprehensive TNT and TBS Streaming

Hulu with Live TV provides TBS, TNT and truTV among its lineup of over 90 TV channels for $76.99 per month. 

The package includes A&E, ESPN, FX and more, along with unlimited Cloud DVR and access to Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu’s on-demand content.

PLANPRICECHANNELS
Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads)$76.99/month90+
Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads)$89.99/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: TBS Free Trial

DIRECTV STREAM offers TBS, ESPN, and local channels in its Entertainment bundle for $79.99 per month. TBS is offered across all four live TV plans. The Entertainment plan carries over 75 channels, unlimited Cloud DVR, and a vast on-demand library. A free 5-day trial is available.

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: Watch TBS Without Cable

YouTube TV features 128 channels including ESPN, NBA TV and local networks for $72.99 per month, with unlimited Cloud DVR and an on-demand movie library.

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.

Upcoming Streaming Sports Service

A new streaming sports service by ESPN, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery is launching in fall 2024, offering an unmatched sports viewing experience. 

The channel lineup for this yet-unnamed sports streaming includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ABC, FOX, FS1, FS2, BTN, TNT, TBS, and truTV. Subscribers will have direct access to ESPN+ as part of the package.

Details on pricing are forthcoming, but the service will include a wide array of live sports.

How to Get TBS Without Cable FAQs

These are common questions readers ask when searching for ways to access TBS without cable or a traditional TV provider.

How can I get TBS for Free?

Yes, to watch TBS for free, consider a trial from DIRECTV STREAM, YouTube TV, or Max for select live sports.

How can I stream TBS and TNT?

Sling TV offers one of the least expensive ways to stream TNT and TBS together at $40 per month. Max with the Bleacher Report Sports add-on streams live MLB, NHL and NBA games from TBS and TNT. The two networks can also be found on Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, and DIRECTV STREAM.

Can I watch TBS on Amazon Prime?

TBS is not available on Amazon Prime. Instead, Max offers live TBS sports through the Bleacher Report add-on.

Is TBS Free on Roku?

TBS itself isn’t free on Roku. Yet, services like DIRECTV STREAM and YouTube TV offer trials to stream TBS temporarily without cost.

Is TBS on Peacock?

You will not find TBS on Peacock. However, Peacock offers subscribers access to shows from NBC, NBC Sports and MSNBC. Live sports such as NFL, MLB and Premier League are among the live sports on Peacock.

Is TBS part of Paramount Plus?

No, TBS does not come with Paramount Plus. It’s under Warner Bros. Discovery, which provides TBS on Max.

Is the TBS streaming app free?

Downloading the TBS app is free. Active subscription through a TV provider is required to unlock full content.

Is TBS on fubo?

As of July 1, 2020, fuboTV no longer offers TBS or related Turner Broadcasting channels.

How does the TBS App work?

The TBS app allows for free viewing of select episodes. Full access requires a subscription from providers like YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, or DIRECTV STREAM.

What’s the Best Way to Watch TBS Without Cable?

For budget-savvy viewers, Sling TV shines as a prime choice. At $40 per month, it offers TBS in both its Orange and Blue plans, balancing cost with a solid channel lineup.

For sports enthusiasts and content-rich seekers, YouTube TV is a stellar second pick. With a comprehensive lineup of channels including TBS and TNT, unlimited cloud DVR, and more sports coverage, it’s ideal for those who don’t want to miss a game or a favorite show. Pricing starts at $72.99 per month for the Base plan. The service usually starts with a free 7-day trial.

Lastly, if original series and blockbuster movies and live sports from TBS are your main draw, Max serves as a unique option. While it focuses more on Warner Bros. Discovery content, its Bleacher Report Sports add-on provides access to live sports on TBS, TNT and truTV. The ad-supported plan begins at $9.99 per month, making it a budget-friendly choice for movie lovers and sports fans alike.

You should choose the service that best fits your viewing preferences and budget for an optimal TBS streaming experience without cable.

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.

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.

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