One of the original Big Four networks, ABC has maintained its cultural hold on television and become a hub for sports, news, and entertainment over the years. However, the ability to live stream the network has proven a bit complicated, so we've put together everything you need to know about how to watch ABC.
ABC is a staple of the TV scene, as known for its marquee sports events as it is for its original dramas and comedies. The network carries "Grey's Anatomy," "9-1-1," "Abbott Elementary," and much more, in addition to NBA, NFL, NHL, and WNBA coverage. Plus, you can find several popular awards shows here, including the Oscars and Emmys. The network is also a fixture in the news scene, offering everything from "Good Morning America" to "20/20."
Unlike NBC with Peacock and CBS with Paramount Plus, ABC doesn't have a direct live streaming counterpart. Most shows (including "The Bachelor" and "High Potential") are available on demand on Hulu the day after they air, but you'll need to explore a live TV streaming channel package to watch the network live (with the exception of some ABC sporting events).
Whether you've recently lost ABC in your cable or live TV lineup or you're just a cord-cutter hoping to watch a one-off event, we've got you covered. Keep reading to learn how to watch ABC from anywhere. If any of our recommendations catch your eye, make sure to check out our guide to the best streaming deals and bundles and our breakdown of the best sports streaming services for more information and potential savings opportunities.
*ABC is only available in select regions on Sling.
How to watch ABC live in the US
If you don't have cable or recently lost ABC in your TV package, you don't need to worry. There are a few different easy ways to watch the network. You can get your local ABC affiliate over the air in some areas using an antenna. If this is the case, you can try one like the very affordable Channel Master Flatenna at Amazon, which we highlight as the best overall antenna in our best indoor TV antenna guide.
If you're looking for instant access to ABC without any extra hardware, it might be time to check out a live TV package. These month-to-month live TV services are low-commitment cable alternatives that you can cancel at any time. Sling TV, DirecTV, and Fubo are some of the best live TV streaming services we've tested out ourselves, and they often have generous introductory offers for new customers.
DirecTV
DirecTV offers comprehensive ABC coverage and more than 90 other channels with its signature Entertainment plan, which costs $89.99 a month (ABC is also available in the flashier Choice, Ultimate, and Premier plans). You can get your first month for just $49.99 and $5 off the next 23 months if you sign up right now. The Entertainment plan also unlocks access to ESPN Unlimited and the ad-supported Disney Plus and Hulu bundle.
DirecTV also recently introduced genre packs, which are cheaper, genre-specific channel packages. The MySports ($69.99 a month) and MyNews ($39.99 a month) options carry some local channels in select regions, but you should check to make sure that ABC is available in your zip code before subscribing. MySports comes with ESPN Unlimited access in all areas, and $10 off a month for the first two months of service. All DirecTV plans include a five-day free trial for new customers.
Previously known as AT&T TV, DirecTV offers streaming access to a large selection of live channels, including most key networks typically found in traditional cable packages.
Sling TV
Sling TV is the cheapest monthly option today, with ABC-friendly plans ranging from $19.99 to $45.99 a month. You'll need to opt for Sling's Blue plan (40+ live channels) or Sling's Select plan (~10 live channels) to potentially access local channels like ABC. It's important to remember that local channel coverage and availability vary by region on Sling, so you should double-check to make sure you can access the network in your area before subscribing. New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Philadelphia are among some of the markets that get ABC through Sling.
For just the essentials without any extra fluff, Sling TV is the streaming service you're looking for. It's more customizable than other plans, with multiple options you can choose from so you pay only what you need.
Fubo
Another top live TV package is Fubo. The streaming service carries broad ABC coverage and over 200 other channels in its base Pro plan, which costs $84.99 a month. It's a comprehensive live TV alternative with a particularly robust sports offering. Fubo also recently introduced a special Sports + News package in select markets, which carries ABC and around 28 other popular channels. Subscriptions cost $55.99 a month. All Fubo plans (other than Latino) unlock access to ESPN Unlimited, offer a five-day free trial for new customers, and knock $10 to $30 off the first month of service.
The new Fubo Sports + News pack is only available in select areas. It combines 20+ major sports channels (including the new ESPN Unlimited) and select local networks (ABC, CBS, and FOX).
ESPN Unlimited
If you're only interested in ABC's sports offerings, ESPN Unlimited might be the way to go. The ESPN streaming service unlocks access to all ESPN on ABC sports events, in addition to full live streams from ESPN, ESPN2, and other Disney-owned sports networks like the ACC Network and SEC Network. Subscriptions cost $29.99 a month for the Unlimited tier, which you'll need in order to live stream the bulk of the major events. Users can also save money by bundling ESPN Unlimited with other streaming services, such as Disney Plus and Hulu, FOX One, or NFL Plus Premium. All of these bundles are available through the ESPN streaming website; you just might need to log in with MyDisney credentials to see the options.
ESPN Unlimited has everything from ESPN Plus, in addition to all that the ESPN linear networks have to offer, along with some exclusive events not found on broadcast channels.
NordVPN
There's a simple fix for those traveling away from home who still want to keep up with their streaming subscriptions: VPNs. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs are handy tech tools that allow people to change their device's virtual location on a temporary basis, meaning that they can use their usual websites and apps from almost anywhere in the world. Our go-to recommendation is NordVPN, a top-rated option with a 30-day money-back guarantee. For more information, including a breakdown of the app's cybersecurity perks, you can check out our NordVPN review.
NordVPN is top of the pile of the best VPN services. It offers excellent value, with a strong feature set and a low monthly price. A wide selection of international servers, high-end security, fast connections, and audited privacy protection have made the brand a household name in the world of VPNs for a reason.
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.
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